Sports Illustrated Tags Kentucky Star as NBA Draft’s Sleeper Pick Poised to Take the League by Storm
In a recent feature, Sports Illustrated named Kentucky Wildcats standout Antonio Reeves as the NBA Draft’s premier sleeper pick—poised to make an immediate impact at the next level. While top lottery prospects continue to dominate headlines, Reeves is quietly gaining momentum as a pro-ready talent scouts are beginning to take more seriously.
Reeves, a fifth-year senior who transferred to Kentucky from Illinois State, carved out a reputation as one of the SEC’s most consistent scorers. Averaging 20.2 points per game on an efficient 44% shooting from beyond the arc, he proved not only his scoring chops but also a polished perimeter game tailor-made for today’s NBA.
“Reeves may not have the high-school hype or the five-star label,” SI’s Jeremy Woo wrote, “but he’s the kind of mature, intelligent scorer that could contribute right away—especially on a playoff team in need of bench production.”
Scouts have praised Reeves’ ability to create his own shot, his elite catch-and-shoot mechanics, and his composed demeanor on the court. At 6’6″ with a smooth handle and veteran poise, his transition to the NBA is expected to be seamless—particularly in systems that rely on floor spacing and efficient wing play.
Several contending teams are reportedly keeping a close eye on Reeves as a second-round steal or potential late first-round surprise. His underdog journey from mid-major beginnings to SEC stardom has only added to his appeal.
While he might not dominate the draft-night spotlight, Antonio Reeves could very well be the name we look back on as one of the true value picks of the 2025 NBA Draft. Kentucky fans know it—now the league is catching on.
