Antonio Reeves certainly can score but he is showing he can do other things too

Antonio Reeves hit six 3-pointers in UK's first game. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky brought Antonio Reeves to Lexington primarily for one reason — to make 3-point shots like he did at Illinois State.

The transfer showed during UK’s four games in the Bahamas that he could hit from long range and in the season-opening win over Howard he went 6-for-12 from 3-point range.

However, guess what has surprised coach John Calipari the most about the talented guard?

“He’s a better defender than I thought,” Reeves said. “He just has a knack (for making shots), like I tell him, if you have an inch, let it go.”

“He can make baskets. He used to mess with the ball and now it’s downhill running. It’s driving through catches and getting in the lane. He bodies instead of trying to avoid everything and flip and throw.”

Calipari would like to see him draw more fouls and also be more vocal but says he’s getting better at both.

“He doesn’t say a whole lot. He talks on the court, but he’s a quiet kid. He doesn’t get my jokes yet. So sometimes he’s looking, you know, I say something funny and he’s like, I don’t know, am I supposed to laugh here? I don’t know if I want to laugh. But he’s a great kid,” Calipari said.

Reeves has also shown with Sahvir Wheeler injured that he can occasionally play point guard if needed, something he did at Illinois State.

“It’s not like I never played point guard. I am prepared if I need to,” Reeves said. “Sahvir is a great facilitator and brings great leadership. He’s a guy that interrupts anybody that brings the ball down the floor.”

Reeves understands his defense, rebounding, passing and energy won’t draw the attention his shooting does but also says he’s not the only player who can make shots.

“If somebody is hot, they will get the ball. It’s going to be that type of team,” Reeves said. “I just have to stay ready and make sure I am an all-around player. It’s not just about scoring.”

Reeves had to carry the scoring load at Illinois State. He doesn’t at UK even though he had a team-high 22 points against Howard. He feels no pressure to do that again Friday against Duquesne.

“My mindset stays the same. I know there are a lot of good players around me but my mentality stays the same. Remain aggressive. I know I am here to score. I came here for that reason but I also know I can do more than just score,” he said.