Vicky Graff Photo
There was so much to like in Kentucky’s 93-69 win over Canada Thursday night in the GLOBAL Jam in Toronto that it was almost easy to overlook what guard Antonio Reeves did.
The Cats again shared the ball like a veteran team instead of a freshman-dominated team. The Cats again forced turnovers that they turned into points and also shut down Canada from 3-point range.
Freshman Reed Sheppard bounced back from an 0-for-4 shooting game against Germany Wednesday to score 14 points while freshman Justin Edwards also bounced back from his subpar offensive first game to score 16 points.
But don’t forget senior guard Antonio Reeves. He had 24 points in Wednesday’s opening game win over Germany and proved that was no fluke by putting 23 points against Canada.
He was 10-for-15 from the field, including 3-for-6 from 3-point range. The only knock could be that he did not get to the foul line and he did get just one rebound in 29 minutes.
But that would be plain nitpicking because Reeves did what UK needs the most — he made shots and did it under control which didn’t put the spotlight on him even though he was the game’s leading scorer.
“I like that,” said UK Radio Network analyst Jack Givens. “He is going to get attention from every team they play because teams think if you stop him you can beat Kentucky.”
That seems logical because Reeves was UK’s best 3-point shooter last season and best scorer the second half of the season. However, Reeves showed against Canada he could stay in the flow of the game and still lead the team in scoring.
“Tonight he was okay floating around and letting the big-name players get the attention but look at the stat sheet and he has his numbers,” Givens said.
“He also played really good defensively. At the end of the night we are talking about Antonio Reeves as the leader of this team.”
That was the hope when Reeves finally decided to stay at UK for another season and after two games in the GLOBAL Jam it’s obvious that is the case and will be true all season.
3 Responses
I know this sounds crazy but I was ok with the game only being on the radio. Had my Orange Crush, Ritz Crackers and Cheese Wiz(it how I use to listen to games with my grandma). The play by play and commentary were enjoyable. The energy in Jacks voice after the game was noticable(when I say energy I mean confidence in this team)! You can tell he thinks this team could be special!
Yes I know it is early. But if those 1st two games don’t get you excited check your pulse. You may be dead already:) I said this awhile back but these guys can play like the GSW. Switching, running, 4 or 5 guys on the floor that can handle the ball and make shots. How many times do you get out rebounded by 13 and still win by 20+! I know it’s still early but they are fun to watch! And they give the BBN a reason to smile!
Go Big Blue!
They were a lot of fun to watch. When our bigs get back, that will help a lot with rebounds and inside defense. I don’t want this team to slow down. They need to keep a fast pace. We more than enough ball handlers to rotate and keep pushing. All the guards are a threat to hit the three or get to the basket.
I am really happy Reeves decided to come back. I think the young guys ended up being the reason he did. The fact they all texted him everyday made him feel wanted. He doesn’t have all the pressure he had last year. Every player on this team can shoot the rock. They all seem happy to see each other succeed. I can’t wait for Ugo and Aaron to be back. Go Cats!!!