John Calipari reveals why Antonio Reeves came off bench vs. Vanderbilt
By Ethan Stone
Published:
John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats did themselves a huge favor in the last game of the season, beating Arkansas to improve their resume heading into the SEC Tournament and Selection Sunday. The Wildcats’ successful February has Kentucky firmly in the field barring a total collapse in the SEC Tournament.
But Kentucky did lose to another team looking to affirm a spot in the field last week: Vanderbilt. The Commodores downed the Wildcats 68-66 at Rupp Arena on March 1.
And on Monday, Calipari revealed that he did not start Antonio Reeves on Senior Night against Vanderbilt to ensure he was eligible for the SEC’s 6th Man of the Year award, adding that it was ultimately Reeves’ decision. The SEC rule states to be eligible a player must come off the bench in one of the last 2 games of the season.
Reeves scored 14 points off the bench for the Wildcats in the loss to the Commodores, totaling just 29 minutes on the floor.
John Calipari reveals that he didn’t start Antonio Reeves in the Vanderbilt game, which was Senior Night, because to be eligible to win the (Co) SEC Sixth Man of the Year award he needed to come off the bench in one of the final two games.
Says the decision was still Reeves’.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) March 6, 2023
Reeves’ impact on Kentucky basketball
Reeves was awarded the conference’s 6th Man of the Year Award Monday, as he was expected to. Had Calipari not made that call, obviously he would not have received that award.
The Commodores shot considerably better from the field than Kentucky, with the Wildcats hitting just 3 of their 19 attempts from range. Reeves was 2nd on the team with 14 points, but 4th on the team in minutes played. It is important to note he also had 3 turnovers and 3 personal fouls.
The Illinois State transfer has been one of Kentucky’s best players all year, as well as their most efficient guard on offense. When he’s on, Kentucky is often on.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
