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Kentucky

Antonio Reeves predicts 'crazy' atmosphere at Rupp Arena vs. Kansas

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery01/27/23
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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to square off with the Kansas Jayhawks in Rupp Arena on Saturday night, in a nationally televised showdown of two of college basketball’s blue blood programs. Senior Antonio Reeves has been putting together a solid season this year for the Wildcats, averaging 12.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. On Friday afternoon, the Chicago native said he expects an electric atmosphere for the highly anticipated matchup.

You can listen to his audio below or read the transcribed version of his quote below the video.

“The energy’s gonna be crazy in there. I know that our fans will show up, support us. It’s gonna be really loud in there (smiles). They’re definitely gonna show up,” Reeves said. The gifted shooting guard is getting more and more comfortable with each game. Last season for the Illinois State Redbirds, he proved himself as one of the most explosive scorers in the country, averaging 20.1 points per game while shooting 39 percent from beyond-the-arc. Reeves erupted for a career-high 34 points against Valparaiso during the 2021-2022 season, drilling five-three pointers. He spent three years at Illinois State, before deciding to hit the transfer portal and play for Kentucky this season.

He’s currently averaging just below 40 percent from three-point range this season for Kentucky. Reeves played his high school basketball at prestigious Simeon High School (Chicago, Illinois). The school has produced some of the top athletes in the area over the past few decades, including Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Reeves was rated as a three-star prospect coming out of high school.

Before Simeon, he played his high school basketball at Shadow Mountain High School (Phoenix, Arizona), where he played for former Arizona Wildcats’ legend Mike Bibby. He led the team to a 25-2 overall record and a state title, averaging 14.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game during that season.

The Kentucky and Kansas game is set for Saturday, January 28th. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM EST on ESPN.