Austin Reaves College Stats: From Undrafted To NBA Star

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey basketball fans! Ever heard of a guy who went from being undrafted to becoming a key player in the NBA? Well, let's dive into the journey of Austin Reaves, focusing on his college stats that paved the way for his professional success. This dude's story is seriously inspiring, showing that hard work and dedication can really pay off. Let's break down his college career and see what made him the player he is today.

Austin Reaves' Early Life and High School Career

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Austin Reaves' college stats, let's rewind a bit and look at his early life and high school career. Austin Reaves was born on May 29, 1998, in Newark, Arkansas. Growing up in a small town, basketball was a huge part of his life from a young age. Both of his parents played college basketball, so you could say it's in his blood.

Reaves attended Cedar Ridge High School in Newark, where he absolutely dominated on the court. As a four-year starter, he racked up some insane numbers. In his senior year, he averaged a whopping 32.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. I mean, come on, those are video game numbers! He led his team to a state championship and earned All-State honors multiple times. It was clear that Reaves had the potential to do big things in basketball.

Despite his impressive high school career, Reaves wasn't heavily recruited by major college programs. But that didn't discourage him. He knew he had the skills and determination to succeed at the next level. He initially committed to Wichita State University, which turned out to be a crucial step in his development.

Transition to College

Making the transition from high school to college basketball is a big leap for any player. The game is faster, the competition is tougher, and the demands are higher. But Austin Reaves was ready for the challenge. His time at Wichita State helped him prepare for the rigors of college basketball and set the stage for his eventual success.

Wichita State Shockers (2016-2018)

So, Austin Reaves started his college career with the Wichita State Shockers. He joined a team that was already a powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference. During his freshman year (2016-2017), he played a limited role, averaging 2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds in 7.7 minutes per game. It was a learning experience for him, adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball.

In his second season (2017-2018), Reaves saw an increase in playing time and production. He averaged 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He showed flashes of his potential, demonstrating his ability to score, handle the ball, and make plays for his teammates. However, he wasn't yet the star player he would become later in his college career.

Transfer to Oklahoma

After two seasons at Wichita State, Austin Reaves decided to transfer to the University of Oklahoma. This decision turned out to be a game-changer for his career. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he had to sit out the 2018-2019 season. But this year off allowed him to focus on improving his game and getting ready for his opportunity with the Sooners.

During his redshirt year, Reaves worked tirelessly on his shooting, ball-handling, and overall conditioning. He spent countless hours in the gym, honing his skills and preparing himself mentally for the challenges ahead. This dedication and work ethic would pay off in a big way when he finally stepped onto the court for Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Sooners (2019-2021)

Alright, now we're getting to the good stuff! Austin Reaves' time with the Oklahoma Sooners is where he really started to shine. After sitting out a year, he was ready to make a splash in the Big 12 Conference. And boy, did he ever!

In his first season with the Sooners (2019-2020), Reaves averaged 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He quickly became one of the team's primary scoring options and playmakers. He showed off his versatility, demonstrating his ability to score from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and create opportunities for his teammates. His performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.

Breakout Season

But it was his second season with Oklahoma (2020-2021) that really put Austin Reaves on the map. He exploded onto the scene, averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He led the Sooners in scoring and assists, and he was the heart and soul of the team. His outstanding performance earned him All-Big 12 First Team honors and made him a contender for the Wooden Award, given to the nation's best college basketball player.

Reaves' scoring ability was on full display during his final season at Oklahoma. He had numerous games where he scored over 20 points, including a 41-point explosion against TCU. He shot the ball efficiently from the field, from three-point range, and from the free-throw line. He was also a crafty ball-handler and playmaker, able to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Leadership and Impact

Beyond the numbers, Austin Reaves was a leader on and off the court for the Sooners. He was a vocal presence in the locker room and a calming influence during games. His teammates looked up to him for his work ethic, his positive attitude, and his unwavering belief in himself and the team.

Reaves' impact on the Oklahoma program was significant. He helped lead the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons with the team. He also helped elevate the profile of the program, attracting more attention and recognition to Oklahoma basketball.

Detailed College Stats

Alright, let's get into the specifics. Here's a breakdown of Austin Reaves' college stats:

Wichita State (2016-2018)

  • 2016-2017: 2.2 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists (7.7 minutes per game)
  • 2017-2018: 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists (22.5 minutes per game)

Oklahoma (2019-2021)

  • 2019-2020: 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists (33.4 minutes per game)
  • 2020-2021: 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists (34.5 minutes per game)

Career Totals

  • Points: 998
  • Rebounds: 378
  • Assists: 188

These stats show the progression and growth of Austin Reaves throughout his college career. He went from being a little-used reserve at Wichita State to a star player at Oklahoma. His hard work, dedication, and natural talent allowed him to reach his full potential.

NBA Career

After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Austin Reaves signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He quickly made a name for himself with his hustle, basketball IQ, and ability to make timely plays. He's become a fan favorite and a valuable contributor to the Lakers.

Key Takeaways from College Stats

So, what can we learn from Austin Reaves' college stats? Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Improvement: Reaves showed consistent improvement throughout his college career. He got better each year, demonstrating his commitment to growth and development.
  • Versatility: Reaves was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass. He was able to contribute in multiple ways, making him a valuable asset to his team.
  • Leadership: Reaves was a leader on and off the court. He set an example for his teammates with his work ethic and positive attitude.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Austin Reaves' college stats tell the story of a player who worked hard, overcame obstacles, and reached his full potential. He went from being a relatively unknown recruit to a star player in the Big 12 Conference. His success in college paved the way for his NBA career, where he continues to impress fans and analysts alike. So, next time you see Austin Reaves on the court, remember his journey and the hard work that got him there!