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Kentucky Basketball: Pros and cons of a potential Antonio Reeves transfer move

Dec 21, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) handles the ball during the second half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) handles the ball during the second half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Why Antonio Reeves should leave Kentucky Basketball

Usually, the Wildcats are a preseason top-10 team and a Final Four contender. However, this current roster is making an exception. With so much unproven talent, there’s a legit case to be made that without Reeves, this isn’t a top-25 team.

It very well could end up being very good. As I mentioned before, having a No. 1 incoming recruiting class is a reason for optimism. On the other hand, the 2023 class is widely known for being “weak” compared to previous groups and if that includes Kentucky’s group, they could be more of a bubble team that is consistently ranked.

There’s also the makeup of the roster that could impact Reeves negatively. These are freshmen that have expectations of large roles themselves on offense. That’s especially true for both Dillingham and Wagner, two guards known for being ball-dominant. And if Edwards is a quality small forward and Bradshaw has most of his minutes at the four-spot, Reeves could end up being on the bench again.

My biggest reason why Reeves should stay is that the “known” of Kentucky Basketball is safer than the “unknown” at another stop. But considering the massive roster turnover and the many variables that come with playing many freshmen, that selling point somewhat becomes negated.

It’s a tough choice for Reeves to make no matter what and Kentucky’s season could be hanging in the balance. With not much else left in the offseason that’ll impact the upcoming 2023-24 campaign, what this senior guard does is something everyone should keep watch of.