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Kowacie Reeves is the Next Breakout Star for Gators Basketball

By Will Thomas

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Kowacie Reeves #14 of the Florida Gators gestures during the first half of a game against the Stony Brook Seawolves at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on December 22, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Kowacie Reeves #14 of the Florida Gators gestures during the first half of a game against the Stony Brook Seawolves at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on December 22, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Kowacie Reeves is the next breakout star for Florida basketball

As Florida basketball enters the Todd Golden era, fans should be ready for some major changes within the program. For starters, big men Colin Castleton and Anthony Duruji will be turning pro, and point guard Tyree Appleby is transferring away for his final year of eligibility. The good news is that the Gators have a new star stepping up to take their place. Kowacie Reeves, a 6’6” guard out of Macon, GA, is ready to make a name for himself.

Coming out of high school, Reeves was ranked 42nd nationally, and the 4th best player coming out of Georgia, per 247 Sports. Jerry Meyer, the Director of Basketball Scouting for 247 Sports, described Reeves as a “top-notch shooter with a quick release” and said that he is able to “come[s] up with steals defensively”.

During his freshman campaign this past season, Reeves didn’t see enough consistent minutes to truly establish himself on the court, and he only averaged 5.5 points per game. However, in games where Kowacie got to play over 20 minutes, his average rose to 12.1 points a game.

Reeves was also able to step up when the team needed him most. In the Gators’ SEC Tournament matchup with Texas A&M, he hit consecutive clutch 3-pointers to send the game to overtime, including this 4 point play with just under a minute left.

Reeves ended that game against the Aggies with 21 points and 6 rebounds, going 3-7 from deep.

He wasn’t a one-hit wonder during the Gators’ postseason either. In their 2 NIT games against Iona and Xavier, Reeves scored 14 points in each game and shot just below 50%. Kowacie’s ability to step up as a freshman should excite both Coach Todd Golden and Gator fans as next season approaches.

Reeves will benefit from the roster turnover as well. With guys like Appleby moving on, he will have a real chance at cracking the starting lineup and getting more minutes.

There will be plenty of eyes on the Gator basketball team during Todd Golden’s first year, and Kowacie Reeves is ready to take the next step in his development and put the country on notice.

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