Austin Reaves: Oklahoma College Stats & Career Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Let's dive deep into the basketball journey of Austin Reaves, especially focusing on his time with the Oklahoma Sooners! For those who might not know, Austin Reaves has become a notable name in the NBA, but his college career laid the foundation for his professional success. We're going to explore his stats, key moments, and overall impact during his time at Oklahoma.

Early Years and Background

Before we jump into the Oklahoma stats specifically, let's touch on Austin Reaves' background. He started his college career at Wichita State before transferring to Oklahoma. This move was significant for him, providing a platform where he could truly shine and develop his skills further. Reaves, a guard known for his versatility and basketball IQ, quickly adapted to the Big 12 Conference, making a name for himself with his scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive efforts. His journey wasn't always smooth, but his determination and work ethic propelled him forward.

Oklahoma Sooners Statistics

Okay, guys, let's get into the numbers! When we talk about Austin Reaves' Oklahoma stats, we're looking at two seasons (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) where he significantly impacted the Sooners. Here's a breakdown:

  • 2019-2020 Season: In his first season with Oklahoma, Reaves played in 31 games, starting in 25 of them. He averaged around 14.7 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability right off the bat. Besides scoring, he also contributed with 5.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage was around 44.8%, and he shot approximately 29.7% from beyond the arc. Although the three-point percentage wasn't super high, his ability to create shots and drive to the basket made him a constant threat.
  • 2020-2021 Season: This was arguably his breakout season. Austin Reaves upped his game significantly, becoming a primary scoring option and a leader for the Sooners. He averaged an impressive 18.3 points per game. His rebounding also improved to 5.5 per game, and he dished out 4.6 assists per game. What's more, his shooting percentages saw a bump; he shot around 47.5% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. These numbers highlight his growth and his ability to perform under pressure.

These stats show that Austin Reaves wasn't just a scorer; he was an all-around player who contributed in multiple facets of the game. His impact went beyond the box score, as he often took on crucial defensive assignments and made key plays in critical moments.

Key Moments and Highlights

Beyond the raw stats, Austin Reaves had several memorable moments during his time at Oklahoma that solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. One of the most notable was his game-winning shot against TCU in February 2021. With seconds left on the clock, Reaves drove to the basket and hit a tough layup to secure the victory for the Sooners. Plays like these demonstrated his composure and ability to deliver when his team needed him most.

Another highlight was his consistent performance in the Big 12 Tournament. In the 2021 tournament, he led the Sooners to the semifinals, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities against some of the top teams in the conference. His performances earned him All-Big 12 honors and solidified his status as one of the premier players in the league.

Reaves' ability to elevate his game in crucial situations made him a fan favorite and a player that opposing teams had to game-plan for. These key moments underscored his value to the Oklahoma Sooners and foreshadowed his potential at the professional level.

Impact on the Oklahoma Sooners

Austin Reaves' arrival at Oklahoma brought a significant boost to the basketball program. His scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership helped elevate the Sooners to a competitive level in the Big 12 Conference. During his tenure, the team consistently challenged some of the top programs in the nation and earned bids to the NCAA Tournament.

Moreover, Reaves' presence attracted attention from NBA scouts, further enhancing the program's reputation. His success served as an inspiration to younger players and helped create a winning culture within the team. Coaches and teammates often praised his work ethic and dedication, highlighting his positive influence both on and off the court.

Reaves' impact extended beyond the basketball court as well. He became a role model for students and fans, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His contributions to the Oklahoma Sooners basketball program will be remembered for years to come.

NBA Career and Beyond

After his successful college career, Austin Reaves declared for the NBA Draft. Although he went undrafted initially, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and quickly proved his worth. Reaves' transition to the NBA has been impressive, showcasing the same versatility and basketball IQ that made him a standout player at Oklahoma.

In his NBA career, Reaves has demonstrated his ability to score, create plays for others, and defend at a high level. His contributions off the bench have been invaluable to the Lakers, and he has earned praise from coaches and teammates for his work ethic and dedication.

Looking ahead, Austin Reaves has the potential to continue growing and developing as a player in the NBA. His success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players, demonstrating that hard work and determination can lead to success at the highest level. His journey from Wichita State to Oklahoma and then to the NBA is a testament to his talent and perseverance.

Lessons and Takeaways

Austin Reaves' journey offers several valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and anyone pursuing their dreams. Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Hard Work Pays Off: Reaves' success is a direct result of his unwavering commitment to hard work and continuous improvement. He consistently put in the extra effort to hone his skills and elevate his game.
  • Adaptability is Key: His ability to adapt to new environments and challenges, whether it was transferring to Oklahoma or transitioning to the NBA, played a crucial role in his success.
  • Mental Toughness Matters: Reaves demonstrated mental toughness by overcoming obstacles and performing under pressure. His ability to stay composed in critical moments set him apart from his peers.
  • Embrace Versatility: Reaves' versatility as a player, capable of scoring, playmaking, and defending, made him a valuable asset to his teams. Embracing versatility can open up more opportunities for success.

In conclusion, Austin Reaves' time with the Oklahoma Sooners was a pivotal chapter in his basketball journey. His stats, key moments, and overall impact reflect his talent, hard work, and dedication to the game. As he continues his career in the NBA, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder that anything is possible with perseverance and determination. So keep grinding, guys, and who knows? Maybe you'll be the next Austin Reaves!