The NBA Draft is often viewed as the ultimate gateway to basketball glory — a night where dreams are realized, franchises take chances on young talent, and lives change with the stroke of a commissioner’s announcement. But for many aspiring professionals, the journey doesn’t end when their names aren’t called. That was the case for two former Kentucky Wildcats who, despite going undrafted, have now found a path to the league and are making the most of their second chance.
This year’s NBA Draft saw some of the top prospects in the country finally fulfill lifelong dreams, but the spotlight doesn’t always catch every worthy talent. Some slip through the cracks, not because they lack ability, but because of team fit, injuries, or the simple numbers game that limits selections to just 58 names. Yet, as the dust settled and the confetti stopped falling, two Kentucky alumni, known for their grit and determination, proved that their stories were far from over. Undrafted, yes — but defeated, never.
Antonio Reeves and Adou Thiero may not have heard their names announced from the Barclays Center stage, but in the hours following the draft, their phones lit up with opportunity. NBA teams wasted no time in reaching out to the overlooked duo, recognizing the potential and work ethic that had defined their collegiate careers. Reeves quickly agreed to a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, while Thiero secured a summer league spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers — both deals signifying a chance to carve out a path into the league.
Reeves, a 6-foot-6 guard known for his scoring prowess, had been a standout during his time at Kentucky, averaging 20.2 points per game during his final season. With a silky-smooth jumper, an improved handle, and veteran leadership, he emerged as the go-to offensive weapon for John Calipari’s squad. Many believed he was a fringe second-round pick, and though he was ultimately passed over, NBA scouts had taken note. What Reeves lacked in pre-draft hype, he more than made up for with a mature game built on efficiency and consistency. His ability to stretch the floor and score at all three levels makes him an intriguing addition to the Pelicans’ developmental pipeline.
A two-way contract is more than just a consolation prize; it’s a crucial stepping stone. It allows Reeves to split time between the Pelicans and their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, giving him a platform to showcase his talent while continuing to refine his game under NBA-level coaching. With New Orleans needing scoring punch off the bench and continuing to build depth around stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, Reeves finds himself in a position to make an impact if he capitalizes on his chances. For a player who has bet on himself time and time again — transferring from Illinois State to Kentucky, staying an extra year to polish his skills — this is simply the next challenge in a journey defined by perseverance.
Adou Thiero’s road to the NBA has been equally unconventional. At 6-foot-8, Thiero is a hybrid forward who plays with relentless energy, capable of defending multiple positions and filling up the stat sheet with hustle plays. He wasn’t a marquee name during his time at Kentucky, but his development was evident. His versatility, motor, and upside intrigued the Cavaliers enough to bring him in for their summer league roster, a crucial tryout of sorts that could lead to a training camp invite or a contract.
Thiero’s athleticism and defensive instincts give him a skill set that often translates well in the pro ranks, especially in a league increasingly valuing switchable defenders and high-effort role players. While he’s still raw offensively, the intangibles — toughness, coachability, and a blue-collar mentality — give him a real shot at sticking with a franchise that has developed several unheralded talents in recent years. Cleveland, with its focus on youth and internal growth, might just be the ideal incubator for a player like Thiero.
For both Reeves and Thiero, this next chapter is about more than just personal ambition — it’s a continuation of Kentucky’s proud legacy of sending players to the NBA, regardless of the route. The Wildcats have long been a pipeline to the pros, boasting alumni like Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Davis. But not every path is direct. Some have had to take the long way, proving themselves outside of the spotlight before earning their chance. That tradition is just as important as the lottery picks, and perhaps more reflective of the program’s depth.
John Calipari, known for attracting elite talent, has also consistently emphasized growth, resilience, and the importance of carving out one’s role. Both Reeves and Thiero embodied those values during their time in Lexington. Whether it was Reeves stepping into a leadership void and delivering clutch performances, or Thiero embracing the dirty work and doing whatever it took to help the team, they both showcased a mentality that NBA teams covet.
The road ahead won’t be easy. As undrafted players, the margin for error is slimmer. There’s little guaranteed, and every practice, scrimmage, and game becomes an audition. But there’s freedom in that too — a hunger that often drives undrafted players to outwork their more celebrated peers. The NBA has no shortage of success stories that started with disappointment on draft night: Fred VanVleet, Jose Alvarado, Austin Reaves, and Duncan Robinson are just a few names who built careers from that exact moment.
For Reeves, the key will be showing that his scoring can translate against NBA defenses, and that he can hold his own on the other end of the floor. In a league that prizes shooting and spacing, his jumper is a weapon that can earn him minutes quickly. For Thiero, it’s about proving he can be a disruptor — the kind of player who changes games with his length, activity, and willingness to do the things that don’t always show up in the box score. Summer league performances will be critical, but so too will be their approach in the gym, the film room, and in how they adapt to the demands of pro basketball.
Beyond their individual paths, their stories also speak to the evolving nature of NBA scouting and development. Gone are the days when the draft was the only ticket in. With expanded G League programs, two-way contracts, and summer league opportunities, teams are casting wider nets and giving chances to players who might have once been overlooked. That environment rewards those who are ready — those who stay prepared and hungry, even when the spotlight is elsewhere.
The resilience shown by Reeves and Thiero is what makes sports so captivating. It’s about more than talent — it’s about persistence, self-belief, and the willingness to take risks. They could have gone overseas, or pivoted to other careers. Instead, they chose to bet on themselves again, just as they did when they first arrived at Kentucky with something to prove.
As they begin this new chapter, Kentucky fans will no doubt be watching closely. They’ve seen the highs and lows, the sacrifices and the late-night workouts, the missed shots and the game-winners. Now, they’ll get to see what happens when two determined Wildcats refuse to let the draft define them. Their NBA dreams are still alive — and now, finally, within reach.
Antonio Reeves and Adou Thiero may have been undrafted on draft night, but make no mistake: they’re not overlooked anymore. Their journey is just beginning. And if history is any indication, they won’t just make rosters — they’ll make waves.
