For many college basketball players, the NBA Draft represents the culmination of years of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. Dreams are fulfilled, lifelong goals are reached, and futures are transformed in the span of a few hours. But for two former Kentucky Wildcats, the draft didn’t come with the celebratory phone call they had hoped for. Their names were not called. Their dreams seemed momentarily deferred. Yet, what followed was a testament to resilience, belief, and the never-say-die spirit that defines Kentucky basketball.
Shortly after the final pick of the 2025 NBA Draft was announced, two standout Wildcats—guard Antonio Reeves and forward Tre Mitchell—received the life-changing calls they had been waiting for. Though undrafted, both players quickly agreed to terms with NBA franchises, securing Summer League spots and lucrative two-way contracts that offer them a direct path to the league. In just a matter of hours, they went from overlooked to celebrated, proving once again that the NBA dream doesn’t end with the draft—it often just begins there.
Antonio Reeves, a sharpshooter who transferred to Kentucky from Illinois State and became one of the Wildcats’ most reliable scorers, had been on the radar of several teams as a potential second-round pick. Despite his consistent performance, elite shooting mechanics, and leadership on and off the court, Reeves saw all 58 picks go by without hearing his name. But disappointment quickly turned to determination when the Miami Heat reached out within minutes of the draft’s conclusion. Known for their development system and success with undrafted players like Udonis Haslem, Duncan Robinson, and Gabe Vincent, the Heat saw something in Reeves—something they believe can flourish in the right environment.
Reeves agreed to a two-way contract with Miami, which will allow him to split time between the Heat and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. His ability to create his own shot, excel in catch-and-shoot scenarios, and play within a structured system makes him a perfect candidate for Miami’s development pipeline. His signing was met with a wave of support from Kentucky fans and NBA insiders alike, many of whom believed he was a draft-worthy talent all along.
Meanwhile, Tre Mitchell’s journey was a bit more winding. The well-traveled big man began his college career at UMass, transferred to Texas, then landed at Kentucky, where he provided veteran leadership and versatile frontcourt production. His ability to stretch the floor, pass out of the post, and defend multiple positions made him an asset in John Calipari’s system, even as injuries limited parts of his final season. Despite a strong showing in pre-draft workouts and a respectable Combine performance, Mitchell went undrafted. That didn’t stop the Denver Nuggets from making a bold move.
Denver, fresh off another deep playoff run, wasted no time signing Mitchell to an Exhibit 10 contract, with a strong chance to convert it into a two-way deal during Summer League. The Nuggets have been known to value high-IQ, team-first players, and Mitchell fits that mold. With the frontcourt depth chart always in flux behind Nikola Jokić, Denver is betting on Mitchell’s skill set to bring long-term value. According to league sources, the team believes Mitchell has the versatility to play both the four and five positions and could serve as a reliable rotational piece in the future.
For both players, the road to this point has been anything but smooth. Reeves, despite averaging over 20 points per game during his junior year at Illinois State, had to prove he could compete at the SEC level. He not only competed—he thrived. His final year at Kentucky was marked by clutch performances, leadership in the locker room, and a shooting touch that drew admiration across the conference. When he announced he was returning for a final season instead of entering the draft a year early, some questioned the decision. But it turned out to be a pivotal year of growth, one that now sees him just a step away from achieving his NBA aspirations.
Mitchell’s path included program changes, role adjustments, and the constant scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile transfer. Still, he never wavered. His maturity, willingness to adapt, and commitment to team success made him a favorite among Kentucky coaches and teammates. Though he may not have garnered the same national spotlight as some of his fellow Wildcats, those inside the league have long appreciated his fundamentals and adaptability—traits that often lead to long NBA careers.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari, who recently departed the program for Arkansas, took to social media to express his pride in both players. “So proud of Antonio and Tre,” he wrote. “Two guys who put in the work, led by example, and never stopped chasing their dream. The draft doesn’t define you. Your heart, your work ethic, and your belief do. These guys are going to prove it.”
Calipari’s sentiments reflect the broader culture of Kentucky basketball. The program is built not only to produce first-round picks and lottery stars but to develop men ready for the professional grind—drafted or not. Over the years, numerous Wildcats have gone undrafted only to carve out successful NBA careers. Players like Alex Poythress, Wenyen Gabriel, and Marquis Teague found their way to the league through persistence and opportunity. Reeves and Mitchell now carry that same legacy forward.
What makes their stories even more compelling is the broader context of today’s NBA. With the emergence of the G League as a legitimate developmental platform, undrafted players now have more avenues than ever to showcase their talent and earn their spot. Two-way contracts offer financial stability and direct access to NBA coaching, facilities, and competition. For players like Reeves and Mitchell, it’s the perfect storm—a chance to prove the doubters wrong in a structured, supportive system.
Both players are expected to suit up for their respective teams in the NBA Summer League, which kicks off in Las Vegas next month. For Reeves, it’s a chance to immediately show how his perimeter shooting and scoring instincts can translate against pro-level defenders. For Mitchell, it’s about demonstrating his ability to anchor a second unit, stretch the floor, and communicate effectively on defense. The stakes are high, but the opportunity is real—and both players are embracing it head-on.
Their agents, family members, and former coaches have all expressed confidence that this is just the beginning. “Antonio’s been overlooked his whole life,” said his former AAU coach. “He’s always responded the same way—by working harder than anyone else. The NBA hasn’t seen the best of him yet.” Similarly, Mitchell’s inner circle views this as a long-awaited reward for years of quiet perseverance. “Tre never complains,” said a former assistant at UMass. “He just shows up, plays the right way, and elevates those around him. He’s built for this.”
As the buzz of the draft fades and Summer League preparations ramp up, Reeves and Mitchell are quietly going about their business. There are no guarantees in the NBA. The journey is long and filled with challenges. But if the past few days have shown us anything, it’s that heart, hustle, and hunger still matter. And for these two Wildcats, that combination may be exactly what carries them from undrafted underdogs to NBA mainstays.
In the end, the draft is just one chapter in the basketball journey. It’s not the whole story. For Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell, the story is still being written—and it’s already one worth telling. The message is clear: never count out a Wildcat. Not on draft night. Not ever.
