Austin Reaves was raised on a sprawling 300-acre cattle farm in Newark, Arkansas, a small town surrounded by fields and forests.
Despite the serenity of the countryside, Reaves’ allergies often left him in discomfort, and he dreaded encounters with the family’s cows.
His mother, Nicole Wilkett, often joked about his distaste for farm work, saying, “You never liked the cows.”
For Austin, farm life presented a clear choice: work in the fields or dedicate himself to basketball.
The latter became his escape and ultimately his destiny.
Hidden Corners of the Farm: Memories Beyond Basketball
Beyond the basketball court and the “big pond,” the Reaves family farm holds hidden corners that shaped Austin’s childhood.
One such spot is the old barn, a rustic structure where he and his brother, Spencer, would climb the rafters to play daring games of hide-and-seek.
The barn, weathered by time, served as a backdrop to countless adventures and a quiet retreat for Austin to think about life beyond the farm.
Nearby, a grove of pecan trees planted by his grandfather offers shade and a connection to family heritage.
These places, though ordinary, became a canvas for childhood memories that remain vivid even as Austin’s life now unfolds on a global stage.
A Family Legacy of Basketball Excellence
Reaves’ basketball roots run deep.
His father, Brian, was a standout point guard at Arkansas State, ranking third in career assists, while his mother, Nicole, was the second-highest scorer in Arkansas State history, averaging 19 points per game.
Growing up, Austin and his older brother, Spencer, spent countless hours on their backyard half-court.
Their fierce, no-fouls games often ended with one or both of them bloody, but it forged Austin’s resilience and toughness.
Spencer, now a professional player in Germany, laughingly recalls, “As an older brother, you always enjoy beating up your younger brother, but he kept coming back for more.”
High School Stardom and Small-Town Fame
At Cedar Ridge High School, Reaves led his team to three state championships in four years, becoming a local hero in the process.
His performances were legendary, including a 73-point triple-overtime game that etched his name into Arkansas basketball history.
Despite his thin frame and unassuming appearance, Reaves developed a reputation for grit and determination.
“He was the guy who would dictate what was going to happen on the floor,” said his high school coach, Isaac Middlebrooks.
His incredible stats—averaging over 40 points per game as a senior—set him apart, even as bigger schools overlooked him.
College: From Wichita State to Oklahoma
Reaves began his collegiate career at Wichita State, where he was relegated to a supporting role.
Although he showcased his shooting ability, making over 50% of his three-pointers as a freshman, he felt constrained.
Seeking an opportunity to lead, he transferred to Oklahoma, where he blossomed into a star.
His relentless work ethic during his redshirt year impressed coaches, and by the time he was eligible to play, he was leading the team in scoring and earning comparisons to Sooners greats like Trae Young and Buddy Hield.
Reaves capped his senior year with standout performances in the NCAA tournament, solidifying his NBA aspirations.
The Path to the Lakers: Betting on Himself
Despite being projected as a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Reaves and his agents devised a bold plan to steer him to the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent.
They believed it was the right fit for his skill set and potential.
Shortly after joining the team on a two-way contract, Reaves’ performance during preseason workouts with LeBron James and Anthony Davis earned him a full roster spot.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka praised his basketball IQ, saying, “You could tell that this is a guy who knows how to play the game.”
“Hillbilly Kobe” and a Rookie Season to Remember
Reaves’ nickname, “Hillbilly Kobe,” was born during his time at Oklahoma, combining his rural roots with his admiration for Kobe Bryant.
While the name isn’t commonly used within the Lakers organization, the connection to Bryant remains meaningful to Reaves, who grew up idolizing the NBA legend.
His rookie season was filled with memorable moments, including a game-winning three-pointer in Dallas that earned him a water-soaked celebration from his teammates.
In the season finale, he recorded a historic 31-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, joining NBA legends like Oscar Robertson and Jerry West in the record books.
Staying Grounded: Returning to Arkansas
Despite his growing fame, Reaves remains deeply connected to his roots.
He splits his off-seasons between Los Angeles and his family’s farm in Newark, where he enjoys golfing and spending time with loved ones.
His hometown has embraced his success, with Independence County librarian Kelly Dennison noting, “Even if you don’t love basketball, you love Austin.”
Whether signing autographs or playfully bantering with his family, Reaves remains the same humble, hardworking person who once dreamed of making it to the NBA.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Reaves prepares for his second NBA season, he focuses on refining his skills and staying grounded.
With the support of his family, hometown, and teammates, the once-skinny farm boy from Newark is proving that determination and resilience can defy expectations.
From chasing cows in Arkansas to playing alongside NBA superstars, Austin Reaves’ journey is a testament to hard work, grit, and unwavering belief in oneself.
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