Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
He’s loving it
Davon Reed focuses on where draft has taken him so far.
Davon Reed is careful these days when surfing the Internet.
He knows he could easily fall into the trap of constantly checking out the latest NBA mock drafts by the so-called experts. Instead, he chooses to avoid it all.
Reed, a former Miami Hurricanes standout, is patiently waiting to see if his name will be Thursday night in the NBA draft. Some analysts have him going in the second round while others are projecting him to go undrafted.
“To be completely honest, I don’t pay attention to the mock drafts,” Reed said. “They told me not to pay attention to it. If anybody tells me about the mock drafts, it will be my agent or my friends or somebody close to me. I don’t really pay attention to that because there’s nothing I can do to control that. I just focus on showing improvement every workout.”
The past few months have been a whirlwind for Reed. He has worked out for seven teams, including the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. He also spent time working out with popular NBA trainer Joe Abunassar of IMPACT Basketball in Las Vegas.
“I’ve kind of got my feet wet with the process now,” Reed said. “I’m just taking it one step at a time. It’s been kind of surreal. This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. It’s been a blessing. I’ve came into to the workouts with my hard hat.”
Reed, a 6-foot-6 guard, was a third-team All-ACC selection as a senior. He averaged
“This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time.” Davon Reed
14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, but made his mark on the defensive side of the ball. Reed’s ability to provide whatever the team needs is what impresses Hurricanes coach Jim Larrañaga the most.
“He’s smart, he’s hardworking,” Larrañaga said. “He’s team oriented. He’s willing to accept whatever role is determined by the coach to help the team.”
Larrañaga said he’s received positive feedback from teams interested in Reed. Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy was among those who were impressed with Reed’s character.
“I’ve always been curious as to why the NBA is so enamored with youth,” Larrañaga said. “My program’s success has always been based on experience. Davon, from the time he was a freshman showed a great deal of maturity, physically and emotionally.”
For now, Reed is simply enjoying the process. He is still amazed by receiving the opportunity to work out for the Golden State Warriors, who afterward won their second NBA title in three seasons. The Indiana Pacers invited him for a second interview, causing more reason for optimism.
“I’ve been getting some really good feedback,” Reed said. “There have been a lot of good reviews.”
Reed also said he has remained in constant contact with former teammate Sheldon McClellan, who went through the process a year ago. He went undrafted but was signed by the Washington Wizards as a free agent.
“I’ve talked to Shelden multiple times,” Reed said. “He just told me to leave nothing on the table and don’t hold anything back and your game will speak for itself.”
“He’s willing to accept whatever role is determined by the coach to help the team.” Jim Larrañaga, UM head coach on Davon Reed