Ewing native Davon Reed ready to shine in the NBA
EWING » He didn’t play for his local public high school and he’s headed to Phoenix after making a name for himself in Miami, but Davon Reed remains a Ewingite through and through.
This largely explains why a sizable crowd turned out Saturday morning at the Ewing Senior Center for an autograph and photo session with Reed, who was recently selected as the 32nd pick (second in the second round) of the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.
“I still live in Ewing; my roots are in Ewing,” said Reed.
“From youth, recreation and summer ball (at Moody Park) it’s always been in Ewing. I still keep in touch with the guys I grew up with. I was talking to (former Ewing High star and current Temple player) Trey Lowe just the other day.”
For those not familiar with Reed’s background, he played scholastically for four years at the Princeton Day School before heading off to a successful four-year career at the University of Miami.
“In eighth grade I started looking around,” said Reed. “I was in no way dissing Ewing (High), but I had a lot of different options like St. Pat’s and other private schools. I
ended up at PDS. It ended up being the perfect choice for me.”
For the record, Reed is the third-highest player in the NBA draft from Mercer County.
The only ones to be drafted higher were Malachi Richardson (2016, 22nd overall) and Jason Thompson (2008, 12th overall).
The fact his stock has risen so high speaks volumes about how much progress he has made.
“It didn’t surprise me, but it did surprise a lot of the media,” said Reed of being selected so early in the second round. “A lot of people had no expectations of me being drafted at all.
“I just want to stay grounded and keep working hard. This is just the beginning.”
The 6-6 Reed is a shooting guard who is also known for his ability to defend.
“I can guard the one through four (positions),” he said. “I don’t like to limit myself.”
Reed’s ability to also score was on display when he recently averaged 14 points per game in the NBA Summer League. Considering the Phoenix Suns had the second worst record in the NBA last season with a 24-58 mark, his new team could prove to be the perfect place to make a quick impact while continuing to grow.
“I’m joining a young team; Phoenix has the youngest roster in the league,” said Reed. “This is a great opportunity for me to be part of something special.”
After being interviewed, Reed headed off to sign more autographs, take more pictures and just mingle with members of the Ewing community.
It truly is a story of a local kid who made good.