Isaiah Reese’s journey to make it in the NBA

Learning what life is like to try to latch onto an NBA team and gain a training camp invite from undrafted guard Isaiah Reese

Any number of podcasts, articles, or even entire books can tell you what it is like to be a perennial NBA All-Star like Kevin Durant. And there’s an ESPN+ show, Year One, to tell you what it’s like to be a lottery pick like Jayson Tatum or Trae Young.

But what is life like if you’re not a household name and you’re trying to make it in the NBA? Since that isn’t a story we often hear, I spoke to Isaiah Reese to get a firsthand account.

Now, unless you are a real next-level hoops junkie, you might not recognize that name. So before we go any further, it’s probably a good idea to tell you a little bit more about him. In 2017-18, as a sophomore at Canisius, Isaiah Reese averaged about 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists and was on the radar of both NBA teams and draft experts alike. Mock drafts were comparing him to players like Devin Harris and Cory Joseph.

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Based on the positive feedback he had been receiving, he entered his name into the 2018 NBA draft. After working out for the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, he believed he still had more to work on and withdrew from that year’s draft. Reese viewed that as an opportunity to help him raise his draft stock even higher the following year.

Heading into his junior season, Reese was named preseason Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the year. He ended up not having as strong of a year as he would have liked due to a lack of consistency and an eventual suspension from the team but he performed the best when the lights were brightest.

In the toughest games on their schedule, he went for 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists against Villanova; 15 points and four rebounds against Florida State; 14 points, three rebounds and three assists against Memphis; and 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists against Buffalo.

Knowing that his opportunities to show off his skills against NBA-caliber players were limited, Reese understood that he needed to make the most of those chances.

"“We weren’t able to compete against those types of schools all the time so I made sure when the opportunity presented itself that I would be ready,” Reese said."

In those match-ups, the 6-foot 4-inch Reese showed off his ability to play both guard positions, rebound in traffic against bigger players, and get to the basket at will.

For a Mid-Major player like Isaiah Reese, all you can do is make the most of those limited opportunities and hope that NBA scouts and general managers take notice. Despite performing well in those higher-profile games, he still, ultimately, went undrafted. While that would seem like it would be disappointing for most, Reese understood that this is just a part of the business of the NBA and maintained the right perspective.

He let his agent get to work and tried to remain patient while details regarding his future were being sorted out for him.

"“After being undrafted, it became a waiting game,” Reese said."

Reese’s agent began communicating with some of the teams that had previously shown interest in him. Eventually, this lead to an NBA Summer League invite from the Rockets. The Rockets were one of several teams that were in communication with Reese’s agent that felt that his game really fit their system and style of play.

Unfortunately, there was not a lot of opportunity for playing time with the Rockets. He was stuck behind two ball-dominant guards in Chris Clemons, the third-highest scorer in NCAA Division I men’s college basketball history, and Shamorie Ponds, a nearly 20 point-per-game scorer at St. John’s. Reese played only 14 total minutes across three games and from there it was back to the drawing board.

Even though he acquitted himself nicely in practice against his then teammates, it did not help him latch on elsewhere.

"“Practice is always an opportunity to showcase your game to that front office but the games are very important because you can showcase your play to multiple people,” Reese said."

Looking for another opportunity to prove himself against top-notch competition, Reese took his talents to South Beach (he’s from Miami originally). He participated in the 2019 Miami Pro League, further impressing with his ability to get to the basket. One physics-defying drive, in particular, went viral, with over 27,000 views on Twitter at the time of this writing.

Once again, Reese tried to take advantage of the opportunity to show he belongs on the court regardless of his opponent. He willed his team to victory in their semifinal game, scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. He then recorded 33 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds and spurred his team to a major comeback in the championship game, although they ultimately came up just a bit short.

His opponents in that championship included current Miami Heat players Bam Adebayo, Derrick Jones Jr. and Duncan Robinson. Also, on the team were former NBA players Jeremy Pargo and Malcolm Delaney.

Reese is used to having to prove himself on the court so this whole process has been business as usual to him. Prior to attending Canisius, Reese went to DME Academy, a Florida-based prep school to try to raise his profile. At the time, DME Academy was coached by Chris Chaney, one of the top prep school coaches of all time. Chaney, who has coached NBA players like DerMarr Johnson, Jordan Hill, Shawne Williams, (all lottery picks) and Hassan Whiteside, knows NBA-caliber talent when he sees it.

Fittingly, when Reese arrived at DME Academy, he started off playing with the second team. But he continued to do what he’s always done: prove people wrong through hard work and showing that he can fit into the overall team system. By the end of his second week, Chaney moved Reese to the first team and relied on him heavily throughout the rest of the season.

"“After that, I’ve always known he believed in my game. He always tried to put me in positions to be successful and I thank him for that,” said Reese of Chaney."

Reese does not mind proving people wrong because at least then the ball is in his hands the way he prefers it. But for now, all he can do is wait; wait to hear if an NBA team like the Rockets will invite him to training camp (there has been some interest so far). If not, he will have to wait to see where he is selected in the G-League draft or if it makes more sense to go overseas and continue to build his résumé.

Wherever he ends up, Reese says he will be ready to work and make the most of any opportunity.

"“I am a guy that can bring versatility and hard work to an NBA organization. My shooting and play-making ability gives me the upper edge. I can go on and off the ball and still be successful,” Reese said."

Every year there are lots of players like Reese who barely miss out on being drafted and are trying to find a home on an NBA roster. It sometimes feels like even NBA front offices are too quick to dismiss players who go undrafted but it is important to remember that a player like Reese is still one of the top few hundred basketball players in the entire world.

Regardless of how many others are playing the same waiting game as Reese, I would bet on him to actually make it. Everyone at that level of the sport is supremely talented but NBA teams like to fill out their rosters with players who are going to work hard to push everyone else, are high character, and willing to fit into a role. Reese’s play is proof of his on-court ability and after getting to know him a bit during the course of this article, I would vouch for him off the court as well.

"“As a player, I am a guy that puts in the hours and really loves this game and seeing the constant progress that comes from that,” said Reese, when asked to describe himself. “I am a laid-back, humble guy that loves to be around family and friends.”"

Beyond reiterating what anyone else around him will tell you, Reese is not the type to sing his own praise.

Luckily, those who know him are more than willing to do so. I think the highest compliment comes from his prep school coach who, as mentioned above, knows a thing or two about what it takes to make it to the NBA.

"“Isaiah is a winner. He plays to win and his competitiveness is the kind of intangible that will get him to the league,” Chaney said. “He has unreal court vision and sees the game plays ahead. With his size, length on the defensive end, and ability to knock down shots, he is the kind of player that will really excel in today’s game if he gets with the right team. Add to that a big heart and hate-to-lose mentality, and I look forward to his bright future.”"

With training camps nearly upon us, isn’t that the type of player you’d like to see round out your team’s roster?