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Reece Beekman Shows Two-Way Potential at NBA Draft Combine

The UVA point guard improved his draft stock with his scrimmage performances in front of NBA scouts at the Draft Combine

Matt Newton

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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Virginia guard Reece Beekman was one of the top performers at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine on Thursday, showcasing his two-way abilities and potential to be an NBA-caliber point guard. 

In his first scrimmage on Wednesday, Beekman had a respectable performance with eight points on 2/8 shooting, five assists, one rebound, and three steals while going +25 in a little over 21 minutes of action to lead his team to a win. His athleticism and on-ball defense shined in that contest as Beekman routinely harassed the opposing team's ballhandlers - players who are also top draft prospects - including former NC State guard Terquavion Smith, who was held to 3/16 shooting in the scrimmage. 

It was Beekman's scrimmage showing on Thursday that really started to turn the heads of NBA scouts and analysts, as on top of his usual fantastic defense, Beekman also tallied 15 points, the second-highest individual scoring output of the scrimmage. He shot 6/11 from the field, making his only three-point attempt and going 2/2 from the free throw line. Beekman also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. 

On3 recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw tabbed Beekman as a "top performer" on Day 2 of the NBA Draft Combine and had this to say about the Cavalier point guard: 

In a game that was a little chaotic, Reece Beekman was a steady factor. He showed he can score in the half court, but also that he can distribute and set up teammates. The positional aspect was his big question mark coming into the NBA Draft Combine; can he be a point full time? He played the position well in this one.

Beekman took care of the ball and was able to spread it around to teammates. He also efficiently found his own shot. He measured at 6-foot-1.5 without shoes with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. Beekman defended the point of attack well, disrupting the flow. He is going to have to make a decision, staying in or coming back.

The Virginia guard had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 6-of-11 shooting. He was 1-of-1 from three and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. He had a good day here.

Here are some of Beekman's top highlights from the two days of televised five-on-five scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. 

Multiple NBA draft experts recognized Beekman as a major winner on day 2 of the combine, a development that may begin to raise the Virginia point guard's draft stock. Beekman indicated in an interview with 247Sports' Isaac Trotter that he is focused on collecting as much information as possible and that his decision will come after the combine, as he has a few workouts with specific NBA teams set up for the days following the combine. 

“Just taking in a lot of information and kinda going with it," Beekman said. "Just trying to find the right fit and try to get the right information to make the right decision. I’ve been working out (with teams) a lot, so just focused on that and the Combine stuff. But just trying to hear the information needed to make the right decision.”

Beekman has until May 31st at 11:59pm to make his decision on whether he will keep his name in the 2023 NBA Draft or withdraw and return to Virginia for another season.

READ MORE: Projecting Virginia's Starting Lineup With and Without Reece Beekman

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Matt Newton
MATT NEWTON

Matt launched Virginia Cavaliers On SI in August of 2021 and has since served as the site's publisher and managing editor, covering all 23 NCAA Division I sports teams at the University of Virginia. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and graduated from UVA in May of 2021.

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