Julian Reese is one to watch for basketball fans. According to his coach at the University of Maryland, the 20-year-old has a promising future in the NBA.
“Most big guys I’ve had are hard workers. But when it comes to their individual game, you kind of gotta motivate them a little bit. Juju is not that way,” Kevin Willard said in an episode of the “HoopsU” podcast featuring Andy Katz and Rapheal Davis.
The Maryland coach detailed Reese’s training, which included working on his range and practicing every morning at 8 a.m.
“Juju and I started working on his shot right at the beginning of April, right when summer started. I said ‘Man, we gotta improve your range. We got to improve some things. It’s gonna take a year, it may take a year and a half, but we’re going to change it,’” Willard said.
“He met me every morning for about four straight weeks at 8 a.m., every morning, Monday through Sunday. And I didn’t have to text him. He would text me at night saying, ‘Hey, Coach, I know you’re out recruiting, are you back on Monday?’ And I’d be like, ‘Yep, let’s go. Let’s get after it.’ And so that’s the type of kid he is,” the coach added.
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Willard credited Reese’s family for being supportive and a motivating force. He highlighted him having a “tremendous mom that’s really helped him.” The 20-year-old is also Angel’ younger brother and Willard noted they are close. The siblings aren’t the only one to be in sports within the family. Jordan Hawkins, who joined the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft in June, is their cousin.
The Maryland coach believes in Reese’s potential, noting that he most likely has a future in the NBA.
“He’s motivated to make it. I’d put that kid on an NBA team any second just because he’s going to help you win,” Willard said. “He’s gonna get better and he’s young. I think he just turned 20. So it’s like it, it’s amazing. Such a great kid. And I agree. I think he’s the best big man in the country. I’m blessed to have him.”
Reese’s stats for the 2022-2023 season included an average of 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, according to FOX Sports.
