The University of Mississippi Athletics
Justin Reed Taken by Boston Celtics in NBA Draft
6/24/2004 | Men's Basketball
June 24, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - After four decorated seasons at Ole Miss, Justin Reed will now have the opportunity to take his talents to the professional level. The forward from Jackson was the 40th overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, selected by the Boston Celtics with the 11th pick of the second round.
"It's been a dream," said Reed, who was the first SEC player drafted. "I've worked really hard to reach this point. God has truly blessed me. It's great to be a Boston Celtic. You think of players like (Larry) Bird and (Kevin) McHale. I'm very thankful."
Reed is the 14th Rebel all-time to be selected in either the NBA or ABA draft, and the first since Ansu Sesay was chosen in the second round of the 1998 draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The only previous Ole Miss player to suit up for the Celtics is Carlos Clark, who was drafted in the fourth round in 1983 and played two seasons in Boston.
"I'm so happy for Justin and his family," said Rebel head coach Rod Barnes. "To see his dream come true, I'm just excited to be a part of it. It's great to see a kid come in and develop each year like Justin did. I know Justin would be quick to thank his teammates, and those guys are thrilled for him. Its huge for our program."
Reed wrapped up his career in the spring as the first Rebel to earn All-SEC honors all four years and the first ever two-time Wooden Award candidate from a Mississippi college. He finished fifth at Ole Miss in career scoring and sixth in rebounding.
This past season, Reed averaged 18.5 points-per-game in claiming the first SEC scoring title by a Rebel since 1992. Reed, who posted 12 games of 20 or more points, also finished top 10 in the SEC in rebounds (sixth at 7.5) and field goal percentage (sixth at .464).
