Spencer Reaves first came to Central Missouri before the start of the 2015-16 season. In three years, Reaves played in 89 games scoring 15.5 points per game shooting 49% overall and 40% from three. The Mules were 55-34 in Reaves' three seasons, making it to the MIAA Tournament all three years and a tournament finals appearance as a junior in 2017.
Although he spent just three seasons at UCM, Reaves left his mark in the Mules history books. He scored 1,379 points, good for seventh all-time, second-most of any Mule to play fewer than three seasons. Reaves is also sixth all-time in three-point percentage (.404) and his .442 three-point percentage as a senior is also the the sixth-highest mark. Reaves was also an outstanding free throw shooter hitting 86% for his career and 87% as a senior. He ranks fifth in career free throw percentage and his performance from the line as a senior is the second-highest at UCM.
Since leaving UCM, Reaves has continued to play, becoming the 22nd Mule to play professionally. Continuing our look at former UCM all-time greats, here is former Mules Basketball star, Spencer Reaves.
Where do you currently live?
Burgos, Spain
What degree(s) did you earn at UCM?
I am currently finishing my General Studies degree from UCM and will graduate in December.
Why did you choose UCM?
I chose UCM because of the past success of the program and to play in the best D2 conference in the country.
What was your favorite UCM Athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory would have to have been the conference tournament my junior season. The time spent with the guys in KC and making it to the championship game was really special.
What was your favorite non-athletic related memory at UCM?
Being able to witness a few National Championships for UCM like Women's Soccer and Basketball my senior year.
What are you doing now and what was your path to getting there?
I am currently in my 3rd season playing pro in Spain. Playing in the Leb Gold division after two years in the 3rd. My path really started right after leaving UCM where I just had to continue to improve and adapt to playing at a higher level.
How did being a student-athlete help prepare you for life after college?
Being a student athlete has prepared me for lots of aspects of life. How to time manage and be successful working towards a common goal for a group of people.
Please list any professional playing experience in your sport you had after leaving UCM
2 seasons in Leb Silver (3rd division)
1 season in Leb Gold (2nd division)
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to travel around Spain and see as much as a can. I also like to play video games and watch Netflix.
How often do you come back to campus?
Well living in Europe makes it pretty difficult to visit UCM. I try to come and workout a few times every summer to see everyone and use the great facilities we have.
Who had the biggest influence on you during your time at UCM and how?
All the coaches had a different type of influence to improve my game in some way. I have to give credit to all my teammates while I was there but Jakob Lowrance and Brett O'Neil are two that I remain really close with. Also I have to say Coach Culp and his wife Kathy were always there for me if I ever needed them! Thankful for a lot of people at UCM who have helped me along the way.
If someone were to enter your house, how long would it take for them to know you're a Mule?
It's hard to bring a ton of Mules things to Europe in my only two suitcases but I do usually bring a lot of Mules clothing.
