Joshua Alexander Reaves Bio
Joshua Alexander Reaves is a Bolivian-American professional basketball player for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League. Born on June 4, 1997, in Fairfax, Virginia, he gained recognition playing for Penn State University. With dual citizenship in the United States and Bolivia, he is the first player of Bolivian descent to play in the NBA. Over the years, Reaves has made significant contributions on the court, earning accolades such as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and leading his national team in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Alexander Reaves was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. He grew up in a single-parent household with his older brother, raised by their Bolivian-born mother, Liset Bravo Reaves, after their father passed away when Joshua was six years old. Reaves initially attended Middleburg Academy, later transferring to Paul VI Catholic High School, where he played both basketball and soccer. As a junior, he was named team captain, averaged 12.6 points per game, and earned All-Washington Metro Area honors while leading the Panthers to several championships. Reaves then transferred to Oak Hill Academy before his senior year, where he was ranked as the 74th-best recruit in the nation and committed to play college basketball at Penn State over offers from several prominent programs.
Path to Basketball
Reaves played four seasons with the Penn State Nittany Lions, starting 20 games as a freshman and averaging 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. His sophomore year saw him average 7.7 points and four rebounds per game while leading the Big Ten with 2.14 steals per game. In his junior season, he averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, again leading the Big Ten in steals. As a senior, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and finished his collegiate career with 1,079 points, 540 rebounds, and a school record of 250 steals.
Joshua Alexander Reaves Career
Early Career (2019)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Reaves was named to the Dallas Mavericks Summer League roster, where he averaged 12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and one block per game. He signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks on July 29, 2019, and made his NBA debut on January 2, 2020. In his first career field goal, he scored a layup during a game against the Utah Jazz, finishing with four points, one rebound, and three assists.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Reaves signed with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on January 18, 2021, and played in all 15 games during the COVID-shortened 2020–21 season, averaging 12 points, 2.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. He later signed with Beşiktaş Icrypex in Turkey, where he played 23 games, averaging 5.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. After a brief stint with Tofaş, he returned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he has continued to develop his game and contribute significantly.
Notable Works and Milestones
Joshua Reaves is recognized for his defensive prowess, earning accolades such as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and being a two-time member of the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. He has also been a key player for the Bolivian national team, leading them in multiple categories during international competitions.
Joshua Alexander Reaves Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joshua Alexander Reaves has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his collegiate career at Penn State, where he was recognized for his defensive skills and contributions on the court.
Joshua Alexander Reaves Awards Won
Joshua Alexander Reaves has achieved notable awards, including the NIT Championship in 2018 and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, along with being named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team twice.
Joshua Alexander Reaves Family
Joshua Reaves has dual American and Bolivian citizenship, thanks to his mother, who is from Bolivia. He has an older brother, Michael, who played college football at Shepherd University.
Personal Life
Reaves has maintained a focus on his basketball career while representing Bolivia on the international stage. His unique background as the first Bolivian player in the NBA highlights his significant role in promoting basketball in Bolivia.