Anthony Reed (2014) - Hall of Fame - Troy University Athletics

Anthony Reed

Induction:
2014

Troy’s all-time leading scorer by more than 100 points, Anthony Reed made an immediate impact on the Trojan basketball program and the University as a whole.

A native of Hayneville, Ala., Reed joined the Trojans in 1986 and became an instant success. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign, earning Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Reed continued to progress throughout his time in Cardinal and Black, increasing his scoring and rebounding output every season. Reed would go on to average a double-double during his senior season including 24.4 points per game, setting a Troy University record that still stands to this day.

A true competitor in all facets of the game, Reed finished his playing career with 1,875 points, 124 more than the next closest player. He became the 13th player to score at least 1,000 points with Troy, breaking the plateau during his third season.

A three-time All-Gulf South Conference honoree, Reed and the Trojans were very successful, winning 77 games during his tenure. Troy’s most successful season during Reed’s career came in 1987-88, with the Trojans winning 24 games. Troy would advance to the NCAA Division II semifinal with wins over Virginia Union, North Carolina Central and Gannon, but eventually fell in a tightly contested game against Alaska-Anchorage.

Reed played his entire career for legendary head coach Don Maestri. Maestri, who was a member of the inaugural Troy University Sports Hall of Fame class, joined the exclusive 500-win club during the 2012-13 season. Maestri coached his entire career at Troy and remembers Reed for more reasons than just his scoring.

“He is probably one of the most competitive basketball players in the history of Troy University,” said Maestri, the winningest coach in Troy basketball history. “He got more offensive rebounds than anybody. He rebounded more off the floor than most people rebound in the air. He went after every ball and when he got his hands on it he scored.”

Playing alongside a GSC Player of the Year in Darryl Thomas, Reed made the most of his opportunities early in his career by working the glass and using his basketball savvy to get his points. He grabbed 913 boards during his career, averaging 8.1 per game.

“They would have pick-up games in the spring and in the fall,” said Maestri. “He told me one time, before he graduated, that the proudest thing he had ever done was that he had never lost one pick-up game in four years.”

The Trojans went 22-6 during Reed’s senior season, including 11-5 in GSC play. Reed would go on to earn All-America honors following an incredible senior season where he scored 683 points and averaged 24.4 points per game, all while shooting 59 percent from the field.

Reed still holds several records with the Trojans. He holds the Troy career record for free throws made at 363 and free throws attempted at 671. He also holds the single-game record of 21 free throws attempted. Reed scored over 30 points six times during his career, including a career-best 37 points against Valdosta State.

“When he played, whether it was a pick-up game, a real game, or in the backyard, it made no difference,” Maestri said. “He played for one reason and that was to win. He was a super competitor. He got his degree. He’s raised a great family. He’s just a great overall, all-around good person. Just an outstanding basketball player.”