The Virginia men’s basketball team created some excitement this week when it announced one of greatest fan favorites in program history would be returning to Charlottesville. Kyle Guy retired from professional basketball to join the Cavaliers in the role of Athlete Development Mentor/Special Assistant.
Guy, of course, helped the Hoos win the 2019 National Championship as part of a tremendous three-year career in orange and blue. In the title run, he averaged 19.5 points in the two Final Four games against Auburn and Texas Tech. In the semifinals, he sank three free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining to secure a 63-62 win that kept the championship dreams alive. That moment solidified him as an icon both at Virginia and in college basketball. He scored 24 points against the Red Raiders in the final and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
Guy hauled in other honors too. He was named first-team All-ACC twice and was a two-time All-American. He also was the ACC Tournament MVP during the Hoos’ 2018 win in Brooklyn. Guy ranks first all-time at Virginia in career 3-point percentage at 42.5%.
After his junior season, Guy entered the 2019 NBA Draft and was selected by the New York Knicks with the 55th pick, which eventually sent him to Sacramento. He played two seasons with the Kings and then one season with the Miami Heat in the NBA between the the top level and G League. He finished his professional career in Europe in Spain and Greece. This past season for Tenerife of Liga ACB, he averaged career highs in points (14.3), 3-point percentage (38.0%), and assists (2.2).
Guy posted a farewell post on social media.
Hoos everywhere, both inside and outside of the program, have celebrated his return to Charlottesville this week. Here are some thoughts from Virginia coach Tony Bennett and some message board posters on the site.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle and his family back to Charlottesville,” Bennett said in a news release. “Kyle is not only one of the best players I’ve ever coached, but also one of the finest young men I’ve met. He will make an immediate impact on our program, working with our players and sharing the expertise and competitive fire he’s gained throughout his collegiate and professional career.”
- This is the best thing to happen to UVA Basketball since the National Championship. Kyle Guy is an incredible basketball player, an even better person, and his ability to lead young men on and off the court will prove to be stellar. ~ QBSacker
- This is the best post on the Sabre in some time. Bring the clutch outside Game to practices again at JPJ. Let’s go Hoos! ~ HoosForward
- Pumped for KG. Think he’ll be a welcomed addition to the lockerroom. ~ Fair Weather Hoo
- AWESOME stuff!!! I was a Bryant Stith guy for almost 30 years before Kyle became my favorite all-time Hoo. Excited to see him on the bench for years to come! ~ BrianFantana
- Has it been mentioned that Kyle can mentor Isaac As Isaac tries to make the leap to all-ACC guard and go-to star of the Hoos? Great timing! ~ wahootiehoo
Guy’s hiring continues a small trend for assistant coaching spots in Virginia programs. Isaiah Wilkins, who played with Guy on the 2018 ACC Tournament Championship team, rejoined Bennett’s staff in 2021. Wilkins was the 2018 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. After working as a volunteer coach for parts of 2022 and 2023, Treat Huey became a full-time assistant for the men’s tennis team in July 2023. Huey was a four-time All-ACC pick, the 2008 ACC Championship MVP, and a two-time All-American at Virginia.
Carrera Lucas, a goalkeeper and part of the 2016 ACC Championship team at UVA, came back as a field hockey coach earlier in 2024. She led the ACC in save percentage and saves per game in 2018. Helen (Tompkins) Samaniego, who was an assistant coach for 2024 National Champion Texas, was hired by new rowing coach Wesley Ng in July. She was on the Varsity 8 boat at Virginia in 2010 as the program won its first National Championship and grabbed All-ACC and All-American honors.
Fan(s) Of The Week
Making memories at Scott Stadium.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Go Hoos!
Feature Photo Of The Week
Noah Josey and the Hoos are closing in on kickoff. UVA faces Richmond in the season opener on August 31 at 6 p.m.
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