Kyle Guy, a former University of Virginia star, retired from professional basketball at 26. Guy led the Cavaliers to their first national championship in 2019. He is returning to his alma mater as the Athlete Development Mentor/Special Assistant, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett announced on Wednesday.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle and his family back to Charlottesville,” Bennett said. “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.”
Guy led the Wahoos in scoring during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Virginia won 66 games during that two-year stint. Guy was part of the historic upset in which Virginia became the first men’s basketball No. 1 seed to lose to a 16-seed in the first round, losing to UMBC.
However, the following season, the Cavaliers finished the task of winning the title. In the Final Four victory against Auburn, Guy scored Virginia’s final six points, including three free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining. Kyle Guy was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2019 tournament.
Guy was the 55th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent three seasons in the NBA. Guy played 53 games between the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat. He also played two seasons internationally.
Guy’s professional playing days are over. Yet, he will stay connected to the game with his new role under Bennett.
