CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – One of the most beloved figures in recent Virginia Basketball history is returning to Charlottesville. The University of Virginia announced today that former NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player Kyle Guy is returning to the University of Virginia as an athlete development mentor and special assistant to Men’s Basketball. The full official release from the University of Virginia Athletics Department at Virginiasports.com is Below:
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Virginia All-American Kyle Guy has been named Athlete Development Mentor/Special Assistant, Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach Tony Bennett announced Wednesday (Aug. 7).
Guy returns to Grounds after playing professionally for five seasons from 2019-24. He was selected by the New York Knicks with the 55th pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft and played three seasons in the NBA including two years with Sacramento (2019-21) and one with Miami (2021-22). Guy spent the last two seasons in Spain (Jovenut and Tenerife) and Greece (Panathinaikos). He averaged career highs in points (14.3), 3-point percentage (38%), field goal percentage (45.2%) and assists (2.2) for Tenerife of Liga ACB in his last professional season in 2023-24.
“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 was a Final Four Most Outstanding Player, two-time All-American, two-time All-ACC first-team honoree and ACC Tournament MVP during his decorated three-year career at UVA. He averaged 19.5 points in wins over Auburn and Texas Tech at the 2019 NCAA Final Four. Guy sank three free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining to lift Virginia to a 63-62 win over the Tigers in the National Semifinals. Guy added 24 points in the Cavaliers’ 85-77 overtime win against the Red Raiders in the Championship Game. Guy led Virginia in scoring at 15.4 points per game. He earned consensus All-America third-team honors in 2018-19 and was a third-team All-American in 2017-18. He ranks first at UVA in career 3-point percentage at 42.5 percent and 27th in scoring with 1,323 points.
“C’ville I am back!” Guy said. “I want to sincerely thank Coach Bennett and Carla Williams for trusting me with the opportunity to come back and begin this next chapter of my life. This was not an easy decision for me, but knowing how much love I have for this culture and community made it very clear where I should be with my family. I’m beyond excited to help this team and the University in any way needed. I’m also excited for my kids to see the work never stops! Fail harder!”
