When Kyle Guy announced on April 16 that he was entering the 2019 NBA Draft, he left open the possibility of returning to the University of Virginia.
“I am diving in to this with two feet to achieve my dream but I will leave the option of coming back to school open,” Guy wrote on April 16.
Guy, a consensus second-team All-American, first-team All-ACC pick, and the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player in 2019, has now shut the proverbial door on a possible return to UVA. He annnounced on Monday (April 22) that he is foregoing his final year of eligibilty to stay in the 2019 NBA Draft.
“After further discussion with my family, I have decided to forgo my senior season and remain in the 2019 NBA Draft,” Guy said in a press release on VirginiaSports.com. “Saying goodbye to my second home of Virginia basketball wasn’t easy, but I know I’m ready for this next step in my basketball career. UVA has meant more to me than you’ll ever know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
Guy also made a post on Twitter.
Saying goodbye twice is not easy.. Charlottesville I just want to say thank you so much. I’ll never forget this. One day I will have the words. I am officially keeping my name in the draft. I know it’s the right step after much prayer and thought with my family 🙏🏼 #NoParachute pic.twitter.com/GMej9BrxBu
— Kyle J Guy (@kylejguy5) April 22, 2019
Three years after arriving in Charlottesville as a McDonald’s All-American and as part of one of Virginia’s most highly ranked recruiting classes in school history, the Indianapolis (IN) native departs as UVA’s all-time leader in 3-point shooting percentage (42.5%) and leading scorer (15.4 PPG) on the 2019 National Championship team. The 6’2”, 175-pound Guy will forever be known for his heroics in Virginia’s 2019 Final Four win over Auburn. He scored six points in the final nine seconds, including three free throws with 0.6 seconds left to give the Hoos a 63-62 win over the Tigers.
Guy averaged 19.5 points per game in Virginia’s victory over Auburn and national championship win over Texas Tech.
“Kyle had a remarkable three-year career at the University of Virginia,” UVA head coach Tony Bennett said. “He has been a model teammate and student-athlete, and we obviously respect his decision to remain in the draft. I loved coaching him, watching him develop and turn into a terrific young man. We’re excited for Kyle and his family, and wish him nothing but the best at the next level.”
UVA has had four members of its championship-winning 2018-19 team declare for the 2019 NBA Draft. De’Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and now Guy are not expected to return, while redshirt junior forward Mamadi Diakite has kept open the option of returning to school. Additionally, sophomore guard Marco Anthony announced on Monday (April 22) that he is transferring from UVA.
As good old Charlie Brown so eloquently used to respond, “Rats!”.