At about 12:25 am on the east coast, Virginia’s Kyle Guy finally got to hear his name called as he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 55 pick overall. Guy became the third Cavalier to go in the draft as De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome went in the first round. This is the first time in Virginia history that three player were picked in the first two rounds of the NBA draft.
Way to go, Kyle Guy!! @kylejguy5 is selected with the 5⃣5⃣th pick of the #NBADraft!#GoHoos #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/6otwujMPlq
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) June 21, 2019
Guy worked out for Sacramento twice in the time leading up to the draft, and it clearly paid off. He’ll be joining Wyoming’s Justin James as 2019 draft additions. Sacramento is adding Guy to a group of young players including Marvin Bagley, Buddy Hield, and De’Aaron Fox.
The Kings went 39-43 last season, finishing third in the Pacific Division. Jerome and Guy will see a lot of each other next season as both their respective teams compete in the Pacific Division.
Last season with the Hoos, Guy averaged 15.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from three and 45% from the field. His 25 point performance against Purdue — which included hitting all five of his made three pointers after halftime — helped the Cavaliers reach their first Final Four since 1984. Against Auburn in the National Semifinal, Guy hit a difficult shot to keep the pressure on the Tigers with 7.4 seconds remaining before burying the three deciding free throws to send the Cavaliers to the title game.
Guy is a strong shooter, works well off of screens, and is an adept passer. His athleticism and size is a knock against him, but he’s a proven winner at every stage.