Kyle Guy

Kyle Guy's Biography

Kyle Joseph Guy, born on August 11, 1997, is a former professional basketball player renowned for his time playing for the Virginia Cavaliers both during his college years and his recent professional return as an athlete development mentor and special assistant. As an accomplished player and mentor, he continues to make a significant impact on the basketball community, both on and off the court.

Guy started his basketball journey at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he earned his varsity letter all four years. His impressive averages of 23.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during his senior season led to his selection as Indiana’s Mr. Basketball on January 18, 2016. In the same year, he was also named a McDonald’s All-American.

His high school successes led to multiple college offers, but on October 20, 2014, he committed to the University of Virginia. Despite offers from notable basketball schools like California, Xavier, and Indiana, Guy chose to play as a shooting guard for the Virginia Cavaliers.

His college career began auspiciously with him leading all players with 20 points and five three-pointers in his fourth career game against Grambling State on November 22, 2016. Guy’s freshman year concluded with an impressive average of 7.5 points per game. His stellar performance continued into his second year scoring a career-high 29 points, leading Virginia to a conference tournament championship. Guy was named tournament MVP, an honor marking him as a significant player in the collegiate sports scene.

In the 2018–19 season, Guy continued to demonstrate his passion and dedication to the sport, earning a spot on the pre-season watchlists for the prestigious Jerry West Award, John R. Wooden Award, and the Naismith College Player of the Year. He reached another career-high with 30 points against Marshall toward the end of 2018.

The zenith of Guy’s college career came during the NCAA tournament in 2019. His first collegiate double-double against Purdue helped the Cavaliers reach their first Final Four since 1984. But it was Virginia’s Final Four matchup against Auburn that highlighted Guy’s skill under pressure. With 0.6 seconds left, Guy shot three consecutive free throws, propelling Virginia into their first-ever national championship game. Guy’s outstanding performance throughout the championship, culminating with a 24-point game in Virginia’s 85–77 overtime championship win, rightfully earned him the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player title.

In 2019, Guy made his transition to professional basketball as he was drafted by the NBA. After a brief stint with the New York Knicks, he was traded to Sacramento Kings where he signed a two-way contract, splitting his time between the NBA Kings and their NBA G League affiliate, Stockton Kings.

Guy’s professional career delivered some memorable performances, including scoring a distinct 42 points for Stockton against the Iowa Wolves and making his NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2020. He continued to impress, scoring 17 points in a Sacramento Kings victory over the Golden State Warriors in March 2021.

Despite his on-court triumphs, Guy also faced some professional setbacks. Bills of health led to brief contracts with diverse teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. However, each complication seemed to strengthen his resolve, leading to performances like scoring 17 points in a victory for Miami over the Houston Rockets.

International audiences soon took notice of Guy’s talent. In July 2022, he signed with Spanish club Joventut Badalona, where he showcased his skills in the EuroCup and Liga ACB matches. After an official contract offer from Valencia was matched by Badalona, he moved to the Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos on a two-year deal. This transfer marked Guy’s first foray into the EuroLeague.

Guy continued his European journey with Lenovo Tenerife of the Spanish Liga ACB in January 2024. During the first round of the playoffs, Guy led all scorers with 34 points against FC Barcelona, despite the team’s overall loss.

In August 2024, Guy returned to the University of Virginia, the school that had nurtured his talent and boosted his career. This time he took on the role of an athlete development mentor and special assistant, demonstrating his ongoing passion for basketball and commitment to nurturing the next generation of players.

Off the court, Guy is a family man who shares ties with his parents, Katy and Tim Fitzgerald and Joe and Amy Guy, and his five siblings. His dedication to basketball extends to a familial legacy, with his great-grandfather having been the commissioner for the Indiana High School Athletic Association and an inductee into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame for basketball and football. Guy’s personal life is also marked by love and commitment. He married his wife, Alexa, in 2019, and they welcomed their son in September 2021.

Kyle Joseph Guy’s journey from an Indiana high school basketball player to a well-respected player and mentor in the professional circuit is a testament to his talent, determination and relentless pursuit of growth in the sport he loves. He continues to inspire future generations of basketball enthusiasts both in the United States and around the globe.