Guy Gets ‘Second Shining Moment,’ Drafted By Knicks

By Jerry Ratcliffe

De’Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome share a moment during the team’s national championship ceremony at Scott Stadium. All three were selected in the NBA Draft Thursday night.

As the clock ticked down on the NBA Draft, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Kyle Guy saw his childhood dreams come true when he was taken with the 55th overall pick by the New York Knicks.

Moments after hearing his name called, Guy received the news that his rights will be traded to the Sacramento Kings, an organization that he worked out for twice.

Many questioned Guy’s decision to forgo his senior year at Virginia and throw his name into the draft, others believed he would not be drafted at all. But after participating in the NBA Combine and undergoing 13 workouts for NBA teams, Guy’s perseverance finally paid off.

Guy joined De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome, making it the first time in UVA history that three players have been taken in the first two rounds of the draft. Another former Cavalier, Iowa State transfer Marial Shayok, was chosen just before Guy at No. 54 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Contrary to popular belief, NBA second-rounders have a better chance of making a roster than one might think. A study by NBC Sports revealed that of the 132 college players picked in the second round of the previous six drafts, 69 percent of them received at least a one-year guaranteed contract. That means they had at least one season where they made the league’s minimum salary, a little over $800,000.