Guy Not Returning, Anthony To Transfer

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia basketball will definitely have a vastly different look next season with at least five, possibly six members of the national championship team moving on.

On Monday, junior guard Kyle Guy announced that he will not return to UVA next season, and sophomore reserve guard Marco Anthony said that he will enter his name into the transfer portal. Last week, Guy joined De’Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Mamadi Diakite, in declaring they were forgoing the remainder of their college eligibility and entering their names into the NBA Draft. Senior Jack Salt finished his eligibility this past season.

Diakite, a redshirt junior, is the only one of the underclassmen who left the door open for a possible return to the team.

New NCAA rules permit underclassmen to declare for the draft, hire an agent, and receive expert evaluations on their likelihood of being selected. Players can change their mind and return to school without penalty as long as they announce their intentions by May 29.

Guy surprised Virginia fans on Monday when he released a statement that he will not return.

“After further discussion with my family, I have decided to forgo my senior season and remain in the 2019 NBA Draft,” Guy said. “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!”

Cavalier coach Tony Bennett respected Guy’s decision and thanked him for his time in Charlottesville.

“Kyle had a remarkable three-year career at the University of Virginia,” Bennett said. “He has been a model teammate and student-athlete. 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.”

Guy was selected the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player in helping UVA win its first national championship two weeks ago. A two-time All-American, two-time All-ACC first-team selection and ACC Tournament MVP during his career, he finished as the most accurate 3-point shooter in school history with a 42.5-percent average. He was also second in made 3-pointers (254) and 26th in scoring (1,323 points).

Meanwhile, Anthony, a 6-foot-4 guard from San Antonio, Texas, announced he would be leaving as well. He will transfer to another school.

“When I first walked on Grounds, I immediately felt the genuine love and support through all of the University of Virginia,” Anthony wrote on his Twitter account. “These past two years, I have not only grown as a basketball player but as a person. The memories created, the relationships built, and the pillars I have inherited are all things I will carry with me to the next school I attend.”

Anthony thanked UVA supporters, athletic director Carla Williams, trainer Ethan Saliba, strength coach Mike Curtis, and others. He also thanked Bennett and the coaching staff, along with his teammates.

“After many talks with my family and God, I’ve made the decision to add my name to the NCAA transfer portal,” Anthony wrote.

Anthony appeared in 21 games last season, averaging 5.6 minutes of playing time per game, down from 7.9 minutes the season before.

Rumors had circulated last week that Anthony was leaning toward a transfer. Before committing to Virginia, he was recruited by Iowa State, UTEP, and Mercer. Ironically, UVA’s last player to transfer, Marial Shayock, transferred to Iowa State.

With Guy not returning and Anthony transferring, suddenly Virginia has scholarships available. Bennett signed only three incoming freshmen and now has at least two more openings in the program.

That leads to speculation that Virginia could bring aboard the Hauser brothers, Sam and Joey, of Marquette. Both announced their intentions to transfer and will likely both choose the same school. They were Marquette’s No. 2 and No. 3 scorers this past season. Each would have to sit out a season upon transferring.

Others considered to be in the running for the Hausers are Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Bennett attempted to recruit the brothers initially prior to their signing with Marquette. They are from Stevens Point, Wisc., where Bennett grew up and where UVA assistant coach Brad Soderberg was a two-year letterman player under Tony Bennett’s father, Dick, at UW-Stevens Point.

Virginia will return only three players that experienced regular playing time last season, guards Braxton Key, Kihei Clark, and 7-foot-1 center Jay Huff. Also expected back are 7-footer Francisco Caffaro, guard Kody Stattmann and 6-7 forward Francesco Badocchi, who redshirted, along with Austin Katstra, Grant Kersey, and Jayden Nixon.

Guy tweeted out that saying goodbye twice was 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.”