Kyle Lowry
From Hoopedia
Kyle Lowry (born March 25, 1986 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American professional basketball player with the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. He was selected by General Manager Jerry West with the 24th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He declared for the draft after two seasons with Villanova University under coach Jay Wright originally without an agent trying to "test the waters". After being given a first round guarantee by Jerry West of the Memphis Grizzlies he opted to stay in the draft, opening up the door for his successor, current Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds.
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College Recruitment
Lowry was a 5 star point guard prospect as a senior in high school at Cardinal Dougherty and was recruited by various major conference schools such as UConn, Arkansas and Villanova. One local school in particular, St. Joseph's (PA), recruited Lowry as well but he was not interested. When coach Phil Martelli visited with Lowry he was not welcomed with open arms. Lowry ended the visit propmtly asking Martelli "are we done here buddy?". Originally Lowry wanted to attend the University of Connecticut, but when he was told there was not a scholarship availible he told coach Jim Calhoun "I cant wait to spend the next four years beating you". The Philadelphia native eventually signed with Jay Wright and Villanova University.
Collegiate Career
Lowry was originally slated to redshirt his freshmen year (2004-2005) because of a minor ACL injury. The injury healed much quicker than expected and he joined the team less than half way through the season against UPenn. He was a key part of Coach Jay Wright's rotation and eventually started during the NCAA tournament when star forward Curtis Sumpter went down with an ACL injury of his own. Lowry was listed as the starting Power Forward in the Sweet 16 despite being only 6'0 against eventual champion UNC.
Lowry was the starting point guard for Villanova in the 2005-2006 season and a key part of Jay Wright's famed 4 guard offense. Lowry's incredible speed, defensive ability and toughness garnered him national attention as the year went on and it became clear that he had NBA potential. Lowry averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists that season, and after a lack luster NCAA tournament chose to declare for the NBA draft. Lowry soon signed with an agent and went full force toward the NBA en route to being chosen 24th overall.
Pro Career
Lowry joined the Memphis Grizzlies expecting to be a rotation player behind point guards Chucky Atkins and Damon Stoudamire. Lowry's intangibles and toughness shined throughout his first 10 games in the NBA with notable games of 10 rebounds against the New York Knicks in his first NBA appearance and a break out game of 16 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately 10 games into his career he suffered a broken wrist during a nasty fall against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lowry was sidelined for the rest of the season, but looks to be in good shape for the 2007-2008 campaign. Lowry posted averages of 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists during that 10 game span in only 17.5 minutes per game.
