Kerry Kittles: An Overview
Kerry Kittles is a former American professional basketball player who played eight seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball at Villanova University and was drafted 8th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1996 NBA Draft. Kittles was a two-time All-Big East selection and averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during his collegiate career.
Early Life and Education
Kerry Kittles was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 25, 1974. Kittles attended Roman Catholic High School and was a four-year starter. He was an all-Catholic League selection and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Catholic League championship game as a senior.
After high school, Kittles attended Villanova University, where he played for the Wildcats from 1992-1996.
College Career
Kittles was an immediate contributor at Villanova, starting all 33 games and averaging 13.1 points per game as a freshman. He earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors and was named the Big East Rookie of the Year.
As a sophomore, Kittles was named a First-Team All-Big East selection after averaging 18.2 points per game and leading the Wildcats to the 1994 Big East Tournament Championship. He was also named the Big East Tournament MVP and was a finalist for the Wooden Award. He increased his scoring average to 20.5 points per game as a junior and was again named a First-Team All-Big East selection.
Kittles capped off his collegiate career by leading the Wildcats to the 1995 NCAA National Championship game. He was named a First-Team All-American and was the Big East Player of the Year. He averaged 24.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during his senior season and finished his career as one of the top players in Villanova history.
NBA Draft
Kittles was selected 8th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. He was the first player from Villanova University to be drafted in the first round since 1985.
Professional Career
Kittles had an immediate impact in the NBA, starting 75 games in his rookie year and averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. He went on to have a successful eight-year career with the Nets, averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in his career.
Kittles was a two-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and an All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2000. He also led the Nets to the 2002 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
International Career
Kittles also had a successful international basketball career. He played for the USA Basketball team in the 1998 FIBA World Championship, where he was the team’s leading scorer and was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also played for the USA Basketball team in the 2000 Summer Olympics, where the team won the gold medal.
Post-Playing Career
Kittles retired from the NBA in 2004 and has since been involved in various business ventures. He is a partner in The Reserve Group, a sports and entertainment management firm. He is also involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Kerry Kittles Foundation, which provides educational and recreational programs for underprivileged youth.
Legacy
Kerry Kittles is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Villanova University history. He still holds the school record for career points (2,243) and was inducted into the Villanova Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in New Jersey Nets history in 2019. Kittles is remembered for his outstanding collegiate and professional careers, as well as his commitment to philanthropy and community service.
Accolades
Kerry Kittles was a two-time All-Big East selection and a two-time All-American at Villanova University. He was also a two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team selection in the NBA. He was inducted into the Villanova Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in New Jersey Nets history in 2019.
Awards and Honors
College
- Big East Rookie of the Year (1993)
- Big East Player of the Year (1996)
- Big East Tournament MVP (1994)
- First-Team All-Big East (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996)
- First-Team All-American (1996)
Professional
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
- All-NBA Third Team (2000, 2001)
- All-Defensive Second Team (2000)
Conclusion
Kerry Kittles is one of the most accomplished players in Villanova and New Jersey Nets history. He was a two-time All-Big East selection and a two-time First-Team All-American at Villanova and was a two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team selection in the NBA. He was inducted into the Villanova Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in New Jersey Nets history in 2019. Kittles will always be remembered for his outstanding career and his commitment to philanthropy and community service.