The 51st overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver has developed into one of the most consistent and deadly perimeter shooters in the league. A career 43 percent shooter from the three-point line in 15 years, the Cavs marksman has what it takes to be a hot commodity in today’s NBA.
The 3-point specialist might not get as much credit for his exploits playing with high profile names, but his key contributions to a team have always bolstered their success.
Recently, Korver was inducted into the Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame.
The former Blue Jay averaged 14.1 points on a 45 percent 3-point shooting clip, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game throughout the four years that he played for Creighton. He took his team to four straight NCAA tournaments in those years.
Korver’s current basketball success and longevity in the NBA are deeply related to his roots as a Blue Jay. According to Phil Bergman of the Omaha Sports Insider, Korver said
“Coach taught us how to work and treat people the right way,”
Former coach and fellow Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Dana Altman said:
“Well I realized it right away, I knew we had a special group.”
“He worked himself into being a 15-year pro. That wasn’t us, that was his work-ethic.”
Moreover, some of his Creighton teammates came for an alumni scrimmage. To his delight, Korver responded
“Just the fact they came back means a lot for me and for coach.”
His work-ethic translated to an average of 9.9 points, three rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game so far in the NBA.