Keith Lee (basketball) facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1962 West Memphis, Arkansas, U.S. |
| High school | West Memphis (West Memphis, Arkansas) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Memphis (1981–1985) |
| NBA Draft | 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall |
| Selected by the Chicago Bulls | |
| Pro career | 1985–1995 |
| Career history | |
| 1985–1987 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1988–1989 | New Jersey Nets |
| 1991 | Suncoast Sunblasters |
| 1991–1992 | Rapid City Thrillers |
| 1992–1993 | Independiente de Neuquén |
| 1994 | Memphis Fire |
| 1995 | Jackson Jackals |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career statistics | |
| Points | 1,114 (6.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 861 (4.7 rpg) |
| Blocks | 110 (0.6 bpg) |
Keith DeWayne Lee, born on December 28, 1962, is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He was chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft. He was the 11th player picked overall. Later, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Lee played as a forward and center. He played for Memphis State University before joining the NBA. Lee played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets during his three seasons in the NBA.
Contents
Keith Lee's High School Basketball Journey
Keith Lee played high school basketball at West Memphis High School in West Memphis, Arkansas. The team from 1979–80 is often called the best high school basketball team in Arkansas history. They had a perfect season, winning all 30 of their games.
After a player named Michael Cage graduated, the 1980–81 team also went undefeated. They set a state record for the longest winning streak in high school basketball. This amazing streak lasted for 60 games in a row!
College Career at Memphis
Keith Lee joined the University of Memphis (then Memphis State University) in 1981–82. He quickly made a big difference for the team.
Memphis Tigers' Success with Lee
During his four years in college, the Memphis State team had an impressive record. They won 104 games and lost only 24. They also made it to the NCAA tournament three times. One of those times, they reached the Final Four, which is a huge achievement in college basketball.
Lee also helped his team win three Metro Conference titles. In the 1984–85 season, the Tigers set a school record with 31 wins. Thanks to Lee, the team was ranked in the final Associated Press Top 20 poll every year he played.
Lee's Personal Achievements in College
Keith Lee was named an Associated Press All-American four times. He was also the Metro Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year in 1982 and 1985. He was chosen for 29 different All-American teams during his college career.
He holds the record as the Tigers' all-time leading scorer with 2,408 points. He is also the all-time leading rebounder with 1,336 rebounds. Keith Lee was the first player ever to be named a four-time All-American.
In 1985, Keith Lee helped lead the Memphis State Tigers to the 1985 Final Four. He was also a first-team All-American that year. His jersey number, 24, was retired by the Memphis Tigers in 1985. This means no other player on the team will wear that number again.
Professional Basketball Career
After his successful college career, Keith Lee was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1985 NBA draft.
Playing in the NBA
Lee's best season as a professional player was his first year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played in 58 games and averaged 7.4 points per game. In his entire NBA career, Keith Lee played in 182 games. He scored a total of 1,114 points during his time in the league.
Life After Playing Basketball
Keith Lee earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Memphis in December 2008. Today, he is a head basketball coach at a high school in Shelby County Schools.
See also
In Spanish: Keith Lee para niños
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds
