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Kevin Grevey
Kevin Grevey
from Wikipedia

Kevin Michael Grevey (born May 12, 1953) is an American former professional basketball player. A 6-foot-5-inch (1.96 m) swingman, the left-handed Grevey played for the Washington Bullets from 1975 to 1983 and the Milwaukee Bucks from 1983 to 1985. He worked as a Talent Scout with the Los Angeles Lakers for nineteen seasons and is now a scout with the Charlotte Hornets and a color commentator for various college basketball games, including on national radio with Westwood One.[1]

Key Information

University of Kentucky

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A jersey honoring Grevey hangs in Rupp Arena

Grevey played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he was a member of legendary coach Adolph Rupp's last freshman class and played his three collegiate seasons (freshmen were not eligible to play varsity basketball at the time) under Rupp's successor, Joe B. Hall. He was named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference in all three of his college seasons and All-American in his junior and senior years. In his senior year Kentucky lost to UCLA in the championship game of the NCAA tournament in what would be the final game in the career of UCLA's legendary coach John Wooden; Grevey scored a game-high 34 points and was named to the all-Final Four team.

Upon completion of his collegiate career, Grevey scored 1,801 points, which at the time ranked him second in University of Kentucky history behind only Dan Issel's 2,138. His jersey number, 35, is retired by the University of Kentucky.

Professional career

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In 1975, Grevey was selected by the Washington Bullets in the first round (18th pick) of the NBA draft and by the San Diego Sails in the first round (sixth pick) of the 1975 ABA Draft.[2] Grevey signed with the Bullets and played mostly as a backup small forward and shooting guard his first two seasons. When Phil Chenier suffered a season-ending back injury early in the 1977–78 season, Grevey became the starting off guard and averaged 15.5 points per game. The Bullets won their only NBA championship that season, led by Grevey, newly acquired Bob Dandridge and the future Hall-of-Fame duo of Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld.

Grevey enjoyed four more solid seasons in Washington, averaging no less than 13.3 points per game. An injury sidelined him for half of the 1982–83 season and reduced him to a reserve for the remainder of his career. He played his final two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. In his ten NBA seasons, Grevey played 672 games and scored 7,364 points, for an average of 11.0 points per game. Grevey was one of six players to have made a three-pointer shot to start the 1979–80 NBA season, the first with the rule enacted; for a decade, Grevey believed he was the first to have made the shot, although this was not the case.[3]

Personal life

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In 1979 Grevey founded Grevey's restaurant, a popular sports bar and restaurant in Merrifield, Virginia.[4] The restaurant operated for 37 years, closing in 2016.

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1975–76 Washington 56 - 9.0 .371 - .897 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.1 3.8
1976–77 Washington 76 - 17.2 .423 - .664 2.3 0.9 0.4 0.1 6.9
1977–78 Washington 81 - 26.2 .448 - .789 3.6 1.9 0.8 0.2 15.5
1978–79 Washington 65 - 28.6 .453 - .772 3.6 2.4 0.7 0.2 15.5
1979–80 Washington 65 - 28.0 .412 .370 .867 2.9 2.7 0.9 0.2 14.0
1980–81 Washington 75 - 34.9 .453 .331 .841 2.9 4.0 0.9 0.2 17.2
1981–82 Washington 71 62 30.5 .439 .341 .855 2.7 2.1 0.6 0.3 13.3
1982–83 Washington 41 11 18.4 .388 .395 .783 1.2 1.2 0.4 0.2 7.2
1983–84 Milwaukee 64 3 14.4 .451 .283 .893 1.3 1.2 0.4 0.1 7.0
1984–85 Milwaukee 78 6 15.2 .448 .242 .822 1.3 1.2 0.4 0.0 6.1
Career 672 82 22.7 .437 .334 .817 2.4 1.9 0.6 0.2 11.0

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1975–76 Washington 2 - 1.5 .500 - .000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
1976–77 Washington 9 - 25.0 .409 - .652 1.8 0.9 0.2 0.6 9.7
1977–78 Washington 21 - 27.8 .444 - .811 2.9 2.0 0.5 0.1 15.5
1978–79 Washington 19* - 27.7 .398 - .755 2.5 1.6 0.8 0.4 12.8
1979–80 Washington 2 - 36.0 .533 .500* 1.000 3.0 4.0 2.5 1.0 20.5
1981–82 Washington 7 - 22.7 .411 .500 .842 1.4 1.6 0.4 0.1 9.4
1983–84 Milwaukee 5 - 5.4 .222 .000 .667 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.6
1984–85 Milwaukee 5 0 5.6 .308 .000 1.000 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.0 2.4
Career 70 0 23.2 .420 .500 .784 2.1 1.5 0.5 0.3 11.2

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Grevey (born May 12, 1953) is an American former professional basketball player who spent ten seasons in the (NBA) as a 6-foot-5-inch left-handed shooting guard and for the Washington Bullets and . A high school standout at Taft High School in , where he averaged 23.7 points per game over three varsity seasons and was named in 1971, Grevey starred at the from 1972 to 1975. There, he averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game across 84 contests, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in all three seasons, SEC Player of the Year in 1973 and 1975, and All-American recognition as both a junior and senior. As a senior in 1975, Grevey led the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship game, scoring a game-high 34 points in the final against UCLA despite a 92-85 loss, and was named to the All-Final Four team. Selected 18th overall in the first round of the 1975 by the Washington Bullets, Grevey debuted in the league that fall and quickly developed into a key contributor. Over eight seasons with the Bullets (1975–1983), he became a reliable scorer off the bench and later as a starter, culminating in a pivotal role during their 1978 NBA Championship run, where he averaged 15.5 points per game in the playoffs and notched a career-high 41 points in a postseason contest against the . Traded to the in 1983, Grevey played his final two seasons there before retiring in 1985, finishing his NBA career with averages of 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 672 regular-season games.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Kevin Grevey was born on May 12, 1953, in . He grew up with five siblings, consisting of one older sister and four younger siblings, in a household where both parents actively encouraged participation in sports. His father, an attorney, played a particularly influential role by installing a hoop on the garage and joining Grevey in one-on-one games, while his mother supported the family's emphasis on and exercise. This familial support extended to attending local games, such as those of the Cincinnati Royals, fostering an environment that valued athletic development from a young age. From an early age, Grevey developed a keen interest in , distinguishing it from other youth sports like , , , , and various team activities he participated in around Hamilton. He was particularly drawn to basketball's solitary practice potential, noting, "I was definitely driven to play probably more than the other sports because it was something you could do on your own." This self-motivated pursuit, combined with playing with siblings and neighborhood friends, laid the groundwork for his athletic passion in a family that prioritized sports as a means of healthy . Hamilton, a friendly Midwestern manufacturing community along the Great Miami River, provided an ideal setting for Grevey's early development, evoking a close-knit atmosphere reminiscent of the fictional town in . Grevey later reflected, "It was a wonderful place to grow up in, it was almost like Andy and just a wonderful little community." In this environment, with its strong local sports culture, Grevey's family background as professionals in a predominantly working-class town further shaped his opportunities and drive toward excellence.

High school career

Kevin Grevey attended Taft High School in , where he played as a forward on the varsity basketball team. As a three-year starter under coach Marv McCollum, he established himself as a dominant player, setting 17 school records over his high school career and averaging 23.7 points per game across his varsity seasons. In his senior year of 1971, Grevey led the team with exceptional scoring and rebounding, averaging 32.5 points and 17.1 rebounds per game while setting 16 school records that season alone. His performance earned him First Team All-Ohio honors from the and recognition as Ohio Co-Player of the Year alongside Ed Stahl. Grevey's outstanding play also garnered national attention, including twice earning All-State selections and multiple All-American honors from publications such as Scholastic Coach Magazine, Coach-Athletic Magazine, and Sunkist. He capped his high school career by being named Mr. Basketball in in 1971 and participating in prestigious all-star games like the Dapper Dan Classic and the East-West . This success directly led to his recruitment by the .

College career

University of Kentucky

Kevin Grevey enrolled at the in 1972 and played for the Wildcats under head coach from the 1972–73 through the 1974–75 seasons. As a 6-foot-5 guard, Grevey quickly established himself as a starting , providing scoring versatility and perimeter defense for a program transitioning from the legendary era. His left-handed shooting and ability to create off the dribble made him a focal point of Kentucky's offense, averaging 21.4 points per game over 84 career appearances while contributing to the team's fast-paced, balanced attack. During his freshman year in 1972–73, Grevey helped lead to the SEC regular season championship with a 20–8 overall record and 14–4 conference mark, showcasing his scoring prowess by averaging 18.7 points per game. The Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament's that season, where Grevey's consistent production supported a roster featuring fellow freshmen like and Mike Phillips. In his campaign of 1973–74, he elevated his game to lead the SEC in scoring at 21.9 points per game, though the team finished tied for fourth in the conference. By his junior year in 1974–75, Grevey's leadership was instrumental in securing the SEC regular season title, as posted a 26–5 record and reached the NCAA championship game. His career total of 1,801 points ranked second in program history at the time, behind only Dan Issel's 2,138. One of Grevey's most memorable performances came in the NCAA Tournament final against UCLA, where he erupted for a game-high 34 points on 13-of-30 shooting, including 8-of-10 from the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds in a hard-fought 92–85 loss. Despite the defeat, his output highlighted his clutch scoring ability and underscored Kentucky's status as a national contender. Throughout his tenure, Grevey's efficiency—shooting over 50% from the field in his first two seasons—complemented the Wildcats' team-oriented style, helping foster a culture of success under Hall that included two SEC titles and deep tournament runs.

College achievements

During his time at the , Kevin Grevey earned widespread recognition for his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. He was selected as a consensus second-team All-American in the 1974–75 season, receiving honors from multiple outlets including the (second team), National Association of Basketball Coaches (second team), United States Basketball Writers Association (first team), (second team), (second team), and Converse Yearbook (second team). Additionally, he garnered All-American recognition in the 1973–74 season from the NABC (fifth team) and Helms Foundation. Grevey's dominance within the was equally notable, as he earned first-team All-SEC honors in each of his three seasons: 1972–73, 1973–74, and 1974–75. He was twice named SEC Player of the Year by the in 1973 and 1975, leading the conference in scoring during the 1973–74 season with 21.9 points per game. In the 1975 NCAA Tournament, Grevey's performance culminated in his selection to the All- Team after scoring a game-high 34 points in the game against UCLA, despite Kentucky's 92–85 loss. This output set a Kentucky program record for points in an NCAA championship game and remains one of the highest individual totals in history. His 1,801 career points ranked second in history at the time of his graduation, behind only . Grevey's contributions have been honored through his induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2005. The university retired his No. 35 jersey on February 18, 1995, during a game against at , recognizing his lasting impact on the program.

Professional career

Washington Bullets

Kevin Grevey was selected by the Washington Bullets in the first round (18th overall pick) of the 1975 . In his rookie season of 1975-76, Grevey appeared in 56 games primarily off the bench, averaging 3.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game while playing just 9.0 minutes per contest. Over the next two seasons, he gradually increased his role, boosting his scoring to 6.9 points per game in 1976-77 across 76 appearances. By his third year, Grevey had emerged as a key contributor, and he solidified his status as a starter during the 1981-82 season, logging 30.5 minutes per game in 71 outings. Grevey played a pivotal role in the Bullets' 1978 NBA Championship, stepping up amid injuries to starting guard and becoming a primary scoring option. During the regular season that year, he averaged 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 81 games, helping the team secure a 44-38 record and the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the , Grevey maintained his output at 15.5 over 21 contests, including 41 points in a first-round victory against the on April 14, 1978. He averaged 13.0 points across the seven-game series against the , contributing to the Bullets' comeback from a 2-0 deficit to win the title in Game 7 on June 26, 1978. As a left-handed capable of playing both shooting guard and , Grevey complemented the Bullets' frontcourt stars, including Hall of Famers and , by providing perimeter scoring and versatility in the team's balanced offensive system. Over his eight seasons with the Bullets from 1975 to 1983, Grevey appeared in 530 regular-season games, accumulating 6,442 points (12.2 per game), 1,410 rebounds (2.7 per game), and 1,078 assists (2.0 per game). His per-season averages with the team are summarized below:
SeasonGamesMinutesPointsReboundsAssists
1975-76569.03.81.10.5
1976-777617.26.92.30.9
1977-788126.215.53.61.9
1978-796528.615.53.62.4
1979-806528.014.02.92.7
1980-817534.917.22.94.0
1981-827130.513.32.72.1
1982-834118.47.21.21.2

Milwaukee Bucks

On September 30, 1983, the Washington Bullets traded Grevey to the in exchange for a second-round pick in the . Joining a contending team under coach , Grevey transitioned to a reserve role, offering reliable outside shooting and leadership from the bench while leveraging his experience from the 1978 NBA championship with the Bullets. In the 1983–84 season, Grevey appeared in 64 games for , averaging 7.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.4 minutes per game, primarily as a . His scoring dipped slightly the following year to 6.1 across 78 appearances in 1984–85, though he maintained steady contributions with 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.2 minutes, focusing on efficient spot-up shooting at 44.8% from the field. During the 1984–85 regular season, Grevey provided key bench sparks in several games, including a season-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting against the on December 11 and 19 points with five rebounds in a 106–95 victory over the on March 30. In the , the Bucks defeated the 3–1 in the first round, in which Grevey appeared in one game; they were then swept 0–4 by the in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where he played in all four games, averaging 2.4 points in five total appearances. Over his two seasons in Milwaukee, Grevey played 142 regular-season games, bringing his NBA career total to 672 appearances. At age 32, he retired from professional basketball after the 1984–85 season.

Post-retirement career

Scouting roles

After retiring from his playing career in 1985, Kevin Grevey transitioned into NBA scouting, beginning with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2001–02 season when he was hired by general manager Mitch Kupchak, a former teammate from the Washington Bullets. He served in the scout role through the 2010–11 season before being promoted to college scout for the subsequent seven years, ending in 2017–18, during which time he focused on evaluating collegiate talent for the organization's draft and roster decisions. Over his 17-season tenure with the Lakers, Grevey contributed to player development strategies by providing detailed assessments of prospects' skills, athleticism, and fit within the team's system, helping inform draft preparations amid the franchise's multiple championship pursuits in the 2000s and 2010s. In 2018, Grevey joined the Charlotte Hornets as a team scout, a position he has held since the 2018–19 season and as of November 2025. With the Hornets, he has emphasized modern prospects who demonstrate high skill levels alongside athleticism, noting in interviews that the contemporary NBA prioritizes versatile players capable of contributing immediately in a fast-paced . Grevey's scouting acumen has been highlighted through specific evaluations, such as his analysis of forward during Harrell's time at Louisville, where Grevey assessed his potential as a high-energy big man for NBA rosters while with the Lakers. His behind-the-scenes expertise has also informed broader player development initiatives for both teams, including recommendations on refinement for draft picks to accelerate their transition to professional play.

Broadcasting work

Grevey established himself as a for , primarily through 's national radio coverage of NCAA tournaments, providing expert analysis on gameplay strategies and player performances. His work with included calling first- and second-round games in multiple tournaments, such as pairing with for the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament rounds in , and with for the 2008 tournament's early rounds. He also contributed to 's 2011 NCAA Tournament broadcasts, including Sweet 16 matchups alongside , and covered championship games with in years like 2014 and 2015. Additionally, Grevey served as a TV and radio analyst for / and Network, extending his reach to broader telecasts. In media appearances, Grevey has offered insights drawing from his playing and background, such as comparing modern NBA players to past stars like himself in discussions on shooting guards' styles and scout evaluations.

Personal life

Business ventures

In 1979, while still an active player for the Washington Bullets, Kevin Grevey founded Grevey's Restaurant & Sports Bar in the Merrifield neighborhood of Falls Church, Virginia, at the Yorktown Shopping Center. The establishment, inspired by the camaraderie of his NBA days, quickly became a popular spot for pub fare, sports viewing on multiple televisions, and community gatherings near the Washington, D.C., area where Grevey had established his professional basketball roots. Grevey personally managed the restaurant for 37 years, transforming it into a longstanding fixture that served generations of local patrons in Merrifield and fostered a sense of neighborhood camaraderie through events like watch parties and casual dining. The venue's proximity to the and its ties to Grevey's Bullets championship era in 1978 helped it attract basketball fans and D.C.-area residents, contributing to its role as a social hub until its closure on December 11, 2016, prompted by an expired lease and unsuccessful renegotiation with the property owner. Following the shutdown, Grevey organized a farewell event with live music on December 10, and nearby establishments like Sweetwater Tavern and Glory Days Grill absorbed many of its staff, while he continued a separate operation. Beyond the restaurant, Grevey ventured into the frozen yogurt industry in 2011 by partnering with his son, Kevin Grevey Jr., to open a self-serve FroZenYo franchise in Washington, D.C., leveraging his extensive restaurant experience to expand family-run enterprises in the local food scene.

Family and later years

Kevin Grevey married Sandy in 1978, shortly after winning the NBA championship with the Washington Bullets, and the couple has remained together since. They have three children: a daughter, Amanda, and twin sons, Andrew and Kevin Jr.. Throughout Grevey's professional career, his family provided consistent support, with Sandy often attending games and the children later becoming involved in his post-retirement business endeavors, such as managing aspects of the family-owned Frozenyo franchise alongside Kevin Jr.. Following his NBA retirement in 1985, Grevey and his family settled in , where they have resided for decades in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This location allowed Grevey to maintain close ties to his roots while building a stable home environment for his children, who grew up in the affluent suburb known for its equestrian and outdoor recreational opportunities. In his later years, Grevey has focused on family-oriented activities, including through The Grevey Foundation, a private charity he established with his family's involvement to support scholarships and community programs in the D.C. area. The foundation's annual Charity Golf Classic, now in its fourth decade, emphasizes mentoring youth and fostering community engagement, reflecting Grevey's commitment to giving back alongside his wife and children. In February 2025, Grevey participated via in the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1975 men's basketball team while recovering from hip surgery.

Career statistics and honors

NBA regular season

Kevin Grevey played 672 regular-season games over 10 NBA seasons, averaging 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. His career totals included 7,364 points, 1,594 rebounds, and 1,247 assists. These figures reflect a solid role player who peaked as a starter for the Washington Bullets before transitioning to a bench contributor with the . Grevey's scoring output varied significantly by team and role. With the Bullets from 1975 to 1983, he appeared in 530 games, averaging higher production at approximately 12.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, often as a key perimeter scorer in their lineup. In contrast, during his two seasons with the Bucks from 1983 to 1985, he played 142 games primarily off the bench, averaging 6.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in a reduced role behind established guards. The following table summarizes Grevey's year-by-year regular-season per-game statistics for games played (G), points (PTS), rebounds (TRB), assists (AST), and field goal percentage (FG%).
SeasonTeamGPTSTRBASTFG%
1975-76WAS563.81.10.5.371
1976-77WAS766.92.30.9.423
1977-78WAS8115.53.61.9.448
1978-79WAS6515.53.62.4.453
1979-80WAS6514.02.92.7.412
1980-81WAS7517.22.94.0.453
1981-82WAS7113.32.72.1.439
1982-83WAS417.21.21.2.388
1983-84MIL647.01.31.2.451
1984-85MIL786.11.31.2.448

NBA playoffs

Grevey participated in 70 NBA playoff games across his career with the Washington Bullets and Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 11.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while scoring a total of 833 points. His postseason scoring efficiency remained consistent with his regular-season average of 11.0 points per game, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure without significant drop-off in production. A pivotal contributor to the Bullets' 1978 NBA championship run, Grevey elevated his game in the against the , averaging 13.0 points and 3.1 rebounds over the seven-game series, which Washington won 4–3. Key moments included his 27-point outburst in Game 1, helping set the tone for the series despite an eventual loss, and steady contributions in the decisive Game 7 victory. These performances were instrumental in securing the franchise's only NBA title. The following year, Grevey played a supporting in another deep playoff push for the Bullets, who reached the . In the Eastern Conference Finals against the , he averaged 16.3 points per game across seven contests, aiding a hard-fought 4–3 series win with efficient shooting and timely scoring. Although the team fell to in the Finals, Grevey's output in high-stakes matchups underscored his value as a reliable during the Bullets' late-1970s contention window.

Honors

  • NBA champion: 1978

References

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