Keith Lee (basketball)
Keith DeWayne Lee (born December 28, 1962) is an American retired professional basketball player who was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round (11th pick overall) of the 1985 NBA draft later to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. A 6'10" forward-center from Memphis State University, Lee played in 3 NBA seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1962 West Memphis, Arkansas |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | West Memphis (West Memphis, Arkansas) |
| College | Memphis (1981–1985) |
| NBA draft | 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall |
| Selected by the Chicago Bulls | |
| Playing career | 1985–1995 |
| Position | Power forward / Center |
| Number | 24 |
| 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 (6.1ppg) |
| Rebounds | 861 (4.7rpg) |
| Blocks | 110 (0.6bpg) |
Stats  at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
High school and college
Keith Lee played high school basketball at West Memphis High School in West Memphis, Arkansas. The 1979-1980 team is considered by many to be the top high school basketball team in Arkansas history, going undefeated for a 30-0 record. After losing future NBA player Michael Cage to graduation, the 1980-1981 team went undefeated as well and set the longest winning streak for high school basketball in the state at 60 consecutive wins.
One of the most renowned players in Tiger basketball history, Keith Lee came to the University of Memphis in 1981-82 and made an immediate impact on the program.
During his four-year career, Memphis State compiled a record of 104-24, and made three NCAA tournament appearances (including one trip to the Final Four). Lee also guided the team to three Metro Conference titles, a school record 31 wins in 1984-85 and helped land the Tigers in the final Associated Press Top 20 poll all four seasons.
The four-time Associated Press All-American was Metro Conference Player of the Year in 1982 and 1985 and was named to 29 All-American teams. He is the Tigers all-time leading scorer with 2,408 points (18.8) and all-time leading rebounder with 1,336 (10.4).[1]
Lee was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1985.
In 1985 Keith Lee helped lead the Memphis State Tigers to the Final Four and was also a first team All American. He was the first Tiger to earn AP All-America honors four times (first-team as a senior). Lee helped the Tigers compile a 104-24 (.813) record with four NCAA appearances from 1981 to 1985. His 2,408 career points are a Tiger record, and his number was retired in 1985.
Professional
Lee's best year as a professional came during his rookie season for the Cavs when he appeared in 58 games and averaged 7.4 ppg. In his NBA career, Lee played in 182 games and scored a total of 1,114 points.
Lee received a degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Memphis in December, 2008 and is a head basketball coach at a Shelby County Schools high school.
References
- ESPN (2009). ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia: The Complete History of the Men's Game. Ballantine Books. p. 61. ISBN 9780345513922. Retrieved 28 December 2017.