Twitter: @SeanSingletary
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Congratulations to Head Coach Tony Bennett and the University of Virginia (UVA) Cavaliers on recently winning their first NCAA men’s basketball national championship in program history! I tweeted the win as the ‘comeback of the century,’ acknowledging the incredible bounce back from the team after suffering an early exit in last year’s tournament. I genuinely felt happy for the players and coaches, as I’ve held a great deal of respect for the Cavaliers ever since having the opportunity to interact with the program’s members up close and personal back in 2015. I worked their summer week-long youth camp as a counselor. Reflecting on their win also made me realize something else: my family and I sure do personally know quite a few of the university’s former basketball players. That notion, along with UVA being at the top of the college basketball world currently, led to the idea of this new series I’m introducing: ‘You Know ‘Hoo'’ The ‘Wahoos,’ shortened to ‘Hoos, serve as the unofficial nickname for UVA’s sports teams. For the remainder of April, I plan to start releasing features on particular ‘Hoos that I’ve personally known throughout the years; focusing on their success in both the past and present.
When hanging out in public with Sean Singletary, it takes zero time to realize how much UVA fans still adore him. A legend for both the Hoos and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Singletary made his mark as arguably one of the most dedicated workers to ever suit up for the Cavaliers. His post-college journey has been one with some ups and downs, yet he still finds a way to use the game in his quest to push forward.
In Philadelphia, Born and Raised…
A native of Philadelphia, PA, while also the son of a boxer and youngest of three brothers, toughness has never been questionable about Singletary’s character. I can recall reading a quote by Kobe Bryant, also a Philly guy, who stated that he felt playing in the city brought a different type of edge. I’m sure Singletary would agree, and he developed a highly competitive demeanor during his youthful days that led into a love for sports.
“My brothers helped in that (making me competitive) too,” Singletary acknowledged. “We used to go at it all the time on the court.”
Most actually may not know that Singletary excelled as a dual-athlete early on, killing as both a wide receiver on the field and point guard in the gym. He found his calling in the latter, however, and decided to give up football for a full focus on hoops. The relentless work put in paid off by the year, as he became one of the top guards the 2004 class during his junior and senior years at William Penn Charter School in Philly. Rivals.com, a renowned recruiting service, had Singletary ranked as the tenth best point guard in the nation and the #56 player overall. After taking time for some consideration, he ultimately decided on joining the Hoos for college.
Glory Days with the Hoos
When looking at some of the most recent UVA guards, such as Malcolm Brogdon (6’5”), Devon Hall (6’6”), and Ty Jerome (6’5”), the 6’0” Singletary doesn’t quite stack up to them in regard to height. However, one could argue the four-year starter had a heart bigger than any other possible comparison. Similar to high school, Singletary always had undeniable potential but simply exceeded expectations by improving every year. The result: one of the best point guards to have laced them up in the ACC. After making the 2005 ACC All-Freshmen team with averages of 10.5 points, three rebounds, and nearly four assists during his first season, the Cavalier upped those averages to 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his sophomore campaign (2005-06). In the ACC, Singletary ranked fifth for scoring average, third in free-throw percentage (.845), sixth in assists, and fifth in steals (1.86). This effort landed him his first All-ACC first team nod; an accolade he would repeat two more times.
Junior year in 2006-07 saw Singletary reach All-American status; selected third team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The stellar season also involved some of his best moments in the John Paul Jones Arena. I’m sure fans remember when the co-captain torched Gonzaga for a 37 points, the second most of his career. Or what about when Singletary hit that last-second shot against Duke University to give UVA a 68-66 win on February 1, 2007' His clutch play earned him nationwide attention; the college basketball community started to realize Singletary as one of the elite point guards in the country. UVA made their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2001 but fell short in the second round to Tennessee. Singletary ended the year averaging 19 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He again made the All-ACC first team and pondered whether or not he should give a shot at the NBA draft. At the last second, just before the draft withdrawal deadline, Singletary decided to return for his senior year.
The 2007-08 season was once again another statement made by Singletary as one of the ACC’s best. He led near the top of the ACC in plenty of categories: third in scoring, second in assists, third in free-throw percentage (.851), and ninth in steals. His season averages, 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals spoke loud and clear for themselves. The senior’s career-high took place late in the season, on March 1, 2008; Singletary exploded for a 41-point outburst against Miami. After earning All-ACC first team recognition for the third year in a row during the regular season’s conclusion, Singletary played his final game for the Cavaliers in a home loss against Bradley University during the College Basketball Invitational Tournament. Fans showed their respect and love by giving the legendary guard a standing ovation. Singletary ended his tenure as the Cavaliers all-time fifth-leading scorer (2.079 points) and currently remains the only ACC player to record a career total of over 2,000 points, 500 assists, 400 rebounds, and 200 steals. His retired jersey and number (#44) hangs up in the rafters.
Having been banged up during his last season, Singletary underwent hip surgery before entering his name in the 2008 NBA draft.
Early Struggles in the Pro Life
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chosen as the 42nd pick by the Sacramento Kings in the draft’s second round, those close to Singletary knew he felt more than ready to take on the next step of the NBA. Unfortunately, that first year in the league involved a whirlwind of trades. His time in Sacramento would end before the season even took place, however, as he found himself in a three-player trade to the Houston Rockets. Singletary’s stay in Houston didn’t last long either and he ended up in Phoenix for an exchange of D.J. Strawberry. When December arrived in 2008, the rookie Singletary became part of yet another trade, which included him, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell sent to the Charlotte Bobcats for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. A couple of months later, on March 9, 2009, the team sent Singletary and another teammate to the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA D-League (named at the time).
Following the season, Singletary became a free agent due to the Bobcats deciding to not pick the team option on him. He signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in September of that year but ultimately was waived. It would result as Singletary’s last opportunity with an NBA team.
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
For the next three years, Singletary did some overseas stints with teams in Spain and Belgium. As expected, he played fairly well but injuries to his knee (in two different places), along with a lack of comfort, made him feel it was best to head back to the U.S. Fighting on a road to recovery due to the agonizing knee issue, Singletary made his way back into the NBA D-League in 2012, joining the Texas Legends. After being waived from the Legends in April 2013 due to injury, he returned to Belgium for competitive play; this time enjoying more of the experience on a balanced team. The Legends acquired Singletary again in November 2013 before trading the guard to the Erie Bayhawks. Another unfortunate injury, this one ending his season, forced the Bayhwaks to waive him on March 26, 2014. Feeling drained with all of the nagging injuries and being relocated for different teams, Singletary officially retired from basketball at the end of the 2013-14 season.
Personally, and I’m sure plenty of others will agree, I don’t think Singletary ever landed a full opportunity to show what he could do in the league. Yes, I understand the NBA’s obviously a business and only a certain number of spots can fill up a roster. Regardless, I think Singletary’s passion, talent, and work ethic would’ve given any of the league’s 30 teams a boost. Just my two cents.
Where Is He Now'
I’d have to give credit to my younger brother for making the first connection with Singletary. UVA hosted their annual youth basketball camp in June of 2014 that my brother partook in, while Singletary volunteered as a camp counselor. The two met and instantly clicked to form a friendship that persisted well after the camp had concluded. As a college freshman hooper at the time, I met Singletary for the first time in October of that same year, when he came down to my area and hosted his own youth camp, titled the ‘Sean Singletary Skills Academy.’ Getting into training appeared as the next step of focus for the UVA legend and I noticed right away how natural he was in teaching. The area camp, held in my former middle school, wound up as a successful turnout and I got to know a bit more about Singletary throughout the weekend.
In December 2014, during Christmas break, my brother and I stayed a few days with Singletary in Charlottesville, VA to put in some on-court work. It became the start of a regular occurrence for the next several summers and we really had a chance to pick apart the basketball mind of the former professional. Singletary thinks the game at the same level in which he plays, refusing to approach any drill/scenario that wouldn’t prove useful or ever take place in a game. He’s an elite skills trainer that knows how to integrate all sorts of activity: conditioning, footwork, efficiency are just a few. If one wished to improve their ball-handling, I’d definitely refer them to Singletary. He has all of the knowledge in what it takes to build upon that area especially. His training sessions took place in various parts of Virginia and his old hometown of Philly. Singletary also served as a coach for the annual National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 Camp in 2016 and 2017; coaching up many of the best high school prospects in the nation.
For this past 2018-19 season, Singletary actually turned away from the training aspect to head down the coaching route. After some searching, he landed a gig with the men’s basketball team at La Salle University (Philadelphia, PA). During the season, my family went to support Singletary and his squad twice, during away games at Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University. I wasn’t able to attend, but I remember my parents stating how happy Singletary seemed to be with his new position. I can’t wait to see what’s next for him in this everlasting post-career journey.
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There’s one word I feel that fits Singletary’s description best: perseverance. Indicative of his resume, he’s been through a lot in the last decade ever since those shining moments at UVA. His story shows that living as a professional comes with many unexpected happenings and times of difficulty, even if one had an outstanding college career likewise to his. As a guy who can relate to a basketball path of ups and downs, including a setback due to injury, I feel for him in a way. Obviously, I was never on his level, but I can relate to that struggle of striving for the biggest gain and ending up unaccomplished. That’s why I truly respect his motivation to keep on pushing through all of those obstacles. Still, when solely discussing his days as a Cavalier, Singletary looked nothing short of sensational. I’ve spent time in restaurants and other places with him, seeing how random fans recognize and walk up on him to share their admiration. He’s a living legend for the Hoos; a player who put his heart and soul into that program since day one. I know he’ll continue to hold onto to that perseverance, while using the game to keep making an impact.
If you haven’t come across it yet, be sure to check out my other articles of this ‘You Know ‘Hoo' series, feat. Justin Anderson and feat. Harold Deane, Jr. also! More pieces to release soon!