Villanova to rename locker room after Lowry for record $1M donation

Villanova is honoring one of their own.

Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, who spent two seasons with the Wildcats from 2004 to 2006, announced he is committing $1 million to the university towards the renovations of the team's home arena, the most ever donated to the institution by one of its former players, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's John Smallwood. In a show of gratitude, Villanova will rename the locker room at the stadium to the "Kyle Lowry Men's Basketball Locker Room" to honor their former floor general.

“On behalf of the Lowry family - Karter, Kameron, Ayahna and myself - we are honored to be able to have this opportunity to give back to Villanova University in this form," Lowry said.

In two seasons with the Wildcats, Lowry averaged 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 steals. Throughout his 12-year career, the 31-year-old has frequently shown his support for Villanova's basketball program, including in 2016 when he celebrated the Wildcats winning the national championship.

Villanova coach Jay Wright, who said earlier this year he was "ready to kill" Lowry after he missed his orientation, heaped praise on the three-time All-Star for his donation.

"Kyle Lowry was a great teammate who took tremendous pride in the Villanova basketball program,” Wright said. "This gift is another illustration of Kyle’s generosity to his fellow members of our basketball family.

"We're all very proud of the player and, more importantly, the man, Kyle has become."