SEC: Why You Should Get Ready For Tyler Ulis’ Draft Stock To Soar

You can fail 10 times and if no one knows you, it won’t be the end of the world. Playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, that last sentence doesn’t apply.

Last year, Kentucky failed on the largest stage, only two games away from having an undefeated season. With the departure of last year’s entire starting lineup, their roster looks completely different. One of the players who stuck around and decided to better himself and his draft stock is none other than Tyler Ulis. This year his decision to stay in school for his sophomore year is going to pay off.

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Guess where Ulis draft stock is right now? Actually, according to most mock drafts, people don’t view Ulis as an NBA player and all of them couldn’t be more wrong.

It’s going to suck for Ulis around draft time when he leaves (no matter what year he enters) because people are going to dismiss his ability due to his size. Ulis stands at 5’8″, 155 pounds and you know how the narrative goes. There will be other point guards with much more “upside” and “potential,” two of the major buzzwords that get fans excited and general managers fired.

However, there aren’t many credible people drafting players with actual skill and talent. Nevertheless, if Ulis can have a solid sophomore season and show general managers that his size isn’t a cause for concern it could turn his career around.

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Back in 1998, the 5’5″ Earl Boykins wasn’t drafted either. All he did in college was average 25.7 points per game and get named as an All-American. In spite of the odds Boykins ended up having an NBA career that lasted more than 12 years. Guess all of those general managers were right about his NBA future too.

Even recently in this decade, look at the players who were drafted before Isaiah Thomas. He was a stud in college and still had his name selected after Nolan Smith, Norris Cole, Cory Joseph, Shelvin Mack, Darius Morris, Charles Jenkins, Andrew Goudelock and Josh Selby.

***Memo to NBA general managers: Wake up and watch more college basketball.***

Nevertheless, many people got a chance to see Ulis last year and recognize him not because of the small stature but because of the NBA level talent that he possesses. When it comes to evaluating a player the first question that should get asked is “Can they play?” not “How tall are they?”

For Ulis, the answer to the first question is a resounding yes. Last year it was debated if Ulis should be the starting point guard over Andrew Harrison, who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.

This year, Kentucky brings in a newcomer at the point guard position in five-star McDonald’s All-American Isaiah Briscoe, whose game often gets compared to Deron Williams. Ulis will once again have to prove himself because people will doubt him and wonder if he’ll be able to play consistently for 40 minutes a night.

That shouldn’t be a problem because the lightning quick point guard is a hound defensively and should win the starting job with ease. Ulis has been overlooked for most of his basketball life because of his size, and he uses his small stature as a strength on the court. 

The aforementioned defensive ability is one of the few traits that separates him from other players in college basketball. Ulis is already low to the ground so he’s got an advantage when it comes to getting into the pocket of his opponent in order for steals. Additionally, because his feet are so quick, he’s able to move laterally with the best players in the country. How many times last year was he close to drawing a five-second call? 

We haven’t even mentioned the offensive skill he possesses. Since Ulis is too quick for most of his opponents, he makes a living getting inside of the paint and feasting. When he gets into the lane, don’t expect him to only pass since he’s small, he’s got a floater in his arsenal, a jump stop jump shot, as well as a no-look pass equipped for battle. 

One of the most underrated parts of Ulis game truly is his intelligence. Last season when people were upset with Andrew Harrison it was because of his lack of aggression, but more so because of the careless turnovers and feeble-minded decision making. Ulis doesn’t have that problem. In fact, his basketball IQ is one of the reasons why Kentucky will be in good hands with him starting at point guard.  

Playing for the Big Blue Nation is like playing in every opponent Super Bowl and with one year of experience under his belt, Ulis already understands the pressures that come with playing for Kentucky. Before the end of the year, Kentucky will face a number of great teams including Ohio State, Louisville, and the rest of the immense talent within the Southeastern Conference. They’re going to need leadership and the person that’s going to bring it is Ulis. 

Now, if people are expecting another near undefeated season from Kentucky then they’re being way too demanding. This team isn’t going to win 35 or 36 games. If they set their sights a little lower and expect Kentucky to win around 24 games, then it’s not too bad. However, when it comes to Kentucky, when was the last time you heard a person say, “We’ll be satisfied with just an NCAA Tournament appearance.” This program only lives for the banners in the rafters. 

Starting Ulis this season might give Kentucky their best chance to do it and it might give him the attention needed to get drafted.

Next: SEC: Is This The Most Balanced Coaching Conference?

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