Reed Sheppard (UK Athletics Photo)
If there is anyone who understands what guard play should look like on a basketball court, it’s got to be former Kentucky standout Tyler Ulis.
He was the 2016 Southeastern Conference player of the year in voting by the media and league coaches but was also the league’s defensive player of the year. The 5-9 Ulis was a McDonald’s All-American in high school and also an All-American at UK for his play during the 2015-16 season.
Ulis averaged 16.6 points per game and led the SEC in assists at 7.4, good for sixth nationally, during the 2015-16 season. His 3.8 assist-to-turnover ratio also was best in the SEC and fifth best in the country. Ulis averaged 18.3 points and 8.4 assists per game in SEC play with seven double-digit assist outings and eight double-doubles.
Ulis also led Kentucky in assists during the 2014-15 season when the Cats opened the season 38-0.
So when Ulis said it was no surprise to him that UK’s young guards played so well during the recent four games in Canada.
“These guys respect each other. They are selfless. They are just here to make it work.
I feel like it is going to be a fun year and these guys will be special,” Ulis told Tom Leach of the UK Sports Network after the gold medal win over Canada.
Here’s what he said about freshmen guards Rob Dillingham, DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard:
— Dillingham: “He is a baller, always in the gym. He is quick and he gets his game going.”
— Wagner: “He is strong, he is physical. He does not play like an 18 year old kid. He wants the moment.”
— Sheppard: “I love Reed. His passing, he blocked six 3-pointers. I just want him to be a lot more aggressive.”
Ulis told Leach this season was “going to be a lot of fun” because of the roster options coach John Calipari would have because of the talented freshmen.
“They love the game. They are always in the gym. We have to force them out of the gym,” Ulis said. “They understand they have to share to win and we all eat when we win.”
4 Responses
I can’t wait to see Tyler serve as head cat. 4-6 years no more!
Man i liked Tyler when he played for Kentucky and I like him coaching for Kentucky we are lucky to have him on are coaching staff he’s never been afraid to speak up and I think he’s just what these kids need it’s going to be a good year for the wildcats
I can’t wait till Tyler is KYs head coach one day!!!! And why can’t we start our4 (point guards) as everybody calls them along with our 2 7ftrs n bring Trey off the bench?
Bc that would be 6 players on the floor haha