Former Kentucky Basketball star, Tyler Ulis Silences Critics with Near Triple-Double

Tyler Ulis, the former Kentucky Basketball fan favorite, has a new motto: heart over height.

At Kentucky, fans were used to seeing Tyler Ulis with multiple double-doubles with points and assists. He only averaged 2.4 rebounds a game in his 2-year career while wearing a Kentucky Basketball uniform. Ulis plays with a tenacity that few can match, and his work ethic has already begun paying dividends.

Early in the season, and coming into the NBA, Ulis’ height was an immediate knock on his stock. But, his ability to run the floor and play the game at such an efficient level was enough for the Sun’s to take a chance on him. Since the Sun’s season has been utterly disappointing, they have decided to shut former Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe down for the season.

This provided an opportunity for Ulis to show if he had what it takes to play on this elite level. Provided the opportunity, he has done nothing but prove his worth. Averaging 12.9 points and 9.1 assists a game over the last ten games, the living personification of heart over height.

Stat-Sheet Stuffer

Last night, the seemingly tanking Phoenix Suns took on the third seeded Houston Rockets. The Rockets decided to rest heavy-MVP candidate James Harden in preparation for the playoffs. Tyler Ulis started this game matched up against Patrick Beverly, notorious for his hard-nosed defense on the perimeter.

Early in the game, it was evident it was Ulis’ night, where he had 14 points at the half, only six points shy of his career high. He came out the second half on fire, scoring 20 points, for a grand total of 34 points on 15-22 shooting. Did I mention he was crazy efficient?

Tyler Ulis did it from everywhere on the court, with three-pointers falling and mid-range jumpers looking as smooth as ever. While his scoring was impressive, he also managed to tally nine assists and nine rebounds (yeah that’s right, NINE rebounds). I’m truly amazed at the intensity Ulis plays with, clearly showing that height doesn’t effect his ability to impact every aspect of the game. He managed to pull down 2 offensive rebounds en route to his career high.

Once again the Suns took the loss, but Kentucky came out winning. Tyler Ulis is now the eleventh Kentucky player to score at least 30 points in a game, THIS season alone. For critics saying that Kentucky players are “underwhelming” once they reach the NBA, I just point them towards that stat line alone.

Needless to say, Kentucky basketball has consistently put guys into the league that make true impact. Read more about what our Cats are doing in my boy Jonathan Coffman’s piece “He Did What?”. Check out this video of Tyler Ulis highlights of his career night. (Skip to the 0:36 mark for the beginning of the highlights.)

Next: Ranking the top five Kentucky players to wear No. 5