New Arkansas Assistant: A Significant Appointment
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Point guard Tyler Ulis, a former standout player for Kentucky, has become John Calipari’s third assistant coach on his Arkansas staff.
During his Tuesday podcast, Ways to Win, with Craig Robinson, Caliapri made the hiring announcement. Ulis was a student assistant for the Wildcats for the previous two seasons.
Ulis played for the Wildcats for two seasons as an undersized floor general in Lexington. Though he was a part of Kentucky’s undefeated regular season, the team lost in the 2015 NCAA Tournament Final Four. As a rookie, he averaged over four assists per game, which led the team.
He returned to numerous preseason awards as a sophomore, including first-team All-SEC recognition. All national commentators unanimously selected Ulis as an All-American after he averaged 17 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. During his time in college, he converted 43% of field goals, 37% of three-pointers, and 85% of free throws.
Despite being 5-foot-9 according to NBA Combine measurements, he was not the shortest player selected; he was only a fraction of an inch shorter than Kay Felder. Phoenix selected Ulis with the 34th overall choice in the 2016 NBA Draft, and he excelled in summer league play.
Ulis appeared in one game during the 2018–19 season with the Bulls and played two whole seasons for the Suns. Over the course of three years, he made 58 starts in 133 games.
The former guard for Kentucky averaged seven points per game throughout his career while making 40% of his field goals and 81% of his free throws.
Calipari stated, He gets picked in the second round; he’s in Phoenix.” “I’m observing him as he plays. He is amazing. At 300 pounds, he was fighting through screens. You’re not uploading him; they tried to post him.
“They operate on him because of a hip injury. Then it impacts him by turning into muscles in his abdomen. Subsequently, on his way home, he gets into an automobile accident that nearly results in the amputation of his leg. I told them to come down here and finish their degree. I will have you on my staff. He’s also accompanying me to Arkansas.
Ulis hasn’t started his assistant recruiting journey at the collegiate level, which might not be a terrible thing. Because he can relate to players who have been out of the college basketball environment for less than ten years, his youth will be crucial.
His work experience is another great asset. He is aware of what it takes to get there, the precise qualities that general managers, scouts, and coaches look for in a player, and how to become an exceptional rookie.
