Ulis announces departure for NBA Draft

Sports Staff

Sophomore guard Tyler Ulis announced on Wednesday he plans to take his talents to the NBA and sign with an agent.

Ulis is a projected top 20 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the latest Draft Express mock draft, and is currently slotted at No. 20 with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 5-foot-9 point guard displayed his dynamic offense and pesky defense at a consistent rate throughout the 2015-16 season, ultimately leading his team to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

The 2016 consensus first-team All-American and SEC Player of the Year also proved he will not shy away from the spotlight.

In the SEC Championship against Texas A&M, Ulis scored a career-high 30 points and dished out five assists. He poured in 26 points and eight assists against the then No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, and 27 points and three assists in his final game with UK against Indiana.

From Derrick Rose to John Wall to Brandon Knight, Ulis solidified himself as the next elite point guard under Hall-of-Fame coach John Calipari. Ulis even passed Wall for the most assists in a single season by a UK player (246).

The void Ulis leaves at the point guard spot for UK will be filled by incoming freshman De’Aaron Fox.