Ulis, Murray named All-Americans by USA Today

Guard+Tyler+UIis+of+the+Kentucky+Wildcats+drives+in+the+lane+during+the+game+against+the+LSU+Tigers+at+Rupp+Arena+in+Lexington%2C+Ky.+on+Saturday%2C+March+5%2C+2016.+UK+defeated+LSU+94-77+to+finish+the+season+23-8.+Photo+by+Michael+Reaves+%7C+Staff.
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Guard Tyler UIis of the Kentucky Wildcats drives in the lane during the game against the LSU Tigers at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, March 5, 2016. UK defeated LSU 94-77 to finish the season 23-8. Photo by Michael Reaves | Staff.

March 7, 2016

UK’s backcourt of freshman Jamal Murray and sophomore Tyler Ulis gained more traction with its claims of being the best in America as both players were announced to All-American teams Monday by USA Today. 

Ulis’ season averaged of 16.6 points per game and 7.4 assists (sixth nationally) per game were enough to earn him a spot on First Team All-American. He is joined by Buddy Hield (Oklahoma), Brice Johnson (North Carolina), Jakob Poeltl (Utah) and Denzel Valentine (Michigan State). 

Murray boasts the highest scoring average of a UK player under head coach John Calipari at 20 points per game. Murray has hit a three in every game for the Cats this season. He joins Grayson Allen (Duke), Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia), Perry Ellis (Kansas), and Yogi Ferrell (Indiana) on Second Team. 

Adding to the accolades, Ulis was also named one of the five finalists for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award. The award is given out by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Ulis would be the first UK player to win the award.