John Lucas Predicts Tyler Ulis to Break All Point Guard Records at Kentucky
- Thread starter preacher_tom
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Except he won't be here four years. I've read coaches expect him to leave after this year. Staying doesn't really help him much, he'll never be a high draft pick given his size. I would be thrilled to have him one more year, so I hope my negative outlook is wrong.
Same here. His stock can only go so high. Add to that a weak year for point guards and I think he's out after this year.
Not sure I agree with the whole statement. However, I do think it's true that Ulis is in a bit of a unique situation to have a major career stat legacy here, because he's the first player we've had in some time who's both 1) talented enough rack up huge annual stats, BUT also 2) physically limited enough (because of his height) not to be considered a big time NBA prospect, and thus he might actually stick around for an entire career. Been awhile since we've had one of those guys here.
Of course with the way things go with Cal recruits he'll probably end up leaving early anyways.
Of course with the way things go with Cal recruits he'll probably end up leaving early anyways.
I absolutely don't agree that he has nothing to gain by staying after this year. For Tyler to succeed in the NBA, he is going to have to use every skill he has to its potential. Playing another 2 years will allow his body to mature more and for his court savvy to improve even more. He will need both of those to make it in the NBA. What I think is, the NBA isn't going to be beating down his door due to his height. Its just that simple, so drafting him before he fully matures doesn't make sense. Why risk the pick? Tyler will play in the league and play well, but physically he isn't there yet. I don't think they'll encourage him until he is mentally and physically ready.
I remember when Cal recruited Ulis, he told him if he thought of himself as a four year player, not to come to Kentucky. Agree he's gone after this year if he plays to the level of expectation.
While I can see how that's a great recruiting line--as it communicates the message that your coach expects you to go pro and get filthy rich--I must admit it still seems like a bit of an odd thing for a college coach to tell a kid, almost akin to "if you want to finish college don't come to my college..."
But I guess that's how the college hoops world works these days, and it's an approach that's surely worked incredibly well for Cal. But still....
But still what? What if he told Cal his dream is to play in the NBA and soon? Should Cal say hey you are 5'9 you are playing 4 years?
I could see this argument as well. If he is going to go 2nd round any year why not get bigger and better before leaving. Possibly ensuring long term success.
Of course the counter point is 2 fold:
1. You can acquire much more practice and strength/conditioning at the pro level.
2. Get paid while doing it, and get closer to 2nd contract earlier.
Ulis's ability to leave after this year might depend on his strength level. I'm well aware of the fact that his ceiling as a draft pick might not improve, but it's erroneous to think he could guard even one NBA lead guard as his current strength level.
He needs to get stronger, regardless of whether it's the NBA or overseas that he finds himself playing within in a year or two.
He needs to get stronger, regardless of whether it's the NBA or overseas that he finds himself playing within in a year or two.
The majority of kids leave before they're ready for the NBA. Tyler will be no exception. He can get stronger in college or he can get stronger on an NBA roster making a couple million dollars. However, the biggest reason I think he goes is because of the weak draft next year. The '16 class is loaded, especially with guards.
But really how often does that work out for players that decide to go that route? I would say not many. They end up getting buried at the end of the bench or in the D League, unless you are a top 1-10 pick with uber potential. I'm sure it works for some but I think a much safer play is to return to school. JMO though.
Just because Cal wants the kid to believe he'll be ready to leave early doesn't mean it won't be in the kids best interest to stay. Cal knows this as well.
If John Wall had stayed all 4 years, he would have broken all point guard records too.
Yeah, that is by far the best PG to ever play at UK. It really isn't close. Wall at MINIMUM would have near replicated his stats from his frosh season over the next 3 years and shattered every record UK had at the position. Same thing with AD.
That's why stats are overrated at times when looking at players. Magic Johnson is the best PG in NBA history, but does not lead the all time assists list.
As for Ulis, I hope he stays 4 years, but doubt it happens. I'm sure you can expect UK's entire starting 5 to be gone after this season...again, just like many years. That said, will be a fun ride, and probably another Final Four. Beyond that, who knows.
That's true. However, in most scenario it is for kid's best interest when you are as skilled and polished as Ulis will likely be in coming season.
Yes, he'll be highly skilled, but physically not there yet. Foe someone like Tyler, going too early could doom him to playing overseas. He can't compete wth physicality of NBA men, not now. He may well leave but I hope for him that he doesn't.
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