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Kentucky

Former Kentucky basketball star injured in car accident in Michigan

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•02/28/22•

BarkleyTruax

Kentucky basketball
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Tyler Ulis, a former Kentucky star point guard who had a brief stint in the NBA, was injured in a car accident in Michigan, Wildcats head coach John Calipari announced Monday afternoon. The injuries are not life threatening.

“One of my most competitive players, whose will to win inspired me, had a car accident in Michigan. We’ve been in touch, but let’s send some prayers, #BBN. He’s had some setbacks and fate has intervened a few different times,” Calipari tweeted. “I’m here for you [Tyler Ulis] until the wheels fall off!!”

Ulis quote tweeted Calipari, thanking him for the public well wishes.

The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker was in contact with Ulis’ father after the crash, who said everyone was thankful the car crash was not worse and that he should make a full recovery.

Ulis shared a photo of himself with both arms and one leg bandaged/casted in a now-deleted Instagram story, Ulis let everyone know he will be back better than ever. “Thank you to all my family, friends, and fans who have checked in on me. It is much appreciated. Another setback but I’m blessed to still have my life. God is real. God is good. Check on y’all people never know when their name will be called.”

Ulis, who played at Kentucky from 2014-2016, is the only Kentucky player in history to ever win the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award (2016). He is remembered as one of the best and most beloved Wildcats of the Calipari era. On top of that, he was also a First Team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP and First Team All-SEC selection.

Averaging 36.8 minutes over two seasons at Kentucky, Ulis averaged 17.3 points per game on a 40.6 percent clip to go along with three rebounds and 1.5 steals. He broke John Wall’s single-season assist record with 246 en route to leading the Wildcats to a 27-9 record in his sophomore season, a share of the SEC regular season championship as well as a SEC Tournament title. Ulis also shot an impressive 38.6% from beyond the arc and 85.6% from the free throw line throughout his career.