CBS Puts Two Kentucky Rookies in its Top-10 Summer League List

by:Bobby Reagan07/21/16
ulis-sons With Summer League all wrapped up, everyone is starting to write about their takeaways from the time spent in Las Vegas. Well, CBS gave its top-10 rookie rankings from the Las Vegas Summer League and two UK guys found their way on the list. Tyler Ulis - who everyone is raving about, not shocking for anyone who ever watched him play - came in as the No. 3 most impressive rookie behind Jaylen Brown and Ben Simmons. Not bad considering they were two of the first three picks of the NBA Draft. Here's what they had to say about Tyler: The Suns may have found a steal in the second round with Ulis. Earning All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors, Ulis averaged 14.5 points and 6.3 assists (third overall) in Vegas. Looking like a poised and seasoned point guard, Ulis excelled at running Phoenix's offense and relentlessly used his speed to score against taller defenders. Phoenix is loaded in the backcourt, so playing time will be at a premium for Ulis. Yet, if he is able to carry his summer league performance over to the regular season, the Suns will have to give him a consistent role off the bench. That assessment of Ulis coming off the bench is accurate. A lot of people will overreact and immediately think Ulis deserves to start, but the Suns do have Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe to run point. Letting Ulis come in off the bench gives the second unit a floor leader and a guy that can get the offense going by driving and kicking. If the Suns are struggling during the first half of the year and Ulis is playing well though, don't be surprised to see the Suns start to shop Knight. The second Kentucky player on the list? Skal checking in at No. 9. Here's his recap: One of the players that remained in the green room for far longer than many expected on draft night, Labissiere could end up making other teams regret that decision. He is definitely a work in progress but Labissiere put up solid numbers in Vegas with averages of 11 points (on 45.8 percent shooting) and 5.8 rebounds. He showed skill on offense and was also an effective rim protector at times. The Kings have a rather discombobulated roster so it is hard to see Labissiere getting serious playing time but his potential is quite evident. While it's not surprising to see Kentucky guys getting love, it's always nice to see.

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