Saniah Tyler's mid-season confidence boost led to improvement

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Saniah Tyler, the guard standing at 5-foot-6 from Florissant, Missouri, found herself at Kentucky. After receiving 13 total offers from multiple Power Five schools, including Tennessee, Iowa, and Georgia, Tyler chose to attend the University of Kentucky.

The now sophomore has had her ups and downs, but at this point in the season, Tyler’s confidence has skyrocketed. Tyler owns 15 double-digit scoring performances this season and a career-high of 22 points (that she’s achieved twice). In her freshman year, however, Tyler only averaged 0.7 points per game. Granted, she only played in nine games as a newcomer, but she also only scored six total points across them.

Now, Tyler averages 9.9 points per game. The sophomore has drained 55 three-pointers this season and counting. And has a total scoring margin of 102-302 (33.8%) from the field. While that isn’t phenomenal, she’s majorly improved compared to the beginning of the season. Before conference play, Tyler was shooting 49-153 (32%) from the field.

After getting into SEC play, though, it seemed like something clicked offensively. She improved almost four percent from the field, shooting 53-149 (35.6%). From the perimeter, Tyler made 26 three-pointers for a 35.6 percent mark. While not the most efficient, Tyler is the type to never give up. She’ll keep shooting until something finds its way in the basket.

Tyler’s best performance of the season is likely her 22-point showing against Mississippi State. During that game, the guard made six three-pointers in only 21 minutes of play. Against Georgia on Feb. 4, Tyler went 4-4 from the perimeter and finished with 18 points. On Thursday against Ole Miss, Tyler only finished with 10 points and added a rebound and an assist. Now, the sophomore has 50 rebounds and 17 assists on the season.

After Thursday night’s loss to Ole Miss, the guard had a few things to say about her newfound confidence.

“Just knowing that I put the work in and knowing that I have the confidence in myself to make shots. Even when I have a slow start, and knowing that I put the work in, so there’s no reason to get worried about not making shots or not helping my team,” she said.

With year two under her belt, one can hope that Tyler will stick around for the next two. That way, Saniah Tyler can show Kentucky what she’s truly made of.