Who’s Got Next? Point Guards Jalen Brunson and Tyler Ulis Square Off
Posted by Sean Moran on January 28th, 2014
Who’s Got Next? is a weekly column by Sean Moran, the RTC recruiting guru. Once a week he will bring you an overview of what’s going on in the complex world of recruiting, from who is signing where among the seniors to discussing the recruitments of the top uncommitted players in the country. We also encourage you to check out his contributions at The Intentional Foul dedicated to recruiting coverage and analysis. You can also follow Sean at his Twitter account @Seanmohoops for up-to-date news from the high school and college hoops scene. If you have any suggestions as to areas we are missing or different things you would like to see, please let us know at rushthecourt@yahoo.com.
Note: Scout.com used for all player rankings.
The Match-Up: Tyler Ulis vs. Jalen Brunson
The top two point guards in the state of Illinois faced off against each other Saturday night in a much anticipated match-up of contrasting styles. Four-star senior point guard Tyler Ulis of Marian Catholic (IL) has a game built on speed and quickness and is currently rated as the No. 6 point guard in the class of 2014 and No. 29 overall. His opponent, four-star junior guard Jalen Brunson, is ranked as the No. 2 point guard and No. 29 overall in the class of 2015 and has a game built on smarts and a feathery jump shot.
Jalen Brunson and Tyler Ulis went head to head on Saturday night – photo courtesy of the Chicago Tribune
Jalen, the son of former NBA journeyman Rick Brunson picked up the win, leading the way with 32 points on 9-of-15 shooting. After a 12-point fourth quarter, Brunson’s Stevenson (IL) team took a 55-38 lead into the final quarter. Despite the deficit, the 5’9” Ulis and future Kentucky guard came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of his 23 points in the final stanza in a comeback that fell just short. Both point guards had strong games, but it was the younger Brunson who was more efficient and came away with the win.
