Tyler Ulis says awards prove that size doesn't matter

Despite the fact Kentucky didn't take the court, Tuesday was a productive day for Tyler Ulis, as he captured both the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The diminutive 5-foot-9 point guard became just the second player ever to win both awards, and is now officially the smallest player to be crowned the conference player of the year.

"I guess it proves that I obviously wasn't too small to play college basketball," Ulis said to reporters after practice. "I really don't like being scored on. I didn't really know if people noticed the defense I played. It was a surprise to me that I won the award. I'm happy to have it."

The defensive honor didn't surprise Jamal Murray, who joined his backcourt mate on the All-SEC first team.

"Everywhere you turn, he's always right there," Murray said, who faces the sophomore every day in practice. "When you get the ball, it's just a hassle. You just feel like he's so small, you want to just shove him out of the way, but it doesn't work that way. He's a pest."

Despite his less-than-imposing stature, Ulis posted prolific numbers of 18.3 points and 8.4 assists per game in conference play. While the numbers grab plenty of attention, it's his intelligence that often sets him apart on the floor. Something the Michigan native attributes to his lack of height.

"With my size," Ulis said. "I have to use my IQ to my advantage."

With Ulis and Murray forming arguably the best backcourt in the country, a long run in March could be in the cards for the Wildcats. Kentucky faces the winner of the Ole Miss-Alabama game on Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.