Tyler Ulis Has Inaugural Camp at Marian Catholic High School

Chicago Heights and Tyler Ulis have a unique connection.

Tyler’s love for basketball began as he was playing for Small Fry Basketball with the Chicago Heights Park District. When it came time to choose a high school, it was an easy choice to attend Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights.

“Marian’s a great place to be,” said Tyler Ulis. “That’s one of the reasons that I went to school there, great people come out of Marian Catholic,” stated Tyler.

On Saturday, Tyler Ulis brought an inaugural basketball camp for kids to his alma mater.

“It feels good to be back,” said Tyler Ulis. “Having this at my school, my event, this is something I’ve always dreamed of as a kid. Giving back to younger guys who look up to you,” he added.

Marian Catholic Varsity Basketball Coach Mike Taylor was excited to offer the first ever basketball camp hosted by an NBA player at the school.

“First of all, this is a testament to Tyler and his family that they wanted to come back to Marian,” said Coach Taylor. “Marian had a big impact on his life. This camp is something that is going to grow over the years,” added Taylor.

Tyler Ulis was the first Marian Catholic alumnus drafted by the NBA.

“Tyler’s talent was pretty hard to miss” Taylor said. “He’s not only naturally gifted, he has a tremendous work ethic and a desire to be as good as he wants to be. That has been evident since the day I met him,” added Coach Taylor.

James Ulis, the father of Tyler explains the work ethic that has given his son a never give up attitude.

“When Tyler was in 4th grade, he wrote a paper and put his career that he was going to be an NBA player one day,” explains James Ulis. “As I began to watch him play and see him beat some of the best competition, I thought, ‘He is looking good.’ Watching him work hard you think, ‘Oh my, this kid has an opportunity.’ I knew this would happen. We’ve been talking about this since he was 14,” Ulis said.

At 14 years old, Tyler Ulis was a starter for the varsity basketball team at Marian Catholic.

His dad, James Ulis recalls how he found out about the school.

“He went to Marian Catholic because of my relationship with the Dee family,” explains James Ulis. “John Dee coached Tyler at Chicago Heights Small Fry Basketball. Dee took them down to the National Championship down in Florida where they won. This all started because I wanted the best for my son.”

What is a favorite memory for the father of an NBA player?

“My favorite moment happened in this gym,” recalls James Ulis. “Marian was playing Brother Rice, Tyler was a junior. The game was tied. There were 12 seconds left; the ball goes out of bounds. Tyler is known for not being rushed when he plays. He controls the game; he controls the clock. I hear a guy yelling ‘Tyler’s got to hurry!’ Here Tyler is, taking his time, not letting anyone rush him. He drives to the bucket, does a turnaround and hits the game winner. The crowd goes crazy. Out of that crowd, my youngest son Ahron runs on the court after Tyler. He makes it there in the middle of the court with everyone surrounding them. That was the greatest moment at Marian.”

In 2016, the Phoenix Suns selected Tyler Ulis in the second round of the NBA draft. Who was the first General Manager of the Phoenix Suns? None other than Chicago Heights’ favorite former resident Jerry Colangelo. Basketball life at the age of 21 has already come full circle for Tyler Ulis.

“It shows you how small the world is,” said Tyler Ulis. “There are connections all over. Even in Phoenix, I see alumni from Marian Catholic.”

Before Ulis ended his skills camp, he had advice for the young campers.

“Stay focused and work hard,” said Tyler. “You have to make a lot of sacrifices to make it to the NBA. They are the best players in the world. Obviously if you don’t work on your game, you’re going to fall short,” he added.

To learn more about the athletics programs at Marian Catholic High School, please contact Athletic Director at Marian Catholic, Kevin Kelly at 708-755-7565 X 4640.