Get to know Tyler Kolek
2023 Big East Player of the Year Tyler Kolek discusses how he has carried his grit and determination with him from his time at a George Mason to Marquette.
Overview
From Cumberland, Rhode Island, Kolek played his freshman year at George Mason and was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year after averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. However, Dave Paulson was fired in the offseason, so Kolek transferred to Marquette. In his first season as a Golden Eagle, he led the team with 5.9 assists per game. The following campaign, he was named the Big East Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Big East Tournament. As a senior, he led the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game and added 15.3 points en route to being named a 2nd-Team All-American.
Analysis
At 6-foot-3, Kolek is a polished floor general who’s fantastic at picking apart defenses via pick-and-rolls. He looks confident shooting from the top of the key when defenders go under screens, but he’s better as a catch-and-shoot option than a player hunting his jumper. Kolek shot better than 38% from deep in his final two campaigns at Marquette and finished his collegiate career with a 35.5 mark. He’s patient in the paint and has great touch around the rim with both hands. Kolek is an instinctual defender and can read passing lanes, but he has a lot of work to do on that end before being considered a strong two-way player at the pro level.
Projection
Kolek is a couple inches shorter than Luke Kennard and Austin Reaves but a couple inches taller than T.J. McConnell. The Marquette product’s game is a blend of all three NBA vets, but Kolek is likely better off operating as the primary ballhandler and offensive initiator for a second unit, similar to what McConnell has done for many years in Indiana. Kolek would likely need to be a 40% shooter from beyond the arc to be worthy of a starting spot on most NBA squads.
— Profile by RotoWire