February 6, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN
After a two-day combine that took place in Indianapolis, IN, it was time for teams to make their selections in the 2022 TBL Draft. After random draw, the Connecticut Cobras were awarded the #1 pick in the draft. After much speculation that the Cobras could trade their pick away, they decided to remain as the first team to make a selection. When the Cobras were on the clock, the Cobras selected Scotty Tyler from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Ironically, this isn’t the first time that Tyler was selected in the TBL Draft. In fact, Tyler was selected in last year’s draft by the Waco Royals, but due to unannounced circumstances, Tyler would never suit up during the 2021 season. Scotty Tyler, a walking redemption story, will now look to the lead the charge for the Cobras in the 2022 season and follow the steps of past #1 picks such as Nigel Jones, whom was the 2021 TBL Rookie of the Year and led the San Diego Guardians to the TBL Championship series before losing to the Enid Outlaws in that same series. With a lot of pressure now on Tyler’s shoulders,Cobras Head Coach Sam Casey believes that Tyler will be the key piece to the Cobras winning a TBL Championship in their inaugural season.
Scott Tyler comes to the Cobras from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, but that is not where his collegiate career started. After being selected first team all-state in Wisconsin his senior year of high school, Tyler committed to NCAA DI school Idaho State University. After only averaging about 2 points per game, Tyler entered the NCAA transfer portal. Looking to remain playing at the DI level, Tyler transferred to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where he would sit out his first year there due to NCAA transfer rules. Tyler would have a slow start in his first year with the Panthers, but would end up staying for one more season. The 2015-16 season still did not meet up to expectations as Tyler would average under one point per game. Scotty Tyler needed a change and needed minutes to prove his worth. In Tyler’s last collegiate season, he would transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as his final destination. UW-W is a NCAA DIII institution in Whitewater, WI. During the 2016-17 season, Tyler would average 14.4 ppg, 1.1 spg, 6 rpg, and 1.2 blocks per game. This performance would award Tyler with a selection for the WIAC Player of the Week Award and Honorable Mention All-WIAC.
Now playing at the next level, Tyler will have the chance to show coaches what they were missing out on years ago. Head Coach Sam Casey saw something special about Tyler during the two-day combine and that is what led to his selection in the draft. “We like Scotty a lot. He can add value to our team. He is a stretch-four that can play on the inside and the outside. Our coach (Sam Casey) loved him. We thought he was a good fit when we interviewed him, so we are happy to have him.” said Cobras TMO Anthony Hill. Coach Casey is going to be able to display his coaching ability this season with this selection and will have eyes on him as TMO Anthony Hill will obviously have expectations for the #1 pick. You will be able to catch Scotty Tyler and the Cobras in action on March 4th, 2021 as they face off against the Reading Rebels at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT.
