By LARRY VAUGHT
During his one season at Kentucky, winning mattered a lot more to Tyrese Maxey than what might happen with the NBA Draft.
“My thing at Kentucky was, you know, Coach Cal said he had a role for me to play there, and that’s what I did. I wanted to win games, and I wanted to try to win a national title. That was the only thing that was on my mind at the University of Kentucky is trying to help your team win a national title, do whatever it takes, do whatever Coach Cal needs you to do, and try to get better and work on your game, your overall game,” Maxey said after he was picked No. 21 in the NBA Draft by Philadelphia.
“No matter what you have to do at Kentucky, work on your overall game for the future. That’s what I did. After the year was over, I sat down with him (Calipari) and he said he thought I was ready. And we made that step.”
Some had projected Maxey as a lottery pick. Falling out of the lottery only motivates Maxey to do even more with the 76ers.
“I think I always play with a chip on my shoulder just because that’s just how I am,” Maxey said. “I’m extremely grateful for where I ended up. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m very thankful for Philly for giving me this shot.
“I’m going to go out there and give it 110 percent and give it my all and make sure it’s not a regret.”
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