Tyler Hendricks, Twin Of Utah Jazz Forward, Transfers To UVU

OREM, Utah- Todd Phillips and the Utah Valley Wolverines are adding to next year’s roster through the transfer portal, picking up 6’6 guard Tyler Hendricks from Central Florida.

Tyler could be a key addition to the team, and will also be just down the street from his twin brother, Taylor, who plays forward for the Utah Jazz.

 

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Tyler Hendricks At UCF

Tyler was a sophomore this past season for the 20-17 UCF Knights, who finished 12th in the Big 12 Conference.

Hendricks’ games played and minutes per game average nearly doubled from his freshman year to his sophomore year, but he still only played a sliver over 12 minutes per game.

Tyler averaged 3.2 points per game and shot 44% from the field, and while these numbers don’t jump off the page, Hendricks really picked up his production toward the end of the year, especially in the season during the College Basketball Crown.

When other members of the UCF team entered the transfer portal before the tournament began, Hendricks had the opportunity for increased playing time, and he took advantage of it.

In the Knights’ four-game championship run, Tyler averaged 11.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and shot an impressive 50% from beyond the arc. Hendricks even posted a double-double against Oregon State in the opening round with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He also knocked down three of five three-pointers.

During the College Basketball Crown, Tyler Hendricks proved his ability against three high-major programs and hopefully showed Utah Valley fans what they can expect from him next season.

UCF sophomore Tyler Hendricks in the win over Oregon State

15 points
10 boards
1 assist
1 block
2 steals
6-8 FG
3-5 3FG
27 VAL

Amazing all around performance by the 6’6 SG in the win over Oregon State. He’s a great spot-up shooter, reads well the game and good defender.

He… pic.twitter.com/ZI8TUDDobY

— Nik Kohek Narobe (@nik_kohek) April 4, 2025

Tyler’s Twin Brother Taylor

Taylor Hendricks also played his college ball at UCF, but only stuck around for one year after averaging 15.1 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game for the Knights.

In 2023, the Utah Jazz selected Taylor ninth overall, and he got a lot of action in his rookie season. He played in 40 games, starting in 23 of them, averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

Coming into 2024-25, he was poised to make a jump, but just three games into the season, Taylor suffered a gruesome leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks and was out for the rest of the season. Hendricks underwent a successful surgery.

RELATED: Taylor Hendricks Taken Out On Stretcher Following Leg Injury In Dallas

Before even watching Hendricks, it’s easy to recognize that the Knights freshman has one of the most impressive statistical profiles in all of college basketball as a scorer, rebounder, and shooter.

Standing 6-foot-9 with a 210 lbs frame, Hendricks has prototypical size for a modern big man and could potentially see time on the floor at all three frontcourt positions.

His smooth shooting stroke, mixed with his size will be a strong combo to keep him in the NBA well beyond his rookie contract.

Have some questions surrounding Taylor Hendricks' on-ball upside given his footwork, balance, and handle, but there were some nice flashes of shooting OTD that he showed this year where his high release made it tough for defenders to contest his shots pic.twitter.com/TwEpBeOROe

— Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) May 1, 2023

Though it wasn’t his primary role in college, Hendricks showed rare flashes as a face-up threat, taking his man off the dribble and finishing at the rim. With further development and improved NBA spacing, he could become more of a shot-creator than he was in college.

While he averaged only 1.4 assists per game, Hendricks has a knack for making quick passes near the rim to teammates cutting to the basket. There’s a strong likelihood that the lack of talent around him at UCF hurt his assist numbers.

Defensively, Hendricks offers excellent length, especially near the rim, where he showed strong instincts as a shot-blocker, swatting 1.7 shots per game. The Florida native gets off the floor quickly to challenge shots at the rim and does so with excellent verticality.

Due to his length and athleticism, Hendricks projects as a potentially high-level switch defender on the perimeter, something every team in the NBA is looking for.

Tanner Tripp is a sports writer for KSL Sports covering all teams across the state of Utah. Follow him on X @tanner_tripp and Instagram @tanner.tripp here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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