Tyler Kolek learns important less in first game as NBA pro

BOSTON Be ready at all times.

That was the primary lesson that Cumberlands own Tyler Kolek learned on his first night as an NBA regular-season participant.

Summoned with 5:24 remaining of Tuesdays clobber-fest at the TD Garden, Kolek went to work and drilled his first shot attempt as a member of the New York Knicks.

Not surprisingly, the ultra-confident guard drained a three-pointer that represented one of the few bright moments for his team.

The sight of Kolek wasting little time fitting into the fray spoke volumes about a player who spent three-plus quarters in unfamiliar territory.

Whether we're talking high school or college, Kolek was regarded as the top alpha dog or a close proxy of a player whose name appeared near the top of the scouting report.

Now, hes likely looking at game nights where he waits to see if New York head coach Tim Thibodeau calls upon his services.

More likely than not, Kolek figures to be summoned when the game is out of reach, which proved to be the case Tuesday night.

When he checked in, the Celtics led by 30 points (130-100).

The outcome was no longer in jeopardy, yet to Kolek, the scoreboard might as well flashed 0-0.

Finally, it was time to get after it on the famed parquet.

To Kolek, it was about serving notice that he was still locked in and fully engaged even though he was watching the proceedings from the bench.

The last thing he wanted to do was give off the impression that he was no different than the rest of the paying customers watching the Celtics tickle the twine with a three-point barrage that saw them flirt with NBA history.

It was about remaining vigilant and understanding that your number could be called with little notice.

After registering a plus-seven in five minutes, it would appear that Kolek lived up to the mantra that for now defines his NBA existence.

Just be ready at any time.

I could be sitting there, never knowing if Im going to get in the game.

Just have to be a professional and get my body ready when the time comes, said Kolek after the Knicks fell to the defending champion Celtics, 132-109.

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