Friday Features: UWF's Tucker Rising to the Occasion
By Chris Megginson
Basketball has always been a team-first sport for University of West Florida senior
Darryl Tucker. He’s never been a consistent starter or star of the team, but a decision to stay in Pensacola over the summer and work hard to improve his game has changed that.
“I’ve always been a team-first guy. I tried to get the rebound and kick it out … That’s been one of my problems. For us to win, I have to score the ball,” Tucker said. “We actually lost games because I was being too passive. I really took that into account.”
Tucker, a 6-foot-7, 205-poind forward from Mount Vernon, New York, has taken command of the Gulf South Conference lead in rebounds per game (9.4) and field goal percentage, shooting 66.5 percent (139-209) as of Feb. 3 – the seventh-best performance in NCAA Division II.
The transition into what was going to be a starting role began over the summer, when Tucker chose to remain in Pensacola to work, hit the gym and break down film.
“I stayed in the gym, got stronger and really focused on my weaknesses and trying to do the best that I could, especially scoring wise,” Tucker said. “I didn’t think I was a good scorer other than dunking the ball. I really tried to work on other moves.”
Those improvements included being able to use his left hand and improving his free throws. Coach Jeff Burkhamer says Tucker can now beat players off the bounce, play faced up or hit a jump hook off the block – all shots Tucker didn’t realize he had.
“We thought he could be a good player, but he’s surpassed our thoughts. He has come into his own this year,” Burkhamer said. “I think he’s one of the best post players in the league. He continues to get better. He’s learned, he’s listened and he’s worked. I think that’s showing now with his play.”
During the last three weeks (Jan. 19-Feb. 3), Tucker has shot 80 percent (40-of-50) from the floor against GSC competition, including a combined 16-of-16 road performance at UNA and UAH in late January. He followed up the road trip with a career-high 33 points in a win over Lee University on Feb. 1 – the eighth-most points in a single-game in UWF history. His 22 boards against Miles in November ranks second in program history.
“He’s been so active and aggressive and kind of figured out if we throw it to him, we want him to score first before doing anything else … We need him to play well to give us a chance to win, and he’s embraced that role of being a go-to-guy. He’s a guy we know that’s going to battle every night and really wants to win,” Burkhamer said.
By the end of January 2018, Tucker had already matched his 2016-17 scoring total and now leads the Argos with 16.1 points per game. However, he is doing it all the way he’s most comfortable – coming off the bench.
“I started one or two games preseason and I did terribly. I came to Coach and told him I feel much better coming off the bench. I need two to three minutes, about until the first media timeout, to get the feel for the game, and then after that it’s pretty much over,” Tucker said.
Burkhamer said it all goes back to the summer.
“I’m just proud of his work ethic, especially over the summer to give him a chance to have a great senior season and a chance to play after college,” Burkhamer said. “I’m really proud of him and what he’s done and what he’s done to help us turn this program around.”
The turnaround includes a program record 21 wins and a No. 17 ranking in the Division II polls. In the record 21
st win, Tucker had 18 points and 12 rebounds for his league-leading ninth double-double. The Argos are seeking to make more program history, looking for their first GSC Championship and NCAA South Regional appearance.
Tucker wants to see both goals happen and then hopes to extend his career overseas, something that has now become a dream, and possibly a reality.
“I would never say never, because I never thought I’d be here (leading the team in scoring) in a million years. If I just keep working, I never know where I can go,” Tucker said. “I’m blessed. It shows hard work pays off.”
Follow Megginson on Twitter @jcmeggs. Email comments to megginsonjc@gmail.com.
Join in on the conversation using #FridayFeatures on Twitter and Facebook.
2017-18 Friday Features Archive
September 1 |
Mississippi College
September 8 |
Montevallo
September 15 |
Valdosta State
September 22 |
West Georgia
September 29 |
Alabama Huntsville
October 6 |
Union
October 13 |
West Alabama
October 20 |
West Florida
October 27 |
Delta State
November 3 |
Christian Brothers
November 10 |
Shorter
November 17 |
North Alabama
November 24 |
Lee
December 1 |
AUM
December 8 |
West Florida
Decemeber 15 |
Mississippi College
December 22 |
Lee
December 29 |
West Alabama
January 5 |
Valdosta State
January 12 |
Christian Brothers
January 19 |
Montevallo
January 26 |
AUM
February 2 |
Mississippi College