Better Know A Cliff Tucker
I think I am starting to lose control of this blog. When I am checking my own blog for updates from Diamondback Russ; I think it is safe to say I am no longer in control. I have to say that I love it. Keep up the great work, Russ.
Now, back to my 12-part series on the returning/incoming players to the program. Over the last few weeks, I’ve profiled Mosley (briefly), Eric Hayes, and Braxton Dupree. Now, let’s tackle the player that I think will make the biggest improvement over last year’s performance.
As a point of comparison, let’s look at Cliff’s freshman stats as compared to Terrance Morris’ freshman year. Morris nearly doubled Tucker in points, but to be fair, T-Mo played with a less crowded bench and at the same time a better supporting cast of starters. Three of Morris’ teammates would play in the NBA (Ekezie, Profit, and Jasikevicus), and Terrell Stokes was a steadier point guard. Sure, Vasquez delivered more dimes, but as we all painfully know; he also led the ACC in turnovers.
Nevertheless, I think the comparison is fair. Both Morris and Tucker are gifted athletes that have a knack for making the tough plays look easy. Both are lean and possess a smooth stroke. Sure, Morris is taller and played a different position, but I think we could see a similar leap in production with Tucker that we saw with Morris between his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
Morris improved from 7.4ppg to 15.3ppg. I think Tucker can do the same.
Last season, Cliff Tucker displayed flashes of absolute brilliance. Against Illinois, Tucker dazzled with a barrage of threes and dazzling finishes. Simply put, Tucker is the best athlete on the team.
Despite his natural abilities, Landon Milbourne will be the starter heading into fall practice. Tucker, however, should be breathing down his neck. Tucker has the better repertoire of skills, but Milbourne is more game tested. My sense is that whichever man can play consistently on both ends of the floor (something that rarely happened last year); will get the starting nod.
Someone will need to replace James Gist’s point production next year. To me it is clear that Tucker has the higher ceiling than Milbourne and is the only returning player with the potential to give the Terps 15ppg (besides Vasquez). Gary Williams must give Tucker the opportunity to assert himself and become the number 2 option in the half court.
A Cliff Tucker who averages 15ppg will take tons of pressure off the Terps young frontcourt. Maryland will still need inside scoring, but if Cliff Tucker and Grevis Vasquez are giving the Terps 30 points per night, than the big guys (Glichrist, Burney, and Dupree) can focus on rebounding and defense.
Clearly, much is in flux. Mosley needs to get eligible. Bobby Maze may not come to College Park, but Tyree Evans could. Who knows? Even Greivis could leave. One thing is for sure, Cliff Tucker will be an integral part of both the success and failure of next year’s team.
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21 Responses to “Better Know A Cliff Tucker”
April 15th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I echo your enthusiasm for the blog. Thanks, Jeremy for the forum and the “inside” scoop from Russ & Co. is great, too.
Regarding Tucker, there is an image I have from the 2nd WF game. Towards the end of the game (it was a clutch situation) when the Terps were in trouble, he jumped through the roof to grap an offensive board. The guy can leap!
I’m not sure whether his offense is any better than Milbourne’s. I think they are both capable offensively. Replacing Gist’s offense may come from a combination of the two.
In Milbourne’s favor, besides more experience he is also a couple of inches taller, which helps with some match-ups. In Tucker’s favor, he is a better all around player. First, Tucker plays better defense. Note that both Tucker and Milbourne had 21 steals last season even though Tucker averaged 9 fewer Minutes per game. Also, Tucker was usually one of the few Terps who took care of the b-ball last year (although I remember that he had at least one stinker in there too - I think it was Clemson). Finally, Tucker is faster. He is a fast break machine.
As I speculated in the last thread, there is going to be BIG competition next year for the most improved player….it could be that there are co-winners. Why Tucker won’t get it, IMO, is that he was too good last year. I look to Gregory, Walker Dupree or Burney to have break-through years. Tucker will get best freshman for last year, however.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Cliff Tucker is a great athlete still learning how to play ball. He is not a great shooter but is a streaky shooter. His basketball instincts aren’t very good. In simple terms — he is the type of recruit GW loves. Under the radar, tough as nails, and determined to improve. But when you get an offensive rebound in the lane and shoot an uncontested 12 foot jumper that draws nothing but air you need to improve your basketball instincts. The 2008-09 Terps need improvement at every position. If they get that improvement and the recruits are eligible we could be in for 2 - 3 very good years. If not we could be looking at the Hipp, Rhodes, Stokes explosion of a decade ago.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I think the media is rather lazy so they are getting some information from reading this website. Some things I read in the media are things I can’t find evidence of anywhere else except for here.
This is the most interesting offseason I can remember for Terps basketball. It will be really interesting to see how things play out.
Mosley reminds me a little bit facially of John Lucas. I was watching Mosley on the highlights and he looks very effortless, as if he’s just gliding around, doing what he needs to do.
I am still a Tucker fan. I think he has tremendous potential, more than anybody else who played last year for the team.
Nobody is talking much about Gilchrist right now, but he could be a huge factor. Everybody said he was the best player in practice.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I don’ t know if air balling a 12 foot jumper has anything to do with basketball instincts…maybe basketball skills. But he does need to improve just like they all do.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Video of Terps Recruit Tim Nolan
http://www.snotr.com/embed/612
April 15th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=8&toinid=357&cfg=bb&yr=2009
April 15th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
From ScoutHoops.com. “Shooting star Tyree Evans is headed for the ACC. The well-traveled Richmond native picked an ACC power over a Pac-10 leader on Tuesday.” A subscription is needed to read the rest of the article. I am bothered by the fact this guy has been charged in the past with statutory rape and has been dismissed from a juco team for detrimental conduct.
April 15th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
ACC/Big Ten Challenge schedule is out.
Finally, we don’t have to play Illinois or Wisconsin.
On Wednesday night December 3rd it will be:
Michigan at Maryland
The Wolverines were horrible last year, but should improve with another year under John Beilein. That being said, if we lose this one, ugh!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Just got forwarded an email with the same info Samster just posted. The email I got also said Maze is reportedly going to sign a letter of intent tomorrow and continue to take summer classes to make sure he qualifies. If both of these guys come, someone is definitely leaving. Speculation on who that will be is all over the place. We’re definitely getting crowded in the backcourt. I think anyone could be leaving at this point.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Gary needs to recruit Tim Nolan. He’s got more value than Dave Neal. I like him as an option for a last second shot! Haha
April 15th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Per Gregg’s terrific heads-up, I found more info.
“North Carolina will play Michigan State at Detroit’s Ford Field and Duke will play at Purdue in next season’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
As expected, N.C. State will be left out of the made-for-TV event for the first time because it finished last in league play. The Big Ten features 11 teams; the ACC has a dozen.”
Here’s the schedule:
Monday, Dec. 1
Wisconsin at Virginia Tech
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Duke at Purdue
Clemson at Illinois
Ohio State at Miami
Virginia at Minnesota
Iowa at Boston College
Wednesday, Dec. 3
North Carolina vs. Michigan State (Ford Field, Detroit)
Indiana at Wake Forest
Michigan at Maryland
Florida State at Northwestern
Penn State at Georgia Tech
“For the fourth straight season, the 11 games will include two telecasts on ESPNU. ESPN and ESPN2 will televise the rest of the games.
The ACC has won all nine of the Challenges, winning 56 of the 86 games.”
April 15th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Read all the Tucker posts, good writing guys. One thing I’d like to see from GW next year is open competition for each position. Yes, that includes GV too.
With what we have gone through the last four years, I think it is time for Maryland basketball to be more of a meritocracy. A player should have to earn everything.
I know if I was on the roster and had just as good a shot at winning a starting position as the next guy, I’d be busting my butt all summer and fall long to win it. If I felt I would probably come off the bench because a junior or senior played the same position, it would be quite a demotivator.
Do you all agree? Think Tucker Vs Milbourne. Let them go at it and let the best man win the starting job. Same thing with the other four positions.
April 15th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
PT — “basketball instincts” include shooting a straight on 12 footer with your eyes closed. It’s muscle memory just like shooting free throws. If you’re a gym rat you don’t miss by 2 feet because you’ve made that shot 1000 times. Tucker is still more “athlete” than “baller” look at his shooting percentage. He’s a good prospect but not a baller. Did you play? If so, you would understand.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I really like the idea of open competition for positions. With what looks like a lot of raw talent, getting these kids to give their best is key. To have them think they may not see the floor unless they bust their ass every day could be the thing that gets through their heads. We’ll see.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Fredrick,
Besides the quixotic Grevis Vasquez, Cliff Tucker was the showed the best ability on the team to create his own shot. Remember the 2nd Duke game when no one was attacking the basket? Remember Dupree or Gist catching the ball and retreating? Attacking the basket, by itself, shows B-ball IQ. Even in the scenario you are remembering, he got an open look at 12 foot jumber. I agree that he needs to improve consistency (so do the rest of the young ‘uns). But if he flubbed a shot or two, so what? Even Kobe will through up a occasional airball.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Wow, look at all I missed thanks to my local Comcast having 16 1/2 hours of a service outtage. Ugh.
I too am glad we’re not playing Illinois or Wisconsin for once in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. What really surprised me is that Duke actually has a road game lol.
Glad to see Evans chose UMD. Now we just gotta get him admitted, I hear that shouldn’t be an issue grade wise with him.
Getting real crowded in the backcourt as someone mentioned. And remember GW is going to visit 6-9/260 big man Frank Barnes this weekend. Anything could happen on that visit.
Thanks for the props Jeremy. I love The Soup and, as lame as it sounds, I just try to contribute in a positive way when I can.
Go Terps!
April 15th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Am I missing something? How do we have the scholarships for Maze, Mosley, Gilchrist and Evans?
April 15th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Tyree–wha? Who? That’s totally out of the blue, no?
I’ve been here all along but haven’t had the heart to comment after the Clemson loss. That really took a lot out of me. But this site has kept me afloat–I hope we can sustain it.
I like Tucker, but it’s true, his skills are rudimentary. When he beats guys, it’s usually with a strong burst to his right, and then he either goes to the rack, in a straight line, or fades away. He doesn’t have the handles yet to subtly change directions in the lane. I think a really good handle is more important to his development, at this point, than the mid-range jumper.
I see Bowie being our most improved player. There’s just nothing I don’t like about his game. He’s one guy who can finish at the rim. He takes nice, long steps after his dribble, and seems to find a way to make his lay-ups relatively routine–meaning no swoopy up-and-unders and whatnot. But Tucker and Bowie are both similar, in that they both seem to work their asses off. That’s good news for the Terps.
But this 24 year old dude? Who got kicked off his juco team? I don’t know…
April 15th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Yes, FrederickTerp, I did and do play. I’m just being picky on the choice of word is all. I don’t believe “muscle memory” obtained by numerous hours of practicing and repetition to be an “instinct.” Skills are honed and developed, not just natural. And like Stevend said, everyone shoots the occasional airball. I just wasn’t feeling the description. No harm intended.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Terrapin Times is reporting that Maze is now a “major long shot” to come to MD. I don’t know exactly what is going on but that could be the reason they went after Evans. I’m not sure exactly how their games compare. But the Evans signing seemed to come pretty quick. I’m guessing it’s a qualifying issue. The story about Maze having to take classes up until August to qualify was a bad sign. Then again, it’s hard to really know what is going on with all the rampant speculation and rumors about recruiting. This offseason has been crazy already.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Cool — I’m just not down with Tucker yet. He seems tremendously raw and really struggles with his shooting.
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