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  1. #21
    All-Conference XU 87's Avatar
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    When I think of a "Project", I think of a recruit who has some skills but will really need to develop other skills to be able to play at a certain level. In short, the guy has upside, but we're not sure if he's ever gong to reach that upside, and if he does, it will take a few years. So I don't think Tucker is a "project" using that definition.

    That said, I think Bleed is accurate to the extent that he's probably not ready to play next year. Tucker needs to develop and get stronger before he can play at this level. That's why he's probably going to red shirt next year.

    P.S. I think "Project" means- "We think he has the potential to be good, but we're just not sure. We'll see how he develops." Tucker is more- "We expect him to be good, but he probably needs another year to develop before he gets to that level."

    So, I 'm now glad that I have defined the word "Project".
    Last edited by XU 87; 08-14-2020 at 03:58 PM.

  2. #22
    Recruiting is putting together pieces of a puzzle with different talents and roles. This kid is long and in the mold of a 3/4 Naji Marshall type player. Athleticism and good defense he has.
    With X recruiting in 2021, X is among 8 BE schools ranked #26 or higher with recruits. Clearly BE schools are hanging with the ACC and B12 gathering talent.
    Connecticut is really doing well in recruiting. UCONN looks to be the 2nd team in talent in BE behind Nova. Looks like X and UConn will fight the talent wars. DePaul surprisingly has some great talent coming in(2 top 75 players).
    We really need a bang in the NCAA tourney to keep the talent coming in. One more big guard and X looks solid.
    I am hoping Odum leads X to a superb team in 21/22.

  3. #23
    Supporting Member GIMMFD's Avatar
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    Another thing to consider is P5 offers, looks like offers from Clemson, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Northwestern, St. John's, and Virginia Tech. Sure, not absolute powerhouses by any stretch of the imagination, but it's good to see that type of P5 interest. Looks like he could work on his body a bit, get some muscle, and get in the gym, but I like it none the less. Our staff's recruiting has been pretty good, so I'll continue to trust them until they give reason not to trust them.

  4. #24
    Giggity Giggity nuts4xu's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by XU 87 View Post
    When I think of a "Project", I think of a recruit who has some skills but will really need to develop other skills to be able to play at a certain level. In short, the guy has upside, but we're not sure if he's ever gong to reach that upside, and if he does, it will take a few years.
    Yes, me too. Kentrevious Jones comes to mind when I think of a "project". When we offered him a scholarship, he was the definition of a "project".
    "All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz and I'm fine.--Jeff Spicoli"

  5. #25
    Supporting Member XUGRAD80's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nuts4xu View Post
    Yes, me too. Kentrevious Jones comes to mind when I think of a "project". When we offered him a scholarship, he was the definition of a "project".
    I have a feeling that it might be a long while before another player of his physical type gets an offer from X. Travis seems to value speed and mobility over bulk, in his interior players.

  6. #26
    Junior sirthought's Avatar
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    Tucker's mom played at Tennessee, a top woman's program, so he's likely had much advice from someone who had good coaching.

    Few people start college contributing big stats from day one. Most every freshman is a project, so I don't think the term is too offensive to use. Tucker seems like a project to me more than others, from a body standpoint. I'm really curious, though, how Snow felt okay bringing up the red shirt option already at this stage.

    Tucker isn't starting to practice with the team next month even. He's still got a whole year to continue to grow, gain strength and weight, work on his confidence and shooting. We already know he's got natural height and speed, which is still a bonus to get at this level. Maybe coaches told him that was an option. Maybe Tucker said they were considering it. Who knows? I'm guessing that now that his recruiting is wrapped up he's going to work on some areas with a lot of focus this year.

    I trust he'll get stronger, but with his body type I really hope Steele isn't counting on him to play at power forward. I didn't like it with Marshall or Bluiett either. He seems much more of a small forward to me for college, and that's a spot X needs more talent at. If Tucker can improve his outside shot, I'd say a shooter with his height out there could make a real difference. If this kid becomes a Brandon Ingram-type of inside/outside finesse guy, then I'll shut my mouth. Otherwise, I'd rather have a bit more muscle over speed when it comes to inside players.

    Tucker looks like he could be a four-year player, which I believe is ultimately useful, even if he's not gunning out of the gate.
    Last edited by sirthought; 08-14-2020 at 03:23 PM.

  7. #27
    Supporting Member MADXSTER's Avatar
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    He's young for his grade. He could probably more comparable to an incoming Junior than a Senior age wise. He's hit a growth spurt and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he is still growing.
    Balls of Steele!!

  8. #28
    Supporting Member xudash's Avatar
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    I trust in Steele.

    From the Enquirer:

    “He’ll be good against Big East competition,” Kvam said. “He’s not afraid, and it’ll be good for him to be with older, better players. He’s got a lot of upside just blossoming in terms of his potential.”

    Xavier's coaches see similarities between Tucker and former Xavier forward Naji Marshall, who declared for the NBA Draft following the 2019-20 season. Both players are long, athletic forwards who can drive the lane, post up and shoot threes. And both players can defend multiple positions.

    Steele and Xavier's other coaches often compared him to Marshall when they spoke over the phone.
    X A V I E R

  9. #29
    Supporting Member GoMuskies's Avatar
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    I hope he doesn't shoot three-pointers like Naji Marshall shot three pointers. I hope he can slash like Naji could slash!

  10. #30
    Supporting Member xudash's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoMuskies View Post
    I hope he doesn't shoot three-pointers like Naji Marshall shot three pointers. I hope he can slash like Naji could slash!
    Agreed.

    As most people are saying about him, he has time to work on his game. I hope he is solid between the ears - - seems like he should be, given his upbringing and athletic parents.

    Overall, a nice piece of news, during the dog days of August.
    X A V I E R

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