Keiser Seahawks in the pros: Justin Tucker
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Keiser men’s basketball success often extends beyond West Palm Beach, and with another season underway, we’ll take a look back at one of the more dominant one-year players to grace Massimino Court in Justin Tucker.
Tucker began his collegiate career in 2016 at Division I Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Terriers went 16-17 that year, advancing to the Southern Conference Tournament, where Tucker would see his last action for Wofford. Tucker would move on to Indian River State College and Campbellsville before finally settling into his final collegiate home at Keiser. Headed to his fourth team, Tucker knew the skills and values he had to share.
“No matter the situation, always be yourself and stay a leader. Don’t allow negative sources to be your downfall as a player and as a person.”
Tucker’s presence was immediately felt on the floor as he led the Seahawks to two wins in his first two games, averaging 12 points and 7.7 rebounds. He went on to lead Keiser in scoring with 14.9 points per game and ranked 30th in the NAIA in rebounds with 8.9 boards per contest. His 107 rebounds topped all players in the NAIA and ranked fifth-most in Keiser history.
Now Tucker will look to take those talents overseas to Lithuania after signing with Vilkaviskio Perlas over the summer.
“Personally, it was a great situation to put myself in the European market to start off,” stated Tucker. “It’s a great country to learn different things from, such as culture and being able to not only fit in but be a leader in a spot where no one knows you and you have to deliver what is being asked of you at all times.”
Tucker’s collegiate career ended on February 21 in a loss to Webber International in the Sun Conference Tournament. From there, he turned his attention to the professional scene, gathering highlight film and working with his agent to find a new home. On August 28, he signed a professional contract.
“The first thing that went through my mind was that God is good and all of the work that I have put in throughout my long journey has paid off, but there is still so much more to do in my area of work, whether it’s adding to my game, my athletic build, or just many more things that I feel I could do to grow into a better person and player.”
He had plenty to think about after signing, including traveling overseas for the first time in his life. “Before that trip, I had never been outside of the country. I have traveled to pretty much all of the states, but going out of the country, I was just happy to have a little more legroom than I would normally. It was definitely a different experience because the majority of the people around me didn’t really understand what I was saying, and I didn’t understand them either.”
Now in a new country halfway around the world, Tucker had to do what he had done so many times before: meet new people and make new friends.
“I didn’t really know too much about the team that I was joining, but I did speak to the other American that is on the team and we spoke about what we expect from each other and how we are going to make this season/trip more comfortable for one another. The language barrier was difficult at first, but I found out that a lot of the people in this country speak English (not perfectly, but enough to understand). I am also going out of my way to learn the language (Lithuanian).”
The one thing that can be guaranteed for Tucker is that he is never alone in his journey.
When asked if he still keeps in touch with his fellow pros Brandon Younger and Core’von Lott, he had this to say, “Of course I still keep in touch with the guys BY and Lotto. We are trying to make sure all of us stay locked in and keep in touch because not only were we teammates, but we are all actually signed with the same agency as well.”
As Tucker competes overseas and continues to progress in his career, one thing he’ll never forget to do is thank the people around him for helping him.
“Personally, to begin with the coaches, I appreciate them believing in me and pushing me to be my best even when I felt like I wasn’t at my best. Thank you to all of the people who worked at the school and showed me that I was not only a ball player on campus but part of a family. I also want to thank all of the students who were supportive of the team and were still supportive of the goal after the season was over. Just grateful for Keiser as a whole.”
No matter where Justin Tucker goes, one thing will surely remain constant when he steps on the court, it’s Tucker time.
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