Anthony Tucker said today that he will return to the Hawkeyes next season after speaking to the media for the first time since he failed to meet Big Ten academic requirements.
Message boards swirled with talk of a potential transfer following Tucker's declared academic ineligibility on top of an earlier suspension for an alcohol-related incident. Tucker's commitment to return next season was hardly official, however, still refreshing for Hawkeye fans to hear.
Among other things, Tucker also expressed disappointment in letting his teammates and coaches down and told reporters that one of his grades ended up "about a letter grade and a half" lower than what he had been aware of prior to final exams.
The Hawkeyes certainly could use Tucker's shooting ability. He still ranks second on the team in three-point field goals despite playing in only 14 games. He averaged 10.4 points and shot 42.7 percent from three-point range.
-From the Iowa City Press-Citizen: "Anthony Tucker calls suspension 'a wake-up call'"
-Tucker Interview Transcript: Hawkeyenation.com
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I covered the press conference today and it seems as though Tucker has been humbled by his experience in the last month. I am not sure, on the other hand, why he continues to bring up his "surprise" grade that is still under the appeals process.
ReplyDeleteIf it has no impact on his playing time, ability, or eligibility in the spring semester, why bring it up with the media? If he ends up getting a better grade, good for him and good for his GPA.
But having already said his semester is shot because of the ineligibility, I think it is a mute point whether it was a grade and a half, letter grade, etc…
He basically said, too, that he needs to work harder with his grades and owned up to his mistakes, which was refreshing.
Hopefully he'll get back in a Hawkeye uniform next season and play like he did the 14 games to start his freshman campaign.
This is great news! Now if we can round up a poished point guard we may be in decent shape next year.
ReplyDeleteCharlie, I agree with your comments about Tucker talking about his disputed grade with the media. I'm not sure he gains anything from it, and it makes him sound like a complainer.
ReplyDeleteBayside, everyone seems to want a better point guard. It would be nice, but who is Iowa going to get that can come in and play immediately over Peterson? Besides, Peterson has shown great strides this season. I admit that I was skeptical of him being the starting point guard this season, but I think he's played quite well, actually. I look forward to seeing continued improvement from him.