Tucker learning from Melbourne’s leaders
Written by Melbourne United Media
Star United import Rayjon Tucker has pointed towards his veteran teammates as part of the reason he has found more consistent success since coming into the league.
Speaking to media ahead of the team’s road-trip to face the Illawarra Hawks, Tucker heaped praise on the likes of Chris Goulding, Brad Newley and David Barlow as important figures to him as he adjusts to the NBL style of play.
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“I look to those guys a lot,” he said.
“For me, I’m visual, I just kind of watch where CG gets his shots, where Newls curls off and how he gets in the paint and finishes, and how smart and articulate Barlow is, how he moves the ball and his .5 (second) reads.
“Just taking a little bit of everybodies game and trying to fit it into my own to not only help myself but help the team.”
The matchup with the Hawks will be the first time the two sides have met this regular season.
Despite a 1-5 start which has them sitting on the bottom of the NBL ladder, Head Coach Dean Vickerman said his side certainly won’t be taking Illawarra lightly, especially as they add import guard Payton Siva into the fold.
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“Preparing for Illawarra is about their pace, they’re really trying to get up and down quickly.
“Obviously with Siva coming in... it changed their roster a bit and he’s a high-level player, he’s certainly going to make them better. How we defend him and Harvey (will be important), and certainly some of their bigs are having an impact as well, it’ll be a good challenge.”
United fans will get their next chance to see Tucker and his teammates take to John Cain Arena on Monday evening when they host the Perth Wildcats for their spooky Halloween themed game.
With the Melbourne Cup public holiday set for the next day, this is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some high quality basketball while getting involved in the activities around the stadium!
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