The 6-foot-7 Tucker has already visited St. John’s numerous times, and was at their win over Syracuse at Madison Square Garden in December. He’s also planning a trip to Maryland.
“I know I’m supposed to go to Maryland the 29th or 30th,” Tucker told SNY.tv. after going for 25 points and 10 rebounds en route to MVP honors as Stepinac beat Gilman, 60-49, Saturday in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational at Baruch College.
St. John’s has already landed two New York natives in Class of 2016 commits Shamorie Ponds and Bashir Ahmed, and Tucker likes the idea of staying home and playing for Chris Mullin.
“I played with Shamorie on the AAU circuit so I like playing with him so that helps a lot as far as making my decision,” Tucker said.
As for Mullin, Tucker said, “It would be really great, he’s a Hall of Famer, one of the best players ever to play in the NBA. He knows his stuff, he’s a really great coach.”
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Stepinac coach Pat Massaroni said Maryland and St. John’s are working the hardest, crediting Maryland assistant Bino Ranson and St. John’s assistant Matt Abdelmassih.
“I would say St. John’s and Maryland are the two biggest ones in regards to me,” the coach said. “They’re in touch every week, multiple times.”
Massaroni also listed Oklahoma, Providence, Indiana and Villanova among schools working hard.
Kentucky assistant Tony Barbee has also checked in at practice.
“They didn’t offer, no offer,” Massaroni said.
“[North] Carolina’s been in touch, Syracuse, UConn, Ed Cooley and their staff [at Providence] are trying to ramp it up a little bit, but I would say the two that have been most present at practice have been St. John’s and Maryland. And actually Oklahoma’s been around.”
Massaroni would like to see Tucker continue to work on his passing, attacking the rim and long-distance shooting before he goes off to college.
“He’s got to continue to attack, not settle and that’s osmething we saw today,” the coach said. “When he does settle, good things don’t happen for us.
“We know he can get 30 anytime he wants, it’s if he can do everything else.”
Meantime, Iona offered 6-6 Stepinac sophomore Aundre Hyatt, who is averaging 15.2 points and 10.1 rebounds.
CARDOZO’S COBURN, WALKER REMAIN OPEN IN RECRUITMENT
While Benjamin Cardozo continues to dominate, two of its best players are still looking for a home next year.
Senior guard Ray Salnave has signed with Monmouth, but fellow senior guards Tareq Coburn and Aaron Walker still have not chosen schools.
“The recruiting process is a little tough right now,” the 6-foot-2 Walker said after going for 12 points and 10 rebounds as Cardozo beat Friendship Charter, 70-52, in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational at Baruch College. Salnave went for 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the win.
“It’s a little quiet,” Walker added. I feel like I’m no one’s first option. I’m trying to stay positive. I’m very confident in myself. I believe that if we keep playing and winning together, something will come.”
Nevada assistant Jermaine Kimbrough watched the game and was close to offering, said Cardozo coach Ron Naclerio, whose team is 14-0 and plays in the SNY Invitational Jan. 29-30 at City College.
Walker also said Iona, Vermont, Wagner and Manhattan were recruiting him. Indiana came to a practice to watch him and Coburn play earlier in the season, but then got a commitment from Devonte Green of Long Island Lutheran, who plays at the event on Monday.
“Too many coaches are missing the boat on [Walker],” said Naclerio, who has the most wins in Public Schools Athletic League history.
The 6-5 Coburn said St. Bonaventure, George Washington, Iona, St. Peter’s, Fairfield, Drexel, Florida Gulf Coast, St. Francis and Tennessee were all recruiting him. Still, Naclerio is frustrated with the lack of attention for both of his players.
“In Tareq Coburn, St. Bonaventure is good, but other schools are still trying to get in,” Naclerio said. “With Aaron, I tell schools, ‘why don’t you take them both?'”
Naclerio recalled when he called 68 schools to try to get one of his players recruited. That under-recruited player, Royal Ivey, went on to play in the NBA for 10 years.
Naclerio believes Walker’s potential should make him an attractive recruit.
“Aaron hasn’t scratched the surface of his ability,” Naclerio said. “His jump shot has significantly improved. He goes to the basket like a savage. His basketball IQ is getting better every day, and he’s starting to believe in himself more and more every day. Defensively, some say he’s the best the defensive player in New York.”
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