Mr. T = Mr. B

(The 2007 Race for Mr. Basketball)

By Gavin Raath

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

greatlakeshoops.com

Dar Tucker 6’5” F Saginaw Arthur Hill

I know it's earlier, but I'll take Tucker.

Dar Tucker has been one of my favorite players to watch since his freshman year. From the first time I saw him I had no doubt about the potential greatness of that slender and bouncy 6’2” frosh. All of the sudden as a sophomore he looked like a man and dominated games in a fashion reminiscent of former Hillite, Jason Richardson.

Then, as a junior, it appeared that something was missing; he wasn’t putting up his sophomore season numbers. The hops weren’t as ridiculous as I remembered and his decision making didn’t always seem to be the best. I’ll be the first to admit, I felt like he was being passed by his peers as Durrell Summers, Corperrayle Harris and Laval Lucas-Perry all seemed to be hitting their strides.

When the playoffs of 2006 rolled around so did a new Dar Tucker. Dar’s numbers and hops still weren’t eye-popping, but his game changed. Defensively Tucker turned into a nightmare for opposing players. He was blocking shots, getting into the passing lanes and hitting the boards. He even played out of position for the undersized Lumberjacks. He seemed to know his role on the team; not necessarily as the thirty-point scorer, but as the leader. Like I said, he became a new player.  He was the one who made the hustle plays, sacrificed his numbers for the team and did the little things it takes to become a winner.

His selfless play became contagious as fellow Hillites began to stand out as well. That’s what leaders do: they make those around them better.

I was anxious to see the match-up in the semi-finals of the playoffs between Tucker and the aforesaid Harris. While Harris outscored Tucker in the game--and even proved that he’s probably the better guard--Dar had the final say with the game winning shot.

Tucker’s Lumberjacks continued their success inspired by hustle, defense and selflessness into one of the best state final games ever played.

After the game Dar Tucker could be seen celebrating with his teammates and smiling ear-to-ear. But the leader also seemed to understand, unlike so many youngsters out there, that basketball is just a game.  In the midst of the jubilation, Tucker could be seen consoling Okemos' Jonathon Jones whom he had just spent the past two hours battling.

Dar Tucker is a winner much like last season’s Mr. Basketball, David Kool. I thought Kool deserved the award last year for leading his team to a state title by scoring an unprecedented number of points. My decision, however, was not based on the “points”, but rather on the “leading”.

There is no doubt that if Tucker wanted to score 30 points a game he could, but big deal--selfish scorers are a dime a dozen. What makes Dar special isn’t necessarily his talent or scoring ability, but his attitude on the floor.

He took that same attitude with him into the summer playing travel basketball for the Michigan Hurricanes. On the Hurricanes he played next to a guy who has yet to learn the lessons of leadership and team play. Watching the two was like night and day. Interestingly enough, recruiters noticed it too as Dar finished the summer as a national five-star player, while his teammate lost the distinction.

I am excited for the upcoming season because I know that the summer has brought some more polish to Dar’s game and apparently his hops are back after his long recovery from tendonitis. But, more importantly, I’m excited to see this leader do what he does best: lead.

Good luck this season, Tuck.  We are looking forward to another mid-Michigan Mr. Basketball.

Mr. Basketball Runners-up for 2007:

Corperrayle Harris 6’5” F Detroit Redford [Michigan]

He’s Tucker’s biggest competition for the award. Redford always seems to make it to the Breslin and Corperrayle is their prime mover.

Paul Crosby 6’7” C Holt

Paul made his case as a sophomore by being the key to Holt’s state title. As a junior he was dominant and is still probably the best pure high school post player in the state.

Kalin Lucas 6’0” G Orchard Lake St. Marys [Michigan State]

His run to the Breslin last season probably won't be his last. OLSM should make it back and Lucas will be running the show. He’s probably the most difficult match-up in the state with his unbelievable quickness.

Laval Lucas-Perry 6’3” F Flint Powers Catholic Central [Arizona]

In Laval’s time Powers has yet to accomplish anything significant in the playoffs, but it is impossible to deny his efforts. He’s matched up against some of the state’s best talent and usually came out on top.

Josh Southern 6’10” C Saginaw [Boston College]

Southern’s size has afforded him national exposure his entire four-year career and as a junior he began to make good on the hype. He was a steady double-double guy last year and will only improve with this coming season. Boston College got a good one.

Tim Williams 6’4” F Pontiac Northern

This one is based a little more on faith than anything. I think Northern will travel pretty far into the playoffs and possibly to the Breslin on the strength of this kid’s game. Williams made a name for himself this summer and is now a mid-to-high division one recruit.

Durrell Summers 6’5” F Detroit Redford Covenant [Michigan State]

Playing class D ball ruins the chances of this otherwise likely candidate.

Austin Thornton 6’5” F Cedar Springs

This guy does everything extremely well. A bit of an unknown because of where he plays, but there is no question about his talent.

Justin Anyijong 6’9” C East Grand Rapids

He’s overshadowed by his overhyped teammates, but Anyijong is the real threat on this team. He scores at a higher percentage than anyone I have seen and is always a factor on defense with his shot-blocking and rebounding.

Chase Simon 6’6” F Detroit Community [Central Michigan]

Similar to Thornton, he’s pretty good at everything; but, voters aren’t going to give the award to a class C player.

Mike Pryzdzial 6’6” F West Bloomfield [Grand Valley State]

You have to love this kid. He’s a competitor in every sense of the word.

Darkhorses:

Toreau Brown 6’5” C Detroit Renaissance

Before you raise the siren think about this: he’s won three state titles and stands a great chance of winning a fourth. What other player has accomplished so much? Is it coincidence that his teams win? I think he’s in a position to put up close to 20 and easily 10 this season, similar to former Renaissance center Carson Butler’s senior year.

LaMarcus Lowe 6’10” C Flint Northwestern

I wouldn’t have rated him at the end of last season, but his improvement over the summer was as impressive as I have seen. He’s a terror on defense and is starting to show some touch offensively. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a Tom Herzog-type year. If that’s the case, then that should put him high in the running.

2008 possiblities:

Paul Williams 6’4” F Detroit Renaissance

This do-all player will probably make another trip this season to the Breslin. What junior has accomplished more than Paul at this point? He deserves the award for now.

Anthony Crater 6’1” G Flint Southwestern Academy

He’s the best point guard in the state regardless of class and is breathing down Paul’s neck.

Draymond Green 6’7” F Saginaw

This passionate kid hasn’t accomplished a lot during the season, but I expect him to become an absolute force this year.

Brad Redford 6’0” G Frankenmuth

He’s probably among the best shooters in the nation, but I fear for Frankenmuth’s win/loss record.

Dominique Buckley 6’2” Romulus

He’s a selfless player with some serious game and a nice group of teammates that could translate into a winner.