http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/mbb/headlines/story.html?sportid=116&storyid=11202
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0628suns0629.html
Tucker Selected in First Round
MADISON, Wis.
Former Wisconsin Badger Alando Tucker was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 29th pick in the first round of Thursday night’s NBA Draft. Tucker is the seventh Badger to be picked in the first round, and the second in the last four years (Devin Harris was picked fifth overall in 2004).
“I think I bring a defensive mentality and a disciplined game from playing under Coach Ryan,” Tucker said. “When I worked out for Phoenix I was able to show them that I could run the floor and finish well and fit in to their style of play.”
Tucker joins former Badger football player Joe Thomas and incoming UW hockey players Kyle Turris, Ryan McDonagh and Brendan Smith as first-round draft choices this year.
Tucker, the Big Ten Player of the Year, was a consensus first-team All-American in 2007. He won the Lowe’s Senior CLASS award as the nation’s top senior and was a finalist for every major national Player of the Year Award. He finished his career as UW’s all-time leading scorer with 2,217 points.
Tucker joins former Badgers Michael Finley and Devin Harris in the NBA. Finley, who was also selected by Phoenix in the first round (21st overall in 1995), just finished his 12th professional season, winning the NBA title as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Harris, started 60 games for the Dallas Mavericks this season, which finished with the best regular-season record in the league.
“Going to a winning organization like the Phoenix Suns is a perfect fit for Alando,” UW head coach Bo Ryan said. “Between Phoenix, San Antonio and Dallas those are three great programs in the Western Conference that would thrill a college coach to see their players go to. They are proven winners and first-rate organizations.”
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0628suns0629.html
Suns sell pick, choose Tucker
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 28, 2007 10:56 PM
Suns fans might be uninspired after a draft night that had so much buildup with talks of trades for Kevin Garnett and a top-10 pick.
But Alando Tucker and the Suns aren't. They're thrilled.
Tucker, an athletic, 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward from Wisconsin who was Big Ten Player of the Year, was the night's first-round prize for Phoenix, which added more toughness by drafting Maryland combo guard D.J. Strawberry (son of former baseball star Darryl) in the second round.
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The Suns' pursuit of Charlotte's No. 8 pick, where Phoenix would have grabbed Florida power forward Joakim Noah, crashed before the draft started when the Bobcats told the Suns they had a better offer. Phoenix threw options at Charlotte, one with its No. 24 pick and the 2008 Atlanta pick that it owns, and another more convoluted one involving Kurt Thomas.
"We made a great offer," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "It definitely surprised us (to be turned down)."
Charlotte acquired Jason Richardson and draftee Jermareo Davidson from Golden State for the eighth pick, North Carolina's Brandan Wright.
That left Phoenix to find value in its spots at Nos. 24 and 29. Kerr said the Suns felt strongly about three or four players in that range but began to worry that two would be gone, especially after Italian shooter Marco Belinelli went 18th.
At that point, the Suns sold the 24th pick to Portland for $3 million, the second consecutive year the Trail Blazers bought a first-round pick from Phoenix to acquire a Spanish guard (Sergio Rodriguez last year, Rudy Fernandez this year). It also was the fifth consecutive first-round pick that Phoenix had traded or sold in the past four drafts.
But at No. 29, the Suns added Tucker, their first first-round player since acquiring Leandro Barbosa in 2003. Tucker, 23, averaged 19.9 points and 5.4 rebounds as a fifth-year senior in the Badgers' methodical system. His 39-inch vertical leap and play in workouts has shown he can fit a high-paced style if his shooting improves.
"We were really fired up to get Alando where we did because he was one of those guys," said Kerr, referring to the players Phoenix prioritized. "We think he's going to be a big addition. He's tough. He's a winner. He's a guy with a lot of experience - life experience and college experience. He's been part of a winning team, so he's coachable.
"He's a fantastic kid. We think he's going to fit in terms of our foundation and character. He's athletic. He's strong. He can guard a couple different positions."
Tucker was in New York but not at draft headquarters when he got the call from Phoenix.
"It was the greatest feeling, because I'd been out there twice and everyone - coaching staff to management to the janitors - showed me the most respect, so I'm excited to be on my way out there," Tucker said.
"There's so much that goes with that (first-round distinction). I didn't really worry too much about where I got picked. I just wanted to get picked in the right situation. I feel this is the perfect place for me."
Suns coach Mike D'Antoni emphasized Tucker's character.
"He has some NBA skills that are definable," said D'Antoni, comparing him to Raja Bell or Greg Buckner. "He is tough. He can really finish at the basket. He runs like a deer and jumps out of the gym."
There was a time D'Antoni said he considered Strawberry a first-round talent.
Kerr said he spent the second round trying to trade up to get the 6-foot-5, 201-pound Strawberry, known for his defense.
Strawberry could make a roster that must carry 13 players but has 11 under contract, counting Tucker's two-year, $1.6 million contract and Thomas, who was not dealt.
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