Four-Star Forward Jordan Tucker Reacts To Tom Crean News
One of Indiana's top targets in the 2017 cycle has cooled on the Hoosiers after Tom Crean's dismissal from IU.
Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler four-star senior forward Jordan Tucker told TheHoosier.com in January he was planning to make a commitment decision later that month or in early February, and IU and Villanova were considered the two favorites.
With the news of Crean leaving Indiana on Thursday, though, Tucker tweeted: "Do you understand now why I stayed patient and waited?"
Tucker told TheHoosier.com today: "[IU] is definitely not the leaders anymore. Playing for Coach Crean was a big part of my decision."
He had noted in January - before Indiana's season fell even further south - that some of the Hoosiers' on-the-court struggles didn't bother him at that time.
“It’s not me – I’m not there,” Tucker said. “Just because they’re losing some games and aren’t ranked, that wouldn’t affect my decision.
“I saw them play on my visit and I saw what happens when everything falls into place – they beat a good North Carolina team. They play hard, and they’re skilled. I can add that component as far as shooting, and I’m starting to play really hard in full games.”
But that sentiment changed this March, when Rivals.com's Dan McDonald caught up with him for the latest on his recruitment and Crean seemed to be on the hot seat.
"I’m definitely monitoring what is happening at Indiana," Tucker told McDonald. "That’s why I’m slowing this whole thing down.
"We’ve definitely heard the rumors about Tom Crean. They told us everything is going to be fine, but you never know. The coaching staff is a big part of my interest there. I’ve always said if they go somewhere else, I would consider following them if they go to a school I wouldn’t mind going to. One thing that has always stuck out with Tom Crean wherever he’s been is how he gets the most out of his players. I need a coach like that who is going to get the most out of me.”
The No. 54 player nationally in 2017 averaged 17.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game as a junior for White Plains (N.Y.) Archbishop Stepinac, and was named ninth-team all-state in New York in Class AA before transferring to Wheeler for his senior season.
He also averaged 14.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game through the first four legs on Nike’s EYBL circuit last summer for the New York Rens.
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