Duke men's basketball 2017-18 player preview: Jordan Tucker

<p>Jordan Tucker will be a threat from beyond the arc off the bench for Duke this year.&nbsp;</p>

Jordan Tucker will be a threat from beyond the arc off the bench for Duke this year. 

 Jordan Tucker

Year: Freshman

Height: 6-foot-7

Position: Forward

Game breakdown: Tucker committed to Duke as ESPN’s No. 8 small forward in the class of 2017 in May. A four-star recruit from White Plains, NY, Tucker wanted to play for the Blue Devils, but did not receive an offer until five-star small forward Kevin Knox announced that he had chosen Kentucky over Duke. Joining one of the most stacked recruiting classes in Duke history, Tucker is a highly efficient three-point shooter who will help space the floor for the Blue Devils.

Though he does not possess great speed, Tucker knows how to get open and come off of screens well. He also has a very quick release and a smooth form on his jump shot. However, scouts have observed that Tucker’s lack of natural athleticism could hold him back, especially on defense. He'll have to get faster in order to be an impact defender that this level. Additionally, his vertical and rebounding ability are average, but with plenty of size and elite rebounders on the team, this should not be too much of a concern.

Role on the team: Tucker may not see as many minutes as he might have hoped for this season due to an overflow of talent from a stacked recruiting class and seasoned veterans. Fellow freshman Gary Trent Jr., though listed as a guard, will likely get the start at the small forward position. However, Tucker still has the potential to make an impact as part of the second unit. Mike Krzyzewski will look to Tucker to provide some energy and spot-up shooting off the bench. He is deadly from 3-point range, which will force defenders to stick to him and potentially open up the floor for his teammates. 

NBA comparison: Tucker has a smooth jump shot from anywhere on the floor, respectable handles, and good court awareness. His skill-set fits the mold of an NBA spot-up shooter such as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyle Korver, who is also listed at the same height. Korver, who is in his fifteenth season in the NBA, has led the league in three-point percentage four times and was named an All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks in 2015. Korver’s game is built on long range precision and a true talent at getting open. A starter with Atlanta, Korver has now taken on a bench role with Cleveland similar to that of Tucker, and has been a crucial spark plug for the Cavaliers’ offense.

Projected stats: 2.7 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.3 APG

Stay tuned to the Blue Zone for our continuing player previews with freshman Jordan Tucker tomorrow. Previous players previewed include Jordan Goldwire and Alex O'Connell

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