5-star Bryson Tucker recaps Michigan State visit, talks Michigan, Iowa, and updates recruitment

Bryson Tucker came in at No. 13 in the 2024 On3 150. The 6-foot-7 wing does not play travel ball and has been training since leaving Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy in December. In June, Tucker had a standout performance at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, averaging 19.2 points on 64.3 percent shooting. He followed that up with a good performance at the Under Armour Elite 24 Camp.

“I like to play defense; it starts on that end, “Tucker told On3. “But, I can score it; get into the mid-range, knock down jumpers, get to the rim. I’m getting more comfortable with my pace; that’s something I’ve been working hard on. I’m playing consistently. I watch a lot of Penny Hardaway, a bigger guard. I watch how he got to his spots, take it from his game, and try to add it to mine.”

On3 caught up with top-20 ranked Bryson Tucker at the Under Armour Elite 24 Camp and talks recruitment.

Tucker breaks down Michigan State official

Bryson Tucker has taken a single official visit. He went to Michigan State in June.

Michigan State: “I was able to see everything, like the campus and how they practice. I was able to play some pick-up with them, too, to see how the guys moved and how college players looked and played. I enjoyed being around Coach (Tom) Izzo; that’s my guy. He’s good people. He has had a lot of success in his career, won a lot of games, and developed some good players. 

“They’re a major option for me. We got a couple of major options, but they’re up there. They like their guards. Their system likes guards, and I’m a bigger guard. That is how they see me fitting in with how they play.”

Tucker talks recruitment

“I don’t have any visits set yet,” Tucker said. “I would say I’m hearing the most from Michigan and Iowa right now. My dad talks to a lot of coaches. A lot more have started to get involved now that they know I’m going to stay in high school.”

Michigan: “They have stayed in steady contact, and we are growing our relationship. They know I visited Michigan State, so they are trying to get me up there too. Coach (Juwan) Howard was a pro; he has been there, played there, coached there. He could help teach you what you need to do to be a pro. We have had great conversations, and I just keep learning from him as we keep talking.”

Iowa: “They talk with my dad a lot. They have a reputation for being a big man school, but I know they like to play their wings and give them freedom. Look at Keegan Murray and his brother. They do a really good job with their wings; they’ve been getting drafted. They move the ball around and get the ball to their guys and let them do work.”

G-Leauge Ignite and NBL conversations

“We’ve been hearing from them,” Tucker said. “They’ve come to watch me play and stuff, no official offer has been put out yet though. 

“During the off-season, I’m always playing against pros. So the G-League would be a good situation because, I mean, when you go to the G-League or the NBL, you’re a pro. There is nothing else about it, you’re a professional at that point. I am used to playing with pros. You really have to be locked in with that.”

…at the end of the day.

“I’m going to look into all the options with my family,” Tucker said. “Whether I go pro or go to college, it will come down to the fit and how I feel. I have a lot of great options, so we just got to do our homework and pick the best fit that will help me get to the League.

“I don’t have a time frame for a commitment yet, but I will probably sign during the later period. 

“I’m going to look at their plan for me, how they want to play me. I can do all things on the court; bring the ball up the court, post up, get to the rim, shoot threes, pull up, and create for my teammates. I have a pretty complete game, so I want to play for a coach who knows how to use me and get the best out of me.”