Class of 2024 wing Bryson Tucker talks newest offer from Duke

Duke’s coach in waiting Jon Scheyer made his third scholarship offer in the 2024 class last week and his second in the DMV area. This one was awarded to Bryson Tucker, a 6-foot-7 wing out of Baltimore (Md.) Mount Saint Joseph’s. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Blue Devils offered Darren Harris out of Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI Catholic. Funny enough, Tucker and Harris are friends, as the two played together for a short stint during the 8th grade.

“That’s my guy,” Tucker said of Harris.

Darren Harris talks Duke offer

The Blue Devils have wasted little time hitting the recruiting trail early as they’ve also offered sophomore Naasir Cunningham.

On3 has not yet begun ranking the 2024 class, however, Tucker currently projects as a five-star recruit.

Tucker discusses offer

Jon Scheyer came to watch Tucker play last Wednesday, and shortly after, the offer was extended. This was the second time a Duke staff member was in to see Tucker play, as assistant coach Nolan Smith came to see the sophomore play a few weeks prior.

“I know it’s a big deal, but I didn’t let it get to my head too much because I had a game the next day so I got the offer and I stayed grounded,” Tucker said.

Bryson’s father, Byron Tucker, is proud of his son’s early success. The former NC State and George Mason power forward was elated for his son to receive an offer from Duke.

“I think it’s huge,” Byron said of his son’s offer. “You know, a kid in the 10th grade to pick up an offer from a blue blood, such as Duke, it’s huge. For me, being 52 years old, I know the history of Duke and it’s more or less an honor, in a sense, for such a young kid to achieve that goal.”

Byron talks about his son’s game

Byron knows his son’s game better than anyone else, as he’s been training him since he first picked up a basketball.

“His strength right now is really his IQ and his understanding of the game,” said Byron. “Those are his major strengths, along with his fundamental skillset.

“I see as being a Cade Cunningham type kid,” Byron continued. “When I talked to Jon Scheyer, I told him it’s like Jayson Tatum and Grant Hill had a child together.”

Bryson has also become best friends with the weight room, as his body has drastically changed over the last 12 months. As a freshman, Bryson weighed 163 pounds. Over the course of the year, he’s put on over 30 pounds of lean muscle mass and now weighs just under 200 pounds.

No AAU for Bryson

Despite being a top prospect, Bryson doesn’t plan to compete in grassroots hoops this summer. This is largely due to the strain on his body, Byron says.

One of the biggest events of the summer is USA Basketball. Last year, Bryson and his U16 squad brought home gold, and the elite sophomore plans to represent his country again this year. Along with USA, Bryson will also compete in several local tournaments. With a jam-packed summer, there is little time for rest.

“It’s the same thing I told coach Scheyer, when do these kids get a break? You know, if he wasn’t doing USA, then maybe I’d consider it but the load placed on his body at 15 years old already… he needs that break,” Byron says.

Duke has offered 5⭐️ 2024 forward Bryson Tucker (@BrysonTucker3_) pic.twitter.com/rijfyaC5Uw

— Duke Update (@UpdateDuke) March 3, 2022

Currently, Bryson has not taken any college visits and currently doesn’t have any trips planned.

Georgetown, Illinois, Indiana, LSU, Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Virginia Tech have all extended offers.