Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Adam Fried

Even up to the final day before Friday's opening game, the Terrapin men's basketball team's starting lineup was still a mystery. Coach Gary Williams announced the three returning starters would start again; a fourth starter had to be a big man.

The final spot was completely up for grabs, though. In practice, sophomore swingman Cliff Tucker seized it. In the game, he solidified his post.

Tucker scored a career-high 14 points and pulled down five rebounds, injecting the Terps with energy both offensively and defensively against a hapless Bucknell team.

"I kind of like starting, because last year, when I came off the bench, you kind of have to work your way into the game," Tucker said. "When you start, you're already into it from the beginning."

The actual "starting" wasn't what Tucker did best. Like many of his teammates, the sophomore looked anxious to begin the game as he flung up a couple shots that went nowhere near the inside of the net. But instead of letting

that rattle him, he calmed down and showed a veteran's poise, scoring eight points to lead the Terps before halftime.

"He's much better with the ball, and I think he's a lot more confident as a shooter this year," Williams said. "[Last year] he never would have taken three straight shots like he did [Friday].

Tucker started six games for the Terps last season, but didn't make the impact he did in his first start this season.

"I think he's a much more mature player this year," Williams said. "When you play freshmen, they're going to make mistakes, even if they're very good."

Tucker came from El Paso, Texas, where the competition on the court wasn't as stiff as some of the other high schools where his Terps teammates played. Because of this, he could get by on his pure athleticism and raw talent.

But Williams noticed that Tucker had a difficult time trying to transition from the high school game to the college one as a freshman. Now with a year at the university behind him, Tucker has a better feel for what he needs to do to succeed in Division I basketball.

Tucker worked on his strength in the offseason, and now has some more muscle on his formerly rail-thin frame. He also has a new appreciation for what it means to start for the Terps.

Continued...

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