Most Slept On?
Mike Woodson signed just one high school player from the class of 2024, but he got a good one in Bryson Tucker, a four-star, top-30 wing out of Arlington, Virginia.
We ran a scouting report after he committed that discussed the kind of player he could become in college, but with the roster settled around him, we can now start to guess at the role he’ll play as a freshman.
Though 247’s Eric Bossi projected him as a Power Four Starter coming out of high school, Tucker seemingly committed to Indiana open to a role off the bench. As a wing, he’s behind at least Mackenzie Mgbako and Kanaan Carlyle for playing time.
His more direct path to playing time is probably at the three spot, where he’d compete with Mgbako and Luke Goode for playing time. In a small ball rotation, which Woodson has discussed numerous times for this coming season, he could play alongside either of them.
Unlike Mgbako and Goode, Tucker’s strength is his driving and athleticism. His athleticism could compliment the shooting of Indiana’s older wings in lineups alongside them or in place of them if Indiana needs to lock down an athletic wing defensively.
Some talked about him as though he was a non-shooter as a prospect. He’s probably not an elite one at the moment but the 3-ball is one you feel good about Tucker taking if he’s open.
There’s also the possibility that he sees time as a shooting guard. Despite his 6’7” frame, Tucker plays more like a guard, beating guys off the dribble and scoring at the rim or in the midrange.
Depending on how things shake out, he could be behind Trey Galloway and Kanaan Carlyle at the two spot. That said, those two are recovering from injuries and Galloway could spend some time at the point guard spot anyway.
A small ball lineup would obviously free up more guard minutes as well, but given Tucker’s shooting limitations, the best use of him would probably be with as many shooters around him as possible. I see him primarily playing backup wing or small ball wing alongside one of the starters.
Another thing I anticipate is Tucker’s role growing as the season goes along. He’s one of the most athletic and talented players on this roster, with a frame and skillset that Woodson has shown preference for in the past.
This would be consistent with how Woodson has developed other elite recruits in his tenure at Indiana. Before Xavier Johnson went down with an injury, Jalen Hood-Schifino never saw more than 30 minutes per game, even as a starter.
Mackenzie Mgbako, also a wing, appeared to have been on a similarly short leash to start last season as well, especially as he struggled to find his range as a shooter.
Even as a bench player, I expect Tucker to have an impact from day one. He has a body and skillset that will make him a matchup problem immediately, which should make him one of the first guys off the bench.