Butler Basketball: Previewing Jordan Tucker's impact for 2019-20

Butler Basketball: Previewing Jordan Tucker’s impact for 2019-20

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 21: The Butler Bulldogs mascot is shown during a timeout against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

On the offensive end…

Jordan Tucker will need to be a star on the offensive end of the floor this season. While the Dawgs will feature a couple of other talented scorers in Sean McDermott and Khalif Battle next to Baldwin this season, neither one is expected to emerge as a >15 points per game scorer. Tucker, though, has that kind of potential thanks to his size, three-level scoring, and confidence to fill it up in every single game.

Throughout last season, Tucker proved that he can be a knockdown perimeter shooter on high volume. He made over two trifectas per contest last year and will likely lead the team in 3-pointers made during this coming campaign. He is already well-known as a threat from distance both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. In order for Tucker to emerge as a top-tier scoring option, though, he will need to take significant steps with regards to his finishing around the rim.

Tucker shot just 13-for-33 (39.4%) at the rim and 9-for-33 (27.3%) from mid-range last season. Those numbers simply will not cut it as he will be asked to shoulder more of the offensive burden this season. Thankfully, though, this coaching staff has a track record with regards to developing finishers.

For reference, here is a look at starting point guard Aaron Thompson‘s finishing at the rim over his first two seasons, both of them under this current coaching staff:

2017-18 (FR): 31-for-73 (42.5%) at the rim
2018-19 (SO): 64-for-98 (65.3%) at the rim

Upon looking at film of the two players, both were able to get to the rim with relative ease during their first respective seasons with the program. Even though Thompson will drive with more frequency than Tucker, there are definite similarities with their attacking abilities. It might not be reasonable to expect J-Tucks to shoot >60% at the rim, but there should be an improvement in this facet of his game.

If Tucker emerges as a legitimate finisher around the rim, this instantly changes his offensive production. He looks the part of a true scoring savant and could be a reliable second option next to Baldwin at ~15 points per game. That would greatly improve Butler’s offensive efficiency.