Twitter: @JRT_Hoops
J.R. Tucker High School (Henrico, VA)
Classification: Class 5, Region B
'I'm Coming Home'
Former Randolph-Macon College men's basketball standout (class of 2012), Adam Desgain, returns to his high school alma mater this season as the head honcho of the program he starred in several years ago. This past summer, the school inducted him into the J.R. Tucker Hall of Fame. The newly hired coach brings with him a wealth of basketball intelligence and looks more than determined to transform the team back into a winning system after a previous rough season. I really admire Desgain's passionate approach to the game, illustrated by how much he seeks to teach whenever an opportunity presents itself. I played my hoops in the same college conference as he did (and also with his brother) so it's easy to see how he uses certain knowledge learned from his playing days. With his fervent personality and wisdom, he looks anything but the new high school coach on the block. Desgain has a special ability of connecting to his players to make sure they listen to his instruction and always has a reason why it's important to hear what he has to say. His coaching expertise already looks impressive even before tryouts have taken place.
'Catch Me if You Can'
The Tigers have a group of guys who play with an ardent intensity likewise to Desgain's coaching. I have a feeling it will all come to mesh together as long as their focus remains strong. Similar to some other programs I've come across in the 804, J.R. Tucker has quickness and acceleration that they can use to great advantage. The coaching staff appears to recognize this as well and clearly held the players accountable of performing everything at game speed; otherwise, time in the gym would serve no purpose. They push the ball at a lightning rate and shouldn't have trouble if teams try to full-court press; a few of the guards may be able to break a press on their own. However, the way they move the ball in a secondary break impressed me the most. The guys have excellent chemistry with each other in finding appropriate looks on the offensive end. Sometimes, they tend to pass a bit too much and end up making simple plays more complicated. Even though they don't have a ton of height, they crash the glass solidly; mainly as a result from their constant hustle. Defensively, they communicate pretty well but everybody acknowledges how it must improve to a point where lapses aren't an issue. The backcourt has good potential in causing havoc with their instincts and quick hands.
Quick Hitters
A main chunk of the workout's second half involved the players going through different scenarios of a half-court two-man game. I liked Desgain's acknowledgement of how important and useful this type of an offense can be to successful teams. As I mentioned earlier, the Tigers move the ball impressively around the perimeter and can benefit from using their quickness to draw defenders and make quick decisions. They recognize cutting opportunities adequately; more so whenever pin down screens occur. To increase their scoring output, guys who get the ball near the rim need to determine which proper move to make in a quicker thought process. Stalling with the ball just gives opposing teams a better opportunity at earning a defensive stop. I'm confident that with more practice within their offense, J.R. Tucker will grow more and more comfortable in what works best for them and what doesn't.
Who to Watch:
Trey Wood ’19
Acting as the best vocal leader in the gym during my visit, the 5'8' senior guard should lead the charge for the Tigers with his explosive two-way play. I consider him a streaky shooter but Wood showed he's more than capable of knocking down shots and can really heat up at certain points. His confident change of pace with the ball makes him a tough one to contain; sometimes he tends to play too much with his defender instead of just blowing right pass him. In my eyes, he had the best day of a playmaker, both for himself and others. Defensively is where other ball-handlers should keep him at watch the most. Wood can pick-pocket steals at a ridiculous rate and convert them into quick buckets before one even blinks. With his blend of explosiveness, aggressive mentality, and pure confidence, I expect the squad to greatly rely on Wood for his senior campaign.
Jalen Brooks ’20
Several guys in the gym knocked down long-range shots but Brooks definitely appeared as the best overall shooter throughout the session. He has a nice and easy release that defenders cannot afford to treat lightly. If his feet become set and his eyes rest on the rim, there's a good chance it's going in. The 6'2' junior has a great feel for the game which could ultimately aid in him soon becoming one of the team's most dangerous scorers. If he continues to develop more comfort in looking to score off the bounce (especially a reliable pull-up game from midrange areas), he'll become a big time threat in Henrico County. Brooks moves pretty well without the ball but should look to use pin-down screens more and determine which cuts deem appropriate.
Kemile Grandison ’19
Returning as one of the tallest prospects on the varsity squad, Grandison stands as a 6'5 big-body forward. He first caught my attention with his ability to play both inside and out; something I can definitely see giving opponents trouble. When the big fella establishes position down low and secures the ball, not much can stop him around the basket; I expect him to spend most games at the FT line. With his shooting skills, Grandison also can perform as an effective ‘pick & pop' guy for the Tigers in certain situations. Another impressive skill he possesses includes his passing vision from the post and perimeter. It doesn't take him long to spot the open man and fire out passes. Turnovers currently prove as his biggest weakness. This mostly comes from forcing the issue in making extra passes when Grandison can simply just look to score. If he keeps working to clean up this habit and improves his motor, I don't see many in the area who can stop him when he has his mind made up.
Outlook
J.R. Tucker rests in good hands with Desgain back in the picture. He knows the essentials to achieving wins and has a good command over the energetic Tigers. A crucial component to their future success ties into their chemistry, which already shows promise. If everybody stays on the same page in their hustle, unselfishness, and grit… other programs around the region should find themselves in an absolute dogfight every time going up against Desgain's squad.
The High school season is nearing… the Tigers can almost taste it!