Tucker says he’ll be back after Cancun Challenge

Story by Chris Graham

UVa. senior forward Jamil Tucker told ACCVirginia.com contributor Scott German tonight that he plans to be back with the Virginia basketball team after its trip to Cancun for the final two games of the Cancun Challenge.

Tucker was in street clothes for the Cavs’ 79-46 win over Rider Thursday night. The 6-9 sharpshooter was also in attendance for the team’s season-opening 85-72 win over Longwood last week and signed autographs for fans courtside as teammates took part in a formal autograph-signing session on the court following the game.

Tucker took a leave of absence from the team on Nov. 11 to deal with undisclosed personal matters.

Tucker played in all 28 games and started four for Virginia last season. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 18.5 minutes played a game during the 2008-09 season. He shot 44.2 percent (73-165) from the field, including 40.3 percent (31-77) from three-point range, and 68.2 percent (30-44) from the free-throw line.

Virginia plays Stanford in Cancun on Tuesday night and then will play either Kentucky or Cleveland State on Wednesday night.

The ‘Hoos return to action following a break for Thanksgiving on Nov. 30 with a home game with Penn State as part of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge.

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