Offseason Training Report: Tucker Large
Tucker Large of Roosevelt H.S. spent a lot of time in the gym this offseason preparing his game for a breakout sophomore year.
The 2021 PG had a productive varsity year for the Rough Riders as a freshman. After a couple of games coming off the bench as a back up, Tucker was pushed into the starting lineup following an injury to Mount Marty Commit, Peyton Riggs.
“I just tried to bring out as much energy as I could to the team and get my teammates involved as much as possible,” said Large.
Riggs eventually returned to the starting lineup, but Tucker’s minutes increased as he proved to be an efficient guard off the bench. After a 10-12 finish to the season, Tucker and the rest of this young talented team are ready to be a real competitor in the state this upcoming season.
“I think we have a good shot at competing against any team. Ultimately the goal is always to win so I want to win a state title. I think we have the weapons to do so.”
Tucker is surrounded by other young talent at Roosevelt with guards Tyler Feldkamp, Jackson McCormick and Michael Paulson. Large is working to improve his leadership skills and lead this young core of talent to a winning season.
“My goal is to be a better team leader, to take control of the guys this year and be a winning team.”
Large is a strong, low to the ground attacking type of player. His shiftiness with the ball makes it difficult for defenders to stay in front. Large has relied on his quickness to be successful in the past, but needed to work more on his offensive game to become an all around player.
“This summer, I tried to focus as much as I could on my ability to score the basketball, shooting off dribble, mid range and catch and shoot threes. I also worked a lot on finishes around the rim. I felt like I was able to get to the rim with my handles, but would struggle on finish.”
Large and I worked on exactly that when he came to train with me this offseason.
Large played for the Pentagon Schoolers this summer and has trained hard on improving his game with Hennen Workouts at Bartlett Basketball Academy. Showing up to each workout with a smile on his face, he was excited to see improvements throughout the summer.
Large came in with a strong foundation of fundamentals and quick instincts so we wanted to keep building onto that. His ability to get to the rim will always be there, so we worked on finishing with both hands, off one foot and two. We spent a lot of time working on jump stops and pivots in the lane. As a result, Large should see an increase in free throw attempts this season. When it came to shooting, we aimed to shorten his release time giving him the ability to catch and shoot the 3 quicker. We also spent time on the shooting gun making 3 to 5 shots in a row at a spot to improve his consistency.
Working primarily off ball screens, drive and kicks and in transition, Large will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his polished skills this upcoming season. He will be looking to take over the starting PG spot and keep it for years to come.
Large is finishing his first HS football season, but plans to get back into the gym as soon as it finishes. Be on the lookout for this skilled Sioux Falls PG this season.