NBL23 Debrief: Rayjon Tucker

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Travelling internationally for the first time can be a confronting experience.

That, compounded with the expectations associated with being a marquee import player for one of the NBL’s preeminent powerhouses, is enough to have anyone feeling the pressure.

This was the mountain that American highflyer Rayjon Tucker faced when he joined Melbourne United for the NBL23 season.

Never one to back down from a challenge, ‘Tuck’ as he was affectionately known, went to work, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Finishing the season as one of the top scorers in the league while wowing crowds on a nightly basis with his above-the-rim antics, Tuck said while this season ended too early, it has given him a new perspective on the game he loves so dearly.

“(This year) has been unimaginable, it’s a blessing, it’s just helped me mature, on and off the court,” he said.

“The league has given me just a new aspect to basketball, a new perspective on basketball, it gave me a different type of love and respect for it.”

A big part of this growth came as a result of the love he felt from the city of Melbourne, and United’s passionate supporters, who helped fuel him each time he stepped onto the court.

“The city has made this feel like home, the club has made this feel like home,” he continued.

“The fans have been tremendous time and time again. They’ve been with us through our ups and downs, from when we were 5-10 to going on that streak that we had, winning 10 out of 13 games.

“That’s always been a big thing for me, having the fan engagement because at the end of the day they make the atmosphere that we play in, they make it so enjoyable.”

On the court, you could see Tucker maturing in real time, learning from the experience of the veterans around him while guiding his younger teammates.

“I’ve always been the kind of guy that kind of sits back and lets everything play out and kind of watch what’s going on but being here, the club challenged me to be more open, to be myself.”

With his first campaign abroad done and dusted, Tucker is set to return to America, where he will look to secure himself an NBA contract for the remainder of the season.

While the NBA remains his ultimate goal, the 25-year-old said he would welcome a return to MU in the future.

“I could definitely see myself coming back to play for Melbourne… this is definitely a spot that I’ve made home.”