Coach Todd Lickliter added the latest twist to the storyline Tuesday, declining to say when — or even if — the Iowa basketball team’s second-leading scorer will see any action this season.
“I haven’t made that decision yet,” Lickliter said.
Tucker did resume practices with the Hawkeyes on Monday, ending a five-week suspension that followed his second arrest in 13 months on public-intoxication charges.
Lickliter described the sophomore guard as remorseful and appreciative of receiving an opportunity to rejoin the team.
Tucker has worked to fulfill requirements of his suspension, an alcohol assessment and 30 hours of community service work, and Lickliter said members of the administration indicated to him that they felt the start of the spring semester was the appropriate time for Tucker to return to practice.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Tucker, who averaged 11.9 points while starting in Iowa’s first 11 games, will return to action anytime soon.
“I determine who plays,” Lickliter said. “As far as the university goes, I think he would be eligible to play, but I’m not comfortable with it.”
For now, Tucker will work with the scout team and help prepare the Hawkeyes for their upcoming opponents.
“Anthony can come and help us practice,” Lickliter said. “His concentration should be on his schooling and the other responsibilities he has. Then he can come in and get into the gym a bit and take his mind off of things.”
Lickliter said he didn’t notice what type of condition Tucker was in Monday, saying his focus was on today’s 7:30 p.m. game with Ohio State.
Iowa players echoed Lickliter’s sentiments about being focused on the 20th-rated Buckeyes, but added they welcomed Tucker — who is not being allowed to speak with the media this week — back to practice.
“It’s good for him and for the team,” sophomore Matt Gatens said. “We all need to get past this and move on. It was good to seem on the floor again. We can use him and we need him.”
Forward Aaron Fuller said it appears Tucker will be eased back into competition while guard Eric May indicated the team was “excited” to have Tucker back at practice.
Lickliter indicated he doesn’t want Tucker to take another chance for granted.
“As I told him, if you’re in the workforce, you might not get this opportunity,” Lickliter said. “Student-athletes have their whole life ahead of them. I think earning a degree is a benefit for a young person. I want him to stay the course and earn a degree, and that’s what we’re doing. Anthony is going to have to pull himself out of this.”
