Jannah Tucker, the 4th ranked player in the 2013 class by Blue Star Report, visited the University of Tennessee last week and has once again chosen to make Knoxville and the Lady Vols home when she enrolls for classes this January. Previously combining with freshmen Mercedes Russell and Jordan Reynolds in making up the nation’s 6th ranked recruiting class, Tucker has been addressing a personal issue involving domestic violence that has delayed her arrival on campus.
The Randallstown, Maryland native recently issued a statement regarding her circumstances that can be read at the following link on Blue Star Media.
http://bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/583-jannah-tucker
In a release on the Tennesse web site Tucker offered these thoughts.
“Tennessee has always been in my corner no matter what the circumstances may be,” Tucker said. “Starting in the spring semester, I will be attending the University of Tennessee. I am so excited to officially be a Lady Vol, because they truly represent what family is all about. I am so appreciative for all the support I’ve gotten from everyone that is a part of UT, and I am extremely confident that UT is the best place for me to be.”
Fran Burbidge, Tucker’s club coach with the Philadelphia Belles, echoed that the decision had a lot to do with Tennessee’s reaction to the events of the past several months.
“”I really think a large part of it was their understanding and response to the situation even before they actually knew the specifics of the circumstances Jannah was facing.”
“Everyone familiar with what has been going on can’t help but be impressed both with their empathy, compassion and professionalism in addressing an extraordinarily challenging event in the life of a young woman.”
Tucker has earned two Gold Medals with USA Basketball and played with Lady Vol teammate Mercedes Russell on one roster and Bashaara Graves on another. The 6-0 guard will be taking to the court for practice come January but not suiting up this season while taking time to acclimate to her new setting.
