The 4 Levels of High School Basketball Players: From SCRUB to STAR

[@ZacharyAceGarcia]

Im almost 15, im uncoordinated, dont play hs basketball or any basketball at all but have a deep passion for it, id describe myself between a scrub & a roleplayer, theres no gym i can train in, im an overthinker, & only play defense & i mean ONLY Defense, i cant grab boards, handle the ball nor score, i cant even receive a pass without fumbling it. Right now i kinda accepted my position & will only continue my hoop journey when im older & have a job & free time or something. Although what i can work on & have been working on for a while is athleticism & Bball/Bball Related IQ.

[@MohammadouBah]

I’m definitely stuck between a scrub and a role player, I think working on my strength for now is the best option until the winter is done

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds like you are on the right track! Keep working.

[@landry979]

this is why I have a toy goal thats adjustable, and when I put it on a stool making it near 10 feet it helps me train. I’m. able to dunk on 9’6 now by just training on this toy goal that maxes out at 7’5 but with a stool can go up to 8’2. It also helps with shooting since instead of being at a low arc its at a high arc for my height. (6’0)

[@PepperFN85]

I’m in 8th grade watching this and when I play summer aau I’m gonna be playing up two years so thank for this advice it well make me well prepared for high school. Keep up the good work and I love your videos

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you, you keep working too!

[@namiflowers00]

i play basketball for fun with my friends but something i always wondered, when hearing about how not that many people go pro, is: how many of those people were locked in with God, the Gym, their Training, the Exercise, Networking? prolly not a lot. There is always something you can do

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%, there are levels to this basketball stuff.

[@ronarmellino9769]

@Tucker great video - everything you talked about made sense to me. From what I saw watching basketball and players who had the ability to move up and didn't was their fear of failing The fact is your high school team needed you to be that player and when you talked about missing a few shots and then hesitating I think that is very common. I remember talking to Rich Leary from Hoops America and he made all the same points you did.Tom Flaherty from the same place always told players always continue to work on improving. If he saw someone at a workout just standing there while waiting for a chnace to get on the floor in game time it drove him crazy. He would say and reason why your not working while waiting and he was right. Speaking to Kerry Foderingham from GRIT at my fall Sunday league he would talk about the same things. We cant go back but can go forward - great advice to all the players who have the goals to move up. Great job once again looking forward to the next video.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!! Yes, the fear of failure or making mistakes is so common. Of course I still struggle with it to this day, but have gotten way better at handling it.

[@Natalieluc24]

yeah im def lvl.3…i go to training everyday multiple times. im great at practice and i work REALLY hard BUT i have never went between my legs in a game, ive never went behind my back or done anything ik i can do. idk if im scared or what. you described me so well its like mind blowing. the only thing though is i don’t have size. im 5’0 8th grader now playing varsity. so now i have to really step up my game. my goal for travel ball, since the regular seasons almost over, is to use my skills and apply them to the game. thanks for the vid

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is the biggest thing, using your skills in real game situations. I struggled with this too!

[@creativecaddie]

Great video you have helped me so much!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad I could help!

[@t2wavy437]

Spot on video bossman, I believe I am a prospect and this was the exact thing I needed to hear.

[@donquixotedoflamingo6101]

Can you make a video of defense anticipation?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Great idea, and an underrated skill.

[@Arnoldo7]

My problem is that there is no open gym in my area so I can´t really work on my game in winter. Any tips?

[@zoo3i1ty]

same with me and it rains alot where i live so i can’t use outside that much

[@TuckerRichardson]

If you really can't find anywhere to train, there are still a few things you can do. Work on your ball handling at home, maybe in a garage or someplace you won't get yelled at haha. Also watch a ton of basketball, including your own games to learn and increase your basketball IQ. And then strength training. You can be doing body weight excursuses like pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc.

[@zoo3i1ty]

@@TuckerRichardson thanks,i always use ball handling at home because i have a basketball court like outside my house like my own hoop but my neighbor gets mad whenever i use it so i can’t really use it that much,it’s in my garage but i’ll still do these things,thanks!

[@FFFr3sHHH]

​@@TuckerRichardson solid advice mate, kudos for actually responding to ur viewers lol

[@mohamedsankhon2078]

Nah fR it’s hard to hoop when it’s winter time so you gotta do what you can in the meantime to get better

[@Vinnywitdashifts]

Thanks Tucker this video is a banger🔥

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go!!

[@MattChau-ic9sl]

hey tuck! Love the videos but would you be able to make one about that attack mentality, confidence, and mindset shift to jump between levels? I feel like I am between levels 2-3 but even my coaches and trainer tell me that it looked like it's all mental. Between practice/training to games something isn't translating. Can you make a video about how to tackle these challenges? Also, I love the TikTok's too!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes, I think I've made a few videos already about mindset. But it is about pushing yourself out of your passive comfort zone. So find ways to force yourself to be more aggressive. Maybe it is before a practice or pickup, you tell yourself you are going to take a certain amount of shots or drive to the rim a certain amount of times. This is how you build that habit!

[@Brodiethegoatmusic]

Im stuck making the jump from role player to prospect this is a very helpful video

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@jhonnattandelacruz1295]

im a role player as a freshman on my high school team. We’re half way through the season and the problem with me is that i go from one game dropping 20-30 with a lot of shots, to only scoring 5-10 with low amount of shots. I know i have plenty if time to improve. This video is going to help me a lot❤

[@TuckerRichardson]

You definitely do have plenty of time to increase that consistency. Keep going!

[@jhonnattandelacruz1295]

@@TuckerRichardsonThank you man much love. God bless you!

[@ianakoro2569]

Great advise 💯 shared with all my players

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go!

[@ThatGuyLevi3]

I'm deffenetly a role player. I'm a freshman and start on varsity at a really small school. I'm very inconsistent from 3, but I can do it all at least a little. I'm very confident and aggressive I just run the offense and don't look for my shot as much as I should

[@Ninjablox-nc2xh]

You should make a video on getting back into basketball after an injury. I just got injured my freshman year and I'm out for the season, I'm not sure what I should do when I get back and what I can do now.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I hear ya, injuries are tough but a part of the game. Will keep this in mind. In. the mean time, I wish you the best in your recovery.

[@TheTimeouthoops]

At the moment I'm between the prospect and the good role player but I'ma keep grinding Love the video BTW tucker any updates on your season?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds good! And thank you, yes season has been overall good. We are in 5th place right now out of about 19 teams!

[@TheTimeouthoops]

Thanks tucker you have the best how to improve content on the Internet and good luck with the rest of your season and as you say be a hooper/stay aggressive 👍

[@R-MoneyII]

Game day . Wish me luck!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Go get it! Be agressive

[@TRC4youtube]

good luck

[@maysonfrank8862]

Fire vid i need this for next year bc ima be a freshman and im getting looked at by our coaches

[@TuckerRichardson]

there you go!

[@hubertivlerbautista9752]

This this right here worked wonders for me i became a starter just cause i avg 14 rebs per game and 2 steals couldnt do anything on offense tho so now i got better and yes you need to chase down that fastbreak runner and do the dorty work also throw in some pinches whenever the ref int looking ive gotten a few people kicked out of games

[@hubertivlerbautista9752]

And yes i avg 5 points but that was cause i was on a fastbreak and ig running helped

[@TuckerRichardson]

Nice, so keep building that offensive game!

[@Easymoneysnipr]

level 3 described everything in me im 15 6'3 play on the wing i play under 17s where i score 30 one game then 10 the next one i also get chances in 3rd division pro league but i average like 3 points there i lack the no1 option mentality even tho im the leading scorer in my teams u17 and i think i got to work on my body because i carry to much baby fat and i lack my bodys mobility even tho i move very well so i think i got a lot untapped potential i already shoot 40% on 3s and i think im really growing in to that pro level scorer but i cant playmake for shit and i shoot over double teams a lot sum it all up this video REALLY helped me great work!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha good stuff! Glad to help!

[@BenLa-m2x]

Thank you

[@TuckerRichardson]

You're welcome!

[@highlyfavored11]

Could you make a video on getting in shape?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Getting in basketball shape?

[@highlyfavored11]

@ yes please 🙏

[@Shackielle_oneal]

I would say i was able to luckily only be stuck in the scrub category for my first handful of games, mainly due to the fact that my team was very short on players my first season so i ended up starting right from game 1, so once i got a hang of how the game worked i was able to step up to the role player level with my defence and ability to read passing lanes. Right now id say im probably in the prospect level when you scale for the ability of my league. I dropped 27 and 10 rebounds in one game and then the next i only had 3 and 9, so the consistency is still a struggle but im working on it

[@TuckerRichardson]

Love to hear it. You showed in that big game that you have the necessary skills, now like you said, it's about training your mentality.

[@Alper-3018]

hey tucker do u have any tips to get back into your rthym/flow after the holidays?

[@TuckerRichardson]

I mean yeah, just get back to the grind haha. Probably a lot of shooting to get your touch back!

[@Alper-3018]

ok thanks i’m versing my friend in 5 days wish me luck

[@Case-n3y]

Hey Tucker this is my 3rd yr of playing basketball and I start for my jv team. I rly struggle with in game aggression I’ll play pickup and just get buckets but when I’m in a game I just kinda like shut idk rly how else to say it. I work a lot because I’ve fallen in love playing (at least 10 hrs a week) and I strength train just looking for some pointers!

[@TuckerRichardson]

A lot of what I talked about in this video. Channeling that aggression into real games is difficult, but it is in your control!

[@chadhenne3340]

Can you make a video on how to fix your jump shot because I stopped playing for a bit and now mine is totally scuffed and all these videos I see none of them have helped me but I really do like how you play if not it’s all good thank you

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hmmm... I was going to say there are a lot of great videos out there that teach technique, that isn't exactly my expertise.

[@xrprodsx]

I’m a prospect I am the best on my team but I sometimes score 20-30 but other games I score 5 points and I’m just really inconsistent, I’m aggressive most of the time but sometimes I’m scared of being called a ball hog so I pass, it leads to bad plays like turnovers or bad shots. Also in the snowy times I can’t practice because the gyms are closed and I live in an apartment so I can’t dribble so what can I do to become the star and get the major offers. ( I play better versus team that are a little worse)

[@TuckerRichardson]

Like I talked about, it is all about developing that consistent mentality. This comes from the things I talked about in the video! Keep going!

[@xrprodsx]

@@TuckerRichardsonthanks!

[@SplashGreenCurry]

I’m a shooter on my team and I usually make a few floaters in a game. But outside of it I don’t really have anything else in my game. How should i improve my game and how can I be more consistent?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Find other areas to make plays. You have a good foundation, now maybe add some ability to create out of pick and roll, or being able to catch and attack.

[@SplashGreenCurry]

@@TuckerRichardsonthank you I’ll work on it

[@Gublox_roblox]

Good video! I'm probably almost a Prospect, but there's no Gyms in the place i live so i can't practice that much ( i'm from spain ), someting i can do?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Find ways to get better at home. Ball handling, watching film, working on your strength, journaling, meditating, etc.

[@dametime1903]

I’m stuck between a role player and a prospect. I can be a really good player but I’m inconsistent and I’m not used to my new skills yet. I’m slowly gaining the right mentality as well. I have the potential to be a star once my athleticism is finished.

[@TuckerRichardson]

That’s what it’s all about, finding your way and getting those reps in. Keep going!

[@lennafromoblock]

Coach i know im really good but in games i struggle with my confindence in games but in 1v1s im very good please give me advice

[@TuckerRichardson]

Don't be afraid to fail. Focus on the process of getting good shots. Move on from misses and mistakes and realize every single basketball player makes them.

[@skibididimensionsroblow]

Can you make a specific video on how to escape being a scrub

[@TuckerRichardson]

This could be a good idea haha

[@aleksaa1747]

The prospect category is who I am and i just had a game today where I underperformed I wasnt in the attack mode i unly shot one three when the ball went in n out and i consider myself a slasher but they really clogged the paint and i didnt really know how to react since I never practiced some kind of step back jumper in the paint. So therefore i was just chunking up 100% contested layps. If you could maybe give some tips on those drives where d gets clogged up

[@TuckerRichardson]

This is tough, especially if you have teammates who can't shoot so they can't space the court. Finding small angles, using ball screens to create mismatches, attacking more in transition when the defense isn't set could all be options.

[@ayan2009]

What workout would you recommend me doing ?Im gonna be 15soon.Could you upload a full day of trainingn plan to get better?

[@TuckerRichardson]

There isn't one specific thing. At your age, you need to be working on all of the core skills, and playing in live situations so they will translate to actual games.

[@ayan2009]

@@TuckerRichardson would you say to lift weights ?i do bodyweight strength and plyos to jump higher

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah I think lifting is a big part of basketball improvement!

[@BlakeCummings-s5p]

Bank three is crazy Tucker😂

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hey when it happens, we embrace it hahahah

[@agitatedbow5902]

I think I am somewhere between a role-player and a prospect. I am definitely not the best on my team, but I do add to the team. I have a really hard time applying my skill to games and my recent ones I am dropping less and less points. I am super dedicated and work really hard though.

[@TuckerRichardson]

It is tough when you know you can play better than you are, but we have all been there. Keep up the good work and it will come together!

[@sioths4905]

I struggle with the fact that despite being 6'5, I am 123 pounds and often get thrown around. Does anyone have any tips on how I should improve my gameplay as I gain weight?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds like a great chance to work on your guard skills even at your height. I'm 6'5" and played a ton of point guard over the years which allowed me to separate from other players. And as you grow into your size, you can use your physicality more in other ways.

[@thefilaykid2525]

I fit the description of level 3 but I’m in a level 2 and 1 situation right now I’m a high school senior I’m a 6’4-5 wing in NJ, and my coach says I have so much potential killing in practice and just putting in so much work overall but I still get a huge lack of playing time

[@TuckerRichardson]

What does your coach say is the thing keeping you off of the court?

[@thefilaykid2525]

@ Sometimes he says he wants to see more I guess out of me. And I’m in a bad position right now I have no film, nor any interest.

[@sttuffwithjoe4477]

Through my 4 games played of junior year in high school, I’m averaging 6pts and I come off the bench, getting restricted minutes. I guess this would put me in that role player area or somewhere just below there cause my averages aren’t high, but I work hard to get there. I feel my time is coming up though to go further cause I’m already a junior and I’m not necessarily the height a coach would look for. Any tips? Ik it’s not much detail. Thanks for the video

[@TuckerRichardson]

Keep putting in the work. You are putting yourself in a position to get more minutes this year, and definitely when you become a senior. So don't get discouraged!

[@sttuffwithjoe4477]

@ okay thanks so much sir

[@Theodabenchwarmer]

I would say I fall into the prospect category, I’m the best player on my team , I average around 15 but that can range from scoring 25 to scoring 9. Usually if I miss my first few shots I’m hesitant to shoot again but other games I don’t care if I miss or not. I would say the problem I have is having a constant aggressive mindset and telling myself that if I miss a few shots I should keep shooting or attacking. Any tips or things I can tell myself to stay aggressive ? I’m in 8th grade btw

[@abdouliecham837]

Did you play juco before going to colgate

[@TuckerRichardson]

No, but I did a post grad year of high school.

[@landry979]

Def level 3. I’m 6’0, can shoot and finish on all positions.

[@camdenlechtenberg1752]

Wait so then tucker how do you get good at shooting is there a certain workout I should do or should I be getting up 100 shots a day no matter what or how do you get like really good? Thanks so much

[@TuckerRichardson]

Definitely takes a ton of reps. I was taking more than 100 shots a day in high school, as well as focusing on my form and getting real game reps.

[@HoustonBasketballTalent]

I’m the 2nd to last one i’m ranked 34 in my class and i had 2 53 point games and i had a 47 point game against the 2nd best team in the jr eybl circuit accept im just not concistant because ill have 34 points and 11 assist but then ill have 12 points and 8 assists next game and please read the whole thing and please help me

[@TuckerRichardson]

Wow, sounds like you are putting up some incredible performances. Just needs to be about doing it on a more consistent basis with your aggressiveness.

[@celticsfanbleedgreen5712]

Do you have any advice for gaining overall assertiveness. I play great comp in NJ, and a few of my teammates and my opponents are future college athletes, varying from D3 to a bunch of D1 kids. I’ll go on streaks of 5-6 games where I’m scoring 10-15 points but I’ll never break that mark, and when I watch myself even in my good games, I don’t move like these high level kids I play. I don’t attack every opportunity and my look very closed off and tight.

[@celticsfanbleedgreen5712]

Actually I rarely do anything other than hit shots, I don’t jump passing lanes, attack the rim, or use any guard skills

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think one thing you can try is tell yourself before practice something like "today I am going to force myself to attack the rim 3 times today. I don't have to score, by I am going to attack." This way you build the habit of aggressiveness, and you can do it with anything.

[@japhethhirpa]

How can I score over taller players? Everytime I drive they shift their bodies to block the lane and I'm finding it hard to get shots over them.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Floaters, pump fakes?

[@Erkhmewitdashifts]

Im 15 and i think im in 3rd level and yeah i really struggle with mentality and when there is something on the line I screw up but when i play ball in park i really play well how do i fix that

[@TuckerRichardson]

Don't worry about the result of a play, worry about the play itself. Is it a shot you work on and know you can make? Then you must shoot it!

[@Erkhmewitdashifts]

@ thanks G

[@camdenlechtenberg1752]

Hey tucker I know you might have some things about this question I have. My overall goal is to play college basketball and I’m dribbling every night working out in the weight room shooting form shots inside when it’s cold and I’m just not seeing the results I want to be seeing. Do you have any advice for me?

[@jeremiassantana7776]

I'm not Tucker but is your extra training challenging your skills?

[@camdenlechtenberg1752]

@@jeremiassantana7776 I don’t know for sure what challenging your skills means fully but I think I’m going as hard as I can pounding the ball into the ground if that’s what you mean. But I dribble and do form shots but I don’t know what that means fully. Thanks so much if you can tell me what it means to challenge your skills and how you do it. Thanks so much

[@TuckerRichardson]

When it comes to something like improving your handle, it isn't all about just pounding the ball 100 times with one hand. There are plenty of great videos out there about how to actually improve ball handling, but it is a process that takes time, especially to actually use the moves you work on in game situations.

[@camdenlechtenberg1752]

@@TuckerRichardson Oh ok I see now. Thanks so much!

[@jariwarsany]

where do i get a shirt like you have?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Work out with the Warriors hahahah

[@jariwarsany]

@@TuckerRichardson i‘ve been looking for shirts like these they look so cool

[@TuckerRichardson]

@@jariwarsany yeah I’m not sure if you can buy it online

[@LukaD33]

I work all summer long, shooting around in my backyard, working on handles and moves. And am still in the scrub range for some reason on my HS team. I have a good jump shot, I can do all the fancy dribbles, know the fundamentals, ext. and still sit. Idk what to do.

[@thecooldino8453]

Play against people like in 1v1 or pickup games because they will translate better to you on actual games

[@jamesonforsythe3418]

I am definitely a role player and a “shooter” but I can make big plays but I am too inconsistent and my confidence fluctuates, this has effected my playing time and I am not getting the minutes I want. The coach told me I need to be more comfortable with the ball. I feel like I am so close to being a prospect if I can just earn some more minutes. Do you have any feedback for me?

[@Alper-3018]

tucker do u have any tips for shooting confidence for 3s during matches, not necessarily about worrying about missing the shot but more like the confidence to shoot the shot (if that makes sense)

[@thecooldino8453]

Idk if this helps but I once heard a comment on leathal shooter say to focus on the bucket and not the defender

[@ajgreene5677]

Have you ever thought about playing on The Next Chapter

[@TuckerRichardson]

Actually not sure what that is haha

[@ajgreene5677]

@ please go watch on KZbin. It’s mostly 1 on 1 basketball but they do 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 as well. They have guys anywhere from D3 players to former G League, NBA, and D1 players

[@judithdomedji2109]

Im 12 and i think im 3rd lvl for my age. I got really good handles to the point that some people have compared me to kryie irving. Im good at layups and decent at shooting but in game i keep messing up. What should i do to help with my in game performance

[@TuckerRichardson]

The more you play, not just in games but 1v1s, 2v2s and 3v3s, the more your skills will start to translate to real games!

[@judithdomedji2109]

@TuckerRichardson alr thank u for the advice ima start doing 1v1s 2v2s and 3v3s more. Also thank u for actually responding unlike alot of youtubers. Ur videos have been a big help to motivate me to stop being lazy and just get better ovr, so I really appreciate it.

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is awesome!! Glad to help.

[@Paradoxicallyparadoxed]

I’m in the 9th grade and I got cut from the basketball team but I’ll use this video and improve

[@Paradoxicallyparadoxed]

Great video

[@TuckerRichardson]

Good stuff, always room for improvement!

[@Pixel_Godz68]

I am 100% a prospect but I work as hard as I can so one day I can be an nba player

[@TuckerRichardson]

Love it!!

[@KazehayaLee-h7i]

@TuckerRichardson thanks but how do i level up from role to star I'm only 6"0 at 15 and i can barely shoot

[@TuckerRichardson]

Work on your skills, specifically your shot! Every single day get in the reps.

[@akaMota9]

I am a sophmore, 6 foot and play JV. Im the star of JV and I am even better than some varsity players but they are older and taller. So, I don't know what level I am at. I am hoping to grow 🙏 My dad is 6'1 so I guess I have potential

[@TuckerRichardson]

Nice, keep doing your thing on JV, and then next year translate it to varsity!

[@therealmbo]

I'm still a bit confused to stop being a role player, I'm a defensive player with a good mentality but I'm still stuck not making the rotation for games but will perform well defensively and get some good offensive clips too.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hmmm...maybe you do need to step up your role on offense and have more of an impact there.

[@therealmbo]

@@TuckerRichardson in what ways for context im 5’7 with decent athleticism and good strength as a sophomore in the uk

[@TuckerRichardson]

Can you make shots or create opportunities for your teammates or beat your defender or get easy baskets in transition or get offensive rebounds, etc. Just find some way to be impactful on offense.

[@Amperall]

Back in high school, how many hours would you say you practiced basketball a day?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hmmm...Honestly between 2-3 hours on average. So some days more and some less.

[@thecooldino8453]

How do I find pickup games and when I try at school they will be full or think I’m not good enough to play with them. I can’t make my own group because my school has only one court and it would just be chaotic

[@fakenameidk]

I cant figure out how to shoot consistently in games. Like my form completely changes in a game compared to at home training and practice. What would be your advice?

[@GetHypedForTheRealBucket]

Tucker I have a question what happens if your parents aren’t willing to take you to the local gym is there anything I should do?

[@thecooldino8453]

Try to get a mini hoop of hoop at home I’d say, if not you could make like a diy hoop I guess

[@JMR2009]

I wanna play next level, but I'm being played as a center because I'm the tallest person on the team, (6'4) however during pickup games I run more of a forward and take more midranges and drives to the basket. My dad thinks that I should stay in the same position, and gets frustrated when I try to do so, How do I break that cycle of being a center on the team to having more to do with the ball?

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think even if you are the "center" you can do guard like things. Shoot 3s, get rebounds and dribble it up in transition, fake handoffs and drive, etc. Only if you are putting in the work at developing these skills obviously.

[@alexanderrodriguez-by2li]

@TuckerRichardson what if i have the ability and the skill but they still don't let me play? Even when i talk to do coaches they still don't give me the chance. What would you recommend i do in this scenario?

[@TuckerRichardson]

What does your coach say?

[@jeremiassantana7776]

Identify what do they want to see in players! Maybe you lack athleticism or something else that they prioritize? If they just don't like you for some reason and don't let you play because of that, prove to the rest of the team that you can belong😈 (tip: beat a role player repeatedly on 1v1s). If this was helpful, make that your mission!

[@akumicobain]

Freshman: scrub Soph: role player Junior: prospect 😭 that’s where I peaked

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hey, I get it! haha

[@ballislife9924]

I'm not an HS player. I just play club ball in Europe in my mid twenties because in my youth I played high-level football (soccer). That being said, my archetype is the "overachiever." I'm not the most skillful player, but somehow I play way better in games than in practices. I'm not even a good shooter in practices or pickup, but somehow knock down shots in games, lol. I don’t score the most but still play the most minutes since I'm fast and can pass and can defend

[@threeapples4405]

I’m a freshman and I haven’t tried out for my middle school team because of health reasons. Is there any hope for me to make JV? (I’m a role player btw)

[@TuckerRichardson]

There is always a chance, if you are good enough!

[@mohammadwaseem3616]

Level 3 but some times i have 30 p and some times 5 how can i fix that its just that whenever i shoot i miss

[@TuckerRichardson]

Same with me back in the day! Whenever you shoot you miss? How do you score 30 then?

[@laviniasaia8102]

What if i'm a role player in my u17 team but when i'm with the pro team (3° pro league here) i become more like a scrub? Then it's not my fault, that i'm not good. Maybe it's beacause i'm "scared" so i become really passive?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah I mean we become different players on different teams, that is normal. But it is all about still having an impact even on the higher level team.

[@Alper-3018]

do you like to drive or shoot more

[@TuckerRichardson]

Probably shoot, but a mixture of both.

[@lawnc5968]

Tucker im 5'9 like 135 pounds, im a guard that can shoot and dribble, but this year for example my first part of the championship the first game with every team, i averaged like 5ppg but in the second part i averaged like 13 ppg, how can i stay on that mentality that i had on the second part, like to attack and be aggressive, cause when im comfortable in game im always passive and become afraid.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think for me, before my game when I set an intention to be aggressive, It really helps me over the course of the game. So sometimes even writing down some of my goals helps me.

[@themidrange]

I subliminally stole your recent video thumbnail, I promise it wasn't intentional. But just in case, keep coming out with good content that I can steal/borrow.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha all good. I'm loving your stuff too!

[@flynngilchrist-ul8uq]

yo im confused on one team i drop 35 on a diffrent team i drop ten and on the first team they had more skill then the 2 what should i do

[@TuckerRichardson]

Find that consistency, especially with your attacking mentality.

[@stefanotomasi2114]

I’m stuck between role player and prospect, because I got osgood schlatter for a long time, it hurt a lot, and can’t really play good because of that, I’m forced to be in the bench sometimes because I got so much pain that I can’t even make a slide, any tips guys? Need them

[@XJGOTGAME4]

I’d Say Star I’m Ranked #1 In 2029 Can’t Win Without Me Scoring 30 Just Started Playing Varsity At A Prep School In The 8th Grade Played Up 15u Last Year And Averaged 18.3 Points In 22 Minutes But Do You Have Any Player Marketing Tips For Me

[@TuckerRichardson]

Wow, you got a lot going for you. At only 15, still time before you really start getting recruited!

[@XJGOTGAME4]

Thanks So Do You Hopefully You Can Get Another Pro Championship And I’m 13 Turning 14 On February 4th I Play Up 15U Your Right About The Time Part Thank You

[@stonks8440]

There aren’t any trainers in my area how do I get to the next level

[@thecooldino8453]

Playing against players better than you, this can also be older players if it’s too easy

[@rell1826]

1v1 ideas like for example Play with a worn ball Full court 1v1 Left hand only 5 seconds Small court all that

[@TuckerRichardson]

These are some good ones!

[@RealBeanss]

Im in 8th grade so do you think watching high school basketball would be good for me. I watch collage basketball too

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes, always watch the levels ahead of you to see what you need to get better at!

[@ayan2009]

What do you think you should have done to make the nba ?Do you have any regrets?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Well, I am still playing so there is still time for me to make it! Definitely no regrets, just things I can learn from and pass down to all of you.

[@ayan2009]

@@TuckerRichardson hope you the best keep uploading good stuff

[@TuckerRichardson]

@@ayan2009 Will do!

[@Pringleman435]

I’d say I’m at level 3 but in my school team it’s like I’m a scrub even though I know I can play really well

[@TuckerRichardson]

Why do you play like a scrub then?

[@celticsfanbleedgreen5712]

Ima be honest, you’re not level three until you’re doing it in games. Plenty of players are star type players in other situations, you gotta be honest with your evaluations

[@TuckerRichardson]

This is true. Gotta prove you can do it when the lights come on.

[@Jacksonward-vy4kc]

I'm a 2.5

[@TuckerRichardson]

Ah I'm sure a lot of people are!

[@ColinP-v2n]

I’m an eight grader and I’m averaging around 15 ppg in 6 min quarters but I don’t know how well my skills will translate to high school since I’m not super tall at 5ft 6in not crazy athletic and not a great shooter

[@TuckerRichardson]

Well, keep developing the skills that you think will translate to that level. But give yourself time, you don't know the player you will be next year!

[@maysonfrank8862]

I feel like im a scrub and a prospect bc i have the skills but i lack mentality but some days i performe horrible and some days i do good

[@TuckerRichardson]

Consistency and reliability is big part of leveling up!

[@firemelongaming1677]

I'm definetly 3 in some ways and 4 in some ways but my coach plays me as if im a scrub... (i dont go to the school i play for) yet i play varsity as a 8th grader and dont play meaningful minutes in middleschool

[@dennaaustin533]

i'm like a level 3 and i train every day and i make like 60-70 % of my jumpers in training but when i get in the game i rarely shoot or shot midrange shots and im only averaging about 15 and 12 boards rn any more tips?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Don't be afraid to shoot when the actual game begins. You've put in the work!

[@Zoley12-t5v]

What if u are crazy at defence and can average 10 points a game in u14 is that good?

[@thecooldino8453]

That’s REALLY good, I mean you don’t have to be dropping 20 if you can make a good impact on defense. Doing good on defence and scoring 10ppg is really good in my opinion

[@West828]

I was a scrub at the highest level of high school basketball in NZ

[@NicoLalandrez]

I feel like im the prospect becuase my skill is the best on the team but I still play passive in game.and dont take risk

[@TuckerRichardson]

Do you think you can change that mentality?

[@LolSue-t9l]

I'm 16 years old, bro, here in the Philippines, I'm 5'11, so they put me at the 5, I have the skill set of a 3, and I'm thin. Should I move to the 3? Even if we don't have a 5?

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think you can still use your guard skills even if you are playing the “5”. Like yesterday in my game, I was forced to play at the 4 due to foul trouble even though I’m a guard, and I still would get rebounds and push it up the court, still look for my shot, etc.

[@LolSue-t9l]

@TuckerRichardson Thank you, bro, and also, I'm at the prospect level. I lacked the mentality you said, man, and IT HIT ME HARD because I've been so inconsistent lately. So Imma fix my mentality.

[@TuckerRichardson]

@@LolSue-t9l Mentality is so important. The mental side of the game is such a big percentage of basketball success!

[@roskibobby11]

Nikola Jokic!!!

[@NancyWilliamson-z9y]

You could maybe play a stretch big if your coach is fine with it.

[@DubMoney1]

I really need help bro… so freshman year I averaged 20 on jv.. sophmore year I I was still on jv we got a new coach and I quit because I didn’t get the time I deserved I felt like. Junior came buy this year and once again I didn’t get enough time on varsity so I quit 🤦‍♂️ is it over for me to make it in this sport ? Im going to be a senior next year and idk if it’s worth it to keep going with this sport I put in so much work. Im 6 foot 170 I’m sorry this was a lot I hope someone can answer 🙏

[@thecooldino8453]

It’s not over for you, you can always try to walk on a college and show them what you can do and you still have a whole summer to work on your skills (I’m guessing it’s not your senior year yet)

[@xHBxHoopsx]

I’m stuck in the scrub level I’m in 7th grade and I’ve been playing since sixth grade it’s not that I’m not skilled yet it’s that in scrimmage or in pick up I can do good hitting shots making good passes and playing good defense but in games I get good playing time and my teammates pass to me but I get overwhelmed when I get the ball example is yesterday my teammate passed to me a made a move to the basket then got cut off on the baseline so I spun away from the baseline and could’ve shot the ball from mid range but all of my teammates were asking for the ball and it overwhelmed me so I picked the ball up and couldn’t find a pass so I found my teammate on the top of the key who only had one defender on him so I gave it to him but it got stolen it also happened the next game yesterday when I got a steal but there wasn’t anyone to pass to and when I am open on catch and shoot my form always looks and feels weird but in practice it’s fine, how can I get over this and be a stronger contributor scoring more and not getting overwhelmed and throwing bad passes or shooting bad shots?

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are so young! You have plenty of time to develop this mentality, don't put so much pressure on yourself right now. Just keep working and have fun when you are out there.

[@TemetriusJamelMorant]

Why this guy look like dalton khnecht

[@Fast_Break_Productions]

Because dalton knetcht just looks like a tall white guy

[@TuckerRichardson]

Nahh I've gotten this a lot...

[@lukelangel9795]

🔥

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yessir

[@mohamedsankhon2078]

💯💯💯

[@TuckerRichardson]

👍🏻

[@Maxim0357]

👇Team scrub🤝

[@TuckerRichardson]

😂 time to get better!

[@its.that-time]

AJ trash

[@vinny0406]

On my school team I don’t get any playing time. I train really hard everyday. It’s been more inconsistent now in the winter because the temperature so I get work after practice before varsity comes in for like 30 minutes. I asked my dad for an indoor gym membership so I can shots up. I was like a prospect on my aau team in the summer. I was the best player on the team and averaged 10 points just confidence was my weakness. I just don’t touch the court on my school team and it really pisses me off. What should I do?

[@MohammadouBah]

It’s the same for me, I definitely could do better my coach just does not give me a chance

[@vinny0406]

@ facts I’ve only played 7 minutes this whole season. I’ve scored 4 points but if I make one mistake I get subbed out immediately. Really messed my confidence up

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah I know how much coaching can affect a player. I really don't have any amazing advice other than to use it as motivation, and try and do as many things as possible to stay on the court when you get out of there. So be doing all the things that are in your control on every possession, like going for offensive rebounds, boxing out, talking on defense, etc.