The tournament has showcased the talents of many great Valley players in the past. Xavier McDaniel was electrifying as a Shocker. Hersey Hawkins was the chief scoring threat for the Braves. And the Golden Hurricanes never went dry with Shea Seals raining three-pointers.

But none were able to do what Tucker did against the University of Northern Iowa Friday. His 24-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist performance was the first triple-double in tourney history.

Forget that Rich Herrin put him back into a blowout late in the game to accomplish the feat or that is was against lowly Northern Iowa. It still was a triple-double during the all important tournament time one loss and it’s time for baseball.

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Tucker’s slicing and dicing of the Panthers defense, which included several gangsta baskets (Oops, I got so caught up in the moment I thought I was on NBC with Isiah Thomas) was what Saluki hoop fans had been waiting two years to see.

But his record-setting performance would have to take a back seat in my eyes. Tucker’s attempt to help the Salukis dethrone the MVC champs will be most remembered by me and should have silenced the critics.

On the following day, he logged 37 minutes and still managed 22 points, 12 boards (8 offensive) and 5 steals on one day’s rest in the loss to Illinois State.

When the Salukis struggled, he took it upon himself to create offense by repeatedly penetrating the zone. His skinny 6-foot-7-inch frame was not afraid of where Redbird big bodies LeRoy Watkins and Rico Hill lay in wait. Whether it was a Chris Thunnel three or one of Tucker’s 10 points from the line, the upset hopes were within reach.

Well, this one is probably the closest criticism I would have to agree with. This was Tucker’s final collegiate game and he almost gave way to emotion during the postgame press conference.

But he shrugged it off long enough to thank his teammates and coaches for the everlasting memories of being a SIUC basketball player.

Tucker may not be remembered by Southern Illinoisians like fellow senior Shane Hawkins as a local fan favorite. Nor did he lead his team to the NCAA Tournament like former Saluki star Chris Carr. Off-the-court problems and failure to live up to his superstar billing may have hurt his fan appeal.

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But the two days in St. Louis should have gained Tucker some support. I know a couple of games does not make up for two years, but it sure was comforting to see a glimpse of what could have been and a sneak peek of what the future holds.