Derek Rucker
 |
|
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 2, 1966 Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American / Australian |
| Listed height | 184 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Listed weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Career information | |
| High school |
University School (Hunting Valley, Ohio) |
| College | Davidson (1984–1988) |
| NBA draft | 1988 / Undrafted |
| Playing career | 1990–2006 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Career history | |
| 1990–1991 | Brisbane Bullets |
| 1992–1993 | Birmingham Bullets |
| 1994 | Newcastle Falcons |
| 1995–1998 | Townsville Suns |
| 1996–1997 | Ginebra San Miguel |
| 1998–2003 | West Sydney Razorbacks |
| 2003–2006 | Brisbane Bullets |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Derek Alan Rucker (born October 2, 1966) is an American-Australian former professional basketball player who starred in the Australian National Basketball League for 15 seasons.
Prior to the commencement of his professional career, Rucker attended and graduated from the exclusive University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. He accepted a basketball scholarship to attend Davidson College and quickly established himself as a player and leader by starting from his freshman year onwards. Rucker led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament his sophomore season and finished at Davidson as the 3rd (now 4th) all-time leading scorer and all-time assists (now 5th) and steals leader (currently 1st). In addition to being first team All-Southern Conference three years in a row and the Southern Conference Tournament MVP, Rucker was also a two-time Academic All-American. Davidson College retired Rucker's #11 uniform and inducted Rucker into the Davidson Hall of Fame.
Rucker was one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the history of the NBL and won the league's coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with the Brisbane Bullets in 1990. Rucker began his career with Brisbane and played for the Newcastle Falcons, Townsville Suns and West Sydney Razorbacks before returning to the Bullets to finish his career.
Rucker finished his NBL career in the top ten all-time in several statistical categories: scoring (7th), assists (4th), steals (4th) and three-point field goals made (5th). He also finished in the top five in MVP voting four times in a six-year span. Rucker appeared in two championship series and was a two-time All-Star Game MVP. Rucker also played professionally in England and the Philippines.
Rucker played an aggressive, attacking offensive game using a combination of skilled moves with the ball. Rucker was a match-winning point guard who scored heavily while also amassing high assist totals throughout his career. An excellent athlete with superb quickness and excellent jumping ability, he constantly raided the keyway and rim despite his size of 184 cm (6'0") and 80 kg (176 lbs). Combined with outstanding long range shooting ability, Rucker was a very tough player to defend. It was Rucker's exciting style of play during the boom years of the NBL in Australia that thrust him into celebrity status in the new millennium.
...
Wikipedia