Wisconsin's star is one of a kind on and off the court

By Brigid Mullen

With my mighty Wisconsin Wolves football team in the early stages of the off-season, I wanted to focus my energy on highlighting some of my favorite athletes.

Wisconsin's Greg Stiemsma and Alando Tucker -- with Brigid somewhere in between. Photo courtesy of Brigid Mullen

On Thursday night, I had the privilege of sitting between the parents of  Wisconsin's "twin towers" -- Greg Stiemsma and Brian Butch -- during the Badgers'  69-48 win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The star of the game was clearly Alando Tucker. Not only is a sure first-round pick in next spring's NBA Draft, he's also a good friend of mine. So, here are a few things that you might not know about this year's Big Ten preseason Player of the Year.

This 6-foot-6, 205-pound Tucker, a Life Science and Communications major, is more than just a basketball player. Yes, he leads the Big Ten in scoring (20.2 ppg) and has a 38-inch vertical leap. But the John Wooden Award candidate is also a cool guy.

As I interview him the night before the game, he is relaxing in his Scooby Doo pajama pants after a long day, waiting to watch one of his favorite cartoons. (He has the biggest collection of movies and cartoons that I've ever seen; lots of Superman). And as I look around, I notice that not only is his apartment super clean, but everything, down to the towels, is color coordinated! Alando has a little GQ in him.

What else? He admits to singing in the shower and writing poetry. Yes, poetry. And rap lyrics, which he is quick to point out would be his job if not for basketball. He's recorded 12 rap songs with a friend over the past few months that may or may not be released. And with Lil' Wayne as his favorite artist right now, you know Tucker's songs are sure to have a sick beat.

Another interesting fact: Tucker says he has never, and will never, touch alcohol. He and his brother made that pact after witnessing all the negativity drinking caused in their neighborhood while they were growing up on the south side of Chicago (where he is now a local celeb). Those mean streets -- and a tendency to do whatever his brother did --  helped Tucker find basketball. 

By constantly playing with guys four years older, Tucker learned to play big and rely on his speed and agility. These skills, along with the Badgers unique style of play, have allowed him to excel in the forward/post position against guys who are taller. He is only the second player in UW history to score at least 1,500 career points prior to his senior season, and he has helped lead the Badgers get off to a 10-1 start.

When asked about the NBA Draft, Tucker said that he tries not to think about it too much so that he can focus on this season, but he admits that he'll be nervous when the time comes.

As we finish up the interview, Tucker leaves me with a few words for young athletes: "Always have a work-hard attitude and confidence in your abilities."

Between basketball, school, community service, writing and recording songs, Tucker Alando seems to be heeding his own advice.