Tigers Tucker takes NBL weekly award

Explosive Melbourne Tigers guard Rashad Tucker has been named as the winner of the National Basketball League (NBL) Philips Player of the Week award for Round Four of the 2005/06 season.

Tucker shredded his old team for the second time this season as his Tigers rolled to a convincing 91-73 triumph over the Perth Wildcats. The Tigers guard poured in 26 points along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and one block as his club notched another road victory and kept their perfect season’s record intact at 4-0.

Tucker has made the most of his opportunities against his former club this season, averaging a staggering 31 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in the Tigers two victories over Perth in 2005/06.

The Melbourne import edged out Townsville Crocodiles forward Larry Abney and Adelaide 36ers guard Brett Maher for the weekly honour.

Abney was a standout for the Crocs in their 122-113 Round Four win over New Zealand, amassing 27 points, 17 rebounds and three steals.

Maher led his team to a 99-94 win over three-time defending champions Sydney in Round Four, putting in an inspiring performance with 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

This is Tucker’s second Philips Player of the Week award in his NBL career, also having taken the honour in Round Nine of the 2004/05 Philips Championship season while playing with the Wildcats.

Other players in the running for the Player of the Week award for Round Nine included Mat Campbell (Wollongong), Glen Saville (Wollongong), Derek Rucker (Brisbane), Brant Bailey (New Zealand), Gary Boodnikoff (Cairns), CJ Bruton (Sydney), Willie Farley (Adelaide) and Dave Thomas (Melbourne).

For winning the Philips Player of the Week award this round, Tucker will receive a Philips Shoqbox, the new tiny personal sound system designed for people that love to share their music experience with others.