Indiana basketball commit Bryson Tucker set for full-circle moment when he takes the floor tonight in the McDonald’s All-American Game: ‘This is the thing you really want to do’

Newly pledged Indiana basketball commit and Bishop O’Connell (Va.) 2024 forward Bryson Tucker is set to take part in one of the most prestigious events in the high school basketball world. On Tuesday night, he will be part of the next group of prospects to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

The 6-foot-7 wing has flown under-the-radar for the majority of his high school career, despite playing last year at prestigious IMG Academy (Fla.). The main reason was his lack of visibility during the summer months by not playing on an AAU shoe circuit.

So, this week has not only been a way to be back in the national spotlight, but it’s also a way to back up his commitment to Indiana basketball.

And so, he’s been soaking everything up in order to maximize his experience.

“Great,” Tucker said of his week on Monday afternoon during the McDonald’s All-American Media Day. “(Gaining) Experience playing against the top kids, just coming out here knowing like everybody that has played in the game. So it’s a really big deal and I can’t wait to represent me and my family during this game.”

While he’s been committed for just six days, Tucker will be the 34th McDonald’s All-American in Indiana basketball program history.

Video Highlights: Indiana basketball 2024 5-star commit Bryson Tucker

Tucker, who committed just a day after his official visit to Indiana, is excited about the potential for next year. Despite Indiana still six available scholarships away from filling out a roster, his trust in the coaching staff is high — and he’s ready to be part of the program turnaround following a down season.

“I think we (Indiana) can do a lot,” Tucker said. “Also getting in some transfers, but with the coaching there once he (Mike Woodson) has the bodies it’s definitely going to turn around quickly.”

But before he puts on the Indiana jersey, he has one more jersey to put on tonight. So, as he takes the court — it’ll be a full-circle moment for the five-star wing. A moment he’s been thinking about since he started dribbling a ball.

“I mean, once you started taking basketball serious, like eighth grade ninth grade, this (McDonald’s All-American Game) is the thing like you really want to do. This is what you’re like preparing yourself for in high school,” Tucker said. “This is like one of the last main events or top events that you want to do. And you do this and it’s like you’re done (with high school). So, you really want to come here, do what you can, compete against the guys and just keep working.”