Phoenix Suns 2007 first round draft pick Alando Tucker

2007 has been a great year for Phoenix Suns forward Alando Tucker as he collected Big Ten Player of the Year honors during his senior season at the University of Wisconsin, while breaking the schools all time scoring record (2,147 points) formerly held by San Antonio Spurs Guard Michael Finley. The year got even better on June 28th when the Phoenix Suns drafted the 6’6” swingman with the 29th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Alando grew up just outside of Chicago in Lockport, Illinois and was exposed to hockey at an early age. It was a school field trip in fifth grade that took him to his first Blackhawks game and he was instantly hooked on the fast paced action. His interest in hockey continued to grow while at the University of Wisconsin as the Badgers basketball and hockey teams shared the Kohl Center. Whenever he had free time, you could find Alando decked out in red and white, cheering for the Badgers hockey team.

This season, Phoenix Coyotes first round draft pick Kyle Turris will look to continue the tradition of excellence in Madison that Alando Tucker carried on for the past four years, as he joins the Badger hockey team. Players like Dany Heatley, Chris Chelios, and the Coyotes’ Steven Reinprecht, have always made the Badgers a force on the ice.

PhoenixCoyotes.com Host Matt Rosen recently went out to Alando Tucker’s home to talk about Kyle Turris, his move to Phoenix, and his passion for hockey.