Tucker makes the call

Gardena Serra wing Dakarai Tucker has ended his recruitment and committed to the University of Utah.

Tucker, a 6-foot-6 inch, 180 pound wing has been high on the Utes since taking an unofficial visit to Salt Lake City two weeks ago. After giving it some thought, Tucker decided to commit to play for the Utes.

"I was thinking about where I want to go. It dawned on me that Utah really wanted me. Ever sine their season ended and I went out there for an unofficial, I liked it. I came back thinking about how Utah was where I wanted to be. I made my decision and I want to go to Utah," Tucker said.

Tucker was primarily recruited by Utah assistant DeMarlo Slocum. "He's a really cool guy. We have a good relationship," said Tucker. "I also spent a lot of time on my visit with Coach Conner and Coach Krystkowiak. They're really cool dudes."

According to Tucker, the opportunity to play with one of his opponents this season was another selling point. "Brandon Taylor, I don't know him too well, but I know he's a great guy on the court. He gave us a lot of trouble in the game we played against him. I'm looking forward to being his teammate and getting to know the other players.," he said.

Tucker is a talented wing that hopes to provide some scoring punch and a positive outlook to the Utes. "I would say my strength is coming off of screens shooting, dribbling and just having a positive attitude. I'm not the kind of person that gives up. If it's hard, I push myself because I know it will make me better. I won't give up," he said.

The Utes plan on playing Tucker at both the two and the three spots. In the meantime, Tucker lans on preparing himself for the rigors of Division-I basketball. "I'm going to get in the weight room and hard work and get ready for Utah," he said.