February 15, 2016 - At the age of two Charles Tucker tipped off his career in basketball in Lansing, Michigan. Now at the age of 20, Charles Tucker is living his dream of being a college basketball player at Panola College in Carthage.
Tucker, also known as “Cha Cha,” is a humble and selfless person, mellow and goofy off the court. But when the basketball game starts, his demeanor transforms into this person that is focused and intense, making him a huge weapon for the Panola Ponies.
“Basketball means a lot to me because I feel it’s a way God has allowed me to spread his word and influence and has made it an enjoyable experience. On the court I feel like I’m in my own little world for as long as the game is going on. It’s like nothing off the court can hurt, harm, or affect me. I’m like a totally different person,” said Tucker.
At a very young age, Tucker had many basketball role models. Tucker’s dad, Dr. Charles Tucker, is a world class sports agent who owns his own sports agency company called Sports and Psychological Consultants, based in Michigan. Dr. Tucker has represented many famous athletes, including Andre Risen, who had a very successful career in the NFL playing wide receiver. Risen appeared in 186 games and was primarily known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
Dr. Tucker also represented Franco Harris, who played running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 seasons; Isaiah Thomas, who played for the Detroit Pistons for 13 years; and Magic Johnson, an NBA legend who played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Charles Tucker’s godfather, Steve Smith, who was also represented by Dr. Charles Tucker, played for various NBA teams over a 16-year playing career. Dr. Charles Tucker currently represents his son’s best friend Jabari Parker, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. Jabari Parker and Charles Tucker were roommates at the USA Junior National Team tournament and have maintained a close relationship ever since then.
During Charles Tucker’s high school days, he played at two different high schools: his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, he played at Lansing Eastern in Michigan, and his senior year he attended Montrose Christian in Maryland. Out of high school Charles chose to play basketball at Tennessee State University, but didn’t feel it was a good fit. While searching for his next college, Charles was contacted by Panola College Head Coach Grant McMillan.
“Coach McMillan’s interest never swayed,” Charles said, adding that Coach McMillan had a major impact on his decision to attend Panola College. “Cha Cha has helped change this program,” said Coach McMillan. “He has been everything that we thought he would be when we recruited him. He is playing at a very high level, and deserves all the attention he is getting. He took a leap of faith with me and going the JUCO route, like we tell all of our guys: success never rewards the wrong person, he is prime example of that.”
While at Montrose Christian High School, he led his team to a 19-5 record. During high school, he was selected to the USA Men’s Development National Team comprised of the nation’s top under-16 talents. As a freshman, Charles made 18 starts, averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 21.5 minutes a game. He was the team leader in assists. He scored a career high 16 points against Southern Illinois. He was named OVC Freshman of the Week on February 2, 2015, after helping TSU to its first two conference wins the previous week.
So what’s next for Charles Tucker? He says his plan is to attend a four-year school and pursue a degree in finance with an ultimate career path toward working as a financial adviser or manager. He plans to continue his basketball career for as long as possible, with a goal of playing in the NCAA tournament, and ultimately in the NBA. The most humbling thing about Charles Tucker is that even in this day and age where college athletes sometimes think they deserve prima-donna treatment, Charles Tucker’s ultimate dream “is to have a legacy of making an impact on our youth.”
