Tanner Stuckman (206-F-1997, college: Quincy, agency: Helping Ballers) is a 26 year old 206cm forward from Quincy. Illinois playing his rookie season overseas with the Caledonia Gladiators (United Kingdom SLB). He began his basketball career at Quincy Notre Dame high school. He then played at Quincy University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022n playing a total of 100 games. He averaged 18,0ppg and 5,0 rebounds in his last 2 years. He played his rookie season with KaU Koris Karkkila (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.0ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 71.2%, then moved to the Windsor Express (NBL Canada) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 84.6%. He returned to the Windsor Express (NBL Canada) the next season averaging 11.5ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP-3 (62.5%), 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.0%. Last season he played with Unicaja Banco Oviedo (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 8.3ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 61.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a test game against the Frankfurt Skyliners.

Thanks Tanner for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

I am currently in Glasgow Scotland playing for the Caledonia Gladiators in the United Kingdom top league. I am really enjoying it so far and the people are great. I’m looking forward to a successful season.

If I gave you Chaos as your middle name would that be a fair name? What gave you the most chaos in the lasty years in terms of travel overseas?

100% would be. I think with overseas basketball there’s always some sort of chaos. Whether it be some sort of bag issues with the flights, or bank account issues in a foreign country. Trying to get my money out of the Spanish account in Spain was a bit tough since they don’t speak English very well. It took 2-3 weeks to get the whole process figured out, but the club (Oviedo) helped me out and we were able to get the money transferred to my US account after the season.

Your playing a test game in Germany this week in Frankfurt. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Germany is a really cool country and has a ton of history and architecture. I am looking forward to seeing it! I have watched a ton of Pro A/BBL basketball the last few years. I think it’s a really solid basketball. I know German basketball is tactical, but also has really good play makers. The physicality is a whole different level in Germany. A lot of big guys who are physical and know how to play the game. I’m looking forward to playing against Frankfurt who just got promoted to the BBL. Will be a great experience and challenge.

Your playing your first season in the UK with the Caledonia Gladiators (United Kingdom-SLB). How blessed are you to have made the next jump in your career? How big of a role was it that you will be able to play international basketball in the Fiba Europe Cup?

It’s always cool to play in different countries and experience new cultures. Obviously this year is a bit easier with it being an English speaking country, but still has a different culture compared to the United States. International competition is huge at this point in my career. I’m still slowly growing and getting better year to year, so as soon as I heard that a team that is playing international competition was interested, I wanted to pursue it. It’s a great challenge and allows me to compete against different teams who play in different domestic leagues. Great exposure and an overall great experience. I’m looking forward to it.

You had a solid season in the respected Leb Gold in Spain. How confident are you that you can be a impact player this season in the BBL in the UK? You’re a scorer but I read you may not have that scoring role? What will be your role

I think it’s always interesting to adapt to new leagues. Not every league is the same. Leb Gold is super tactical. It’s a team league. Everyone gets involved and it’s like a chess match. Moving to the newly named SBL league in the UK is going to be interesting because now I have to adapt to a less tactical system where it’s run and gun. A ton of possessions in a game and a lot of shots/points. With that being said, I think Canada/leb gold has definitely prepared me for a league like this. My role will be more developed and understood as the season comes closer. I definitely think there will be more flexibility and opportunity at my position with this team and league compared to last year just because of the different play styles, but I’m definitely looking forward to how I fit within the team in a game setting.

What has it been like battling teammate Trevond Barnes in the first weeks. How do you guys compliment each other best and how has/will he make you better?

Trevond is a really solid player and an even better person. I have loved battling with him every day and getting to know him as a person. He’s a great guy. His physicality will 100% help me. As well as his athleticism. This is an athletic league so going against him every day will help me defensively. I think we both play very different styles. Where I feel like I am more of a 4/5 and he’s a 5/4. With that being said, I definitely think there will be times where he and I will get to be on the floor at the same time which could cause issues for the defense with our consistent shooting ability/inside presence. I’m super excited to play and compete against him every day. He will push me to be the best I can be.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description

I have been asked this so many times and I feel like I always struggle to answer it. A lot of people say I play like Kristaps Porzingis just because of the shooting ability and our mobility as 4’s. Obviously he’s in the NBA so he’s a much more skilled and all around player, but we definitely have some similarities.

Your a guy that can fill the stat sheet with ease. How big is versatility in your game?

It’s crucial for me to impact the game in many ways at my position. Whether it be shooting 3’s, scoring against mismatches, attacking long close outs off the pick and pop or spot up situations. As a 4 man in Europe, you have to be able to do it all. Especially if I want to keep climbing up the ranks of professional basketball. It’s something I take pride in because I know how competitive the basketball market is. So I have to keep getting better at those aspects of my game.

You have shown that you’re a modern day big man. Your three pointer has always been a huge part of your game? You have been in the high 30% the last years. What is still missing for becoming a 40% shooter from downtown?

My shooting ability has always been something that separates me from other guys. Being a 6’9 stretch 4 who can make shots consistently will take me a long way in the European market. With that being said, being a 40+% shooter can be career changing in my opinion. I think a lot of it has to do with being confident and understanding where my shots will be coming from. I think I could have been a 40% shooter last season in Oviedo, but my first true European experience in a very good league took some time to adjust to. So I think mentally I was lacking a bit in the shot department. Once I got the hang of the European spacing and understanding concepts, I really shot the ball at an elite level. Now it’s time to put the pieces together and take the next step as a shooter. That’s a lot easier said than done, but that’s what I’m striving for.

You have never had high stats in steals or blocks, but stats don´t always tell the whole story. What kind of defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I am a very honest guy and player. I’m never going to be the high flying shot blocking 4 man that other teams have. I’m not flying around being a superior athlete, but defensively my IQ is something that helps me make up for that. Whether it be being in the right spots or switching in certain situations. That’s why I’m so thankful to have played in Spain and fully understand European defensive concepts. It helped me as a defender. I think my physicality needs to be better. Smarter physicality and better technique, but I’m hoping that improves year to year. Defense is not easy, especially at the professional level so I must be better and really focus on the small details.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

Like I stated in the other question, striving to be that elite shooter is one area I’m really focusing on. Focusing on small details and different footwork opportunities is crucial. I think I have to be better at finishing against mismatches inside. Becoming more consistent only elevates my value as a stretch 4. Those are 2 big areas I’m focusing on and striving to be better in.

Last season you played with Alimerka Oviedo (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 8.3ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 61.7%. How vital was this season for your basketball development? How did your game grow?

Playing in Spain was huge. Leb oro is a very good league and it taught me how to be a true European player. I give all the credit to the coach Javi Rodriguez. He pushed me and made me better. Now I get the chance to play international competition and get even more exposure. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and can’t thank him enough for taking a chance on me. Spain only has 2 import spots per team, very limited. He decided to take a chance and develop me as a 4 man and it paid off. I loved every second in Spain and especially Oviedo. A great place and even better organization.

You played 2 seasons with the Windsor Express (NBL Canada) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 84.6% and 11.5ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP-3 (62.5%), 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.0%. You reached the final in 2023. What memories do you have of that tough 5 game series loss to London?

I just remember being so exhausted in that last game. I think we played a back to back the last 2 games of the series and it was tough mentally and physically to compete in that final game. We played a late game at home and then had to travel the next day if I remember correctly. Obviously we fell short and lost by a wide margin, but that was one of my favorite teams I have ever played on. So many great players and great people. It still hurts to this day we weren’t able to win a championship, but it was a blessing to be able to compete in the final game of the season for a championship. We just came up short.

The NBL is a rising league at the moment. There are a lot of high scoring games and real talent. Who were some of the best players you played against in those 2 years?

This is a tough one because there’s so many great players in that league. I think the first one if Chris Jones who played for the London lightning. He’s an older veteran but still plays like he’s young. A tough dude and a fierce competitor. I enjoyed our battles for those 2 years. The other one I actually played with. I can’t leave out this guy. I have to throw Billy White in there. One of the best big men I have ever seen. He could get a bucket on anybody at any given moment. He really helped me create a swagger and confidence within myself that I have never had before. He was so fun to play with and compete with in practice. He just won a championship with London this past year so he’s continuing in his winning ways.

You played your rookie season overseas with KaU Koris Karkkila (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.0ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 71.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Finland was a tough place for me. Not on the basketball side but on the living side. The sun came up late and it got dark quick. Really only about 4-5 hours of sunlight each day which was tough. I think my first night there I was like wow I’m really on my own. No one knows me and no one is here to take care of me. I have to take care of myself which was a tough pill to swallow, especially with no one really speaking English. It taught me a lot about overseas basketball and it helps me really appreciate the situations I’m in now.

You were born in Quincy, Illinois and grew up there. Was it always a childhood goal to attend Quincy (NCAA 2)?

100% it was. Quincy University was always the goal. My whole family went there. My dad played division 1 volleyball there. My uncle played basketball there. My cousin was an all American women’s basketball player there. So it was a big deal for me to go there and be successful. I really enjoyed my time there.

How vital was Evan McGaughey at the beginning of your career at Quincy? Was he like a mentor for you? He had a great career in Germany.

Evan was huge for my development. I know he definitely thought I was an annoying freshman, but him battling with me every day made me so much better. That whole senior class really helped me increase my value as a player and helped me understand what college basketball is truly about. When he started his pro career we still worked out together during the summer time which was huge for me taking the next step to becoming an all conference player and an elite scorer at the d2 level. I used to watch all of his games in Germany and it was really cool to see him developing into a solid professional.

Your game really picked up in your last 2 seasons as you averaged 18.8ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 73.7% and 18.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 76.6%. How did your game grow in your last 2 years there?

Ryan Hellenthal took a chance on me as the main contributor. I worked extremely hard during the summer going into my junior year and it paid off. I was able to put on some extra weight and find certain things that worked well for me. I was efficient and effective. I wish we could have won some more games and played in the post season, but I would say that was definitely a defining time during my whole basketball career. Without those 2 years, I’m not a professional athlete today.

You had so many great games like scoring 35 points against UIS. What was your most memorable game at Quincy?

I think the most memorable was beating Missouri St. Louis at home when they were ranked as a top 25 team in the country. Everyone played so well and we played together. The gym was packed and loud. That was an amazing team to play with as well. Great guys and so many relationships formed. Still talk to a lot of those guys today. There were a lot of cool games and memories, but that’s one that definitely sticks out.

How did head coach Ryan Hellenthal groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hellenthal will forever be a close friend of mine. He took a chance on me and allowed me to develop as a player and a person. He was hard on me and challenged me every day. He was a huge reason why I have such a great work ethic because he was constantly challenging me to be better and to be great. I love that guy and I will always have so much respect for him.

Who won a 1-1 back in the day and who would win today between you and Evan McGaughey?

Evan would always beat me in our workouts while he was a pro. It was never even close! I think right now I would win just because he hasn’t played in a few years since being retired. He was always a guy who would compete and strive to be better during those workouts. A great college player and a great pro.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA 2 or anywhere on a court that reached the NBA?

Toughest player is definitely Broderick Thomas. He had a small stint with the Celtics early on, but had a back injury. He’s kind of trying to get his footing back, but I’m pretty sure he was on a 2 way with the Celtics and saw some playing time a few years ago. He was an unreal player at Truman State. By far the best college player I have ever played against. I can throw in there Jayson Tatum, Michael Porter jr, Trey young. Played against all those guys on the AAU circuit.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This one will be a mix of college/pro guys. My top 5 are Ryan Briscoe (QU), Adam Moore (QU), Mikel Sanz (Oviedo), Jason Calliste (Windsor) and Fahro Alihodzic (Caledonia). I throw Fahro in there because he’s been an amazing veteran so far here in the UK and he and I talk a lot before and after practice. I really enjoy being around him.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

This one is tough as well. I would say Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Wilt chamberlain. No specific order.

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is Michael Jordan. Lebron is an unreal player and we will probably never see anyone like him again, but something about Michael makes him special. He’s got that it factor. Obviously all the MVP’s and championships, but his competitive nature and tenacity is something no one can ever replicate. I think the closest to it was Kobe Bryant.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have actually never seen it before. I don’t really mind sequels to previous shows or movies, but they have to make sense. I’m assuming with the question, people didn’t like the sequel very much! Sometimes those are super hit or miss. I think it’s important to have one if it makes sense. If not, leave it alone.

Thanks Tanner for the chat.