Iowa sophomore guard Anthony Tucker released from scholarship

Iowa G Anthony Tucker leaves program

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa sophomore guard Anthony Tucker has been released from his scholarship, ending a tumultuous stint with the Hawkeyes that included a pair of alcohol-related suspensions and a third for academic problems.

Iowa coach Todd Lickliter said Friday that Tucker asked for and was granted his release following a meeting on Thursday that included Tucker’s mother.

Tucker, a native of Minnetonka, Minn., was averaging 11.9 points in 11 games this season. Lickliter said Tucker, who hasn’t played since Dec. 19, didn’t give a reason for leaving the program other than a desire for a “change of scenery.”

“Their perspective was that it hadn’t worked the way they hoped it would work. There was no blame placed on any parties,” Lickliter said. “I wish him the best.”

After a strong start to his freshman season, Tucker was suspended in December 2008 after being found unconscious in an alley behind a bar. Tucker was later ruled academically ineligible for the rest of the 2008-09 season.

Tucker returned to Lickliter’s good graces and started the first 11 games of this season. But he pleaded guilty to public intoxication in late December after being arrested following a dispute with a taxi driver. He was suspended following that incident before returning to practice in late January.

Lickliter left the door open for Tucker’s eventual return, but Tucker never played another minute. He averaged 11 points in 25 career games with the Hawkeyes.

Iowa (9-16, 3-9 Big Ten), with just two active upperclassmen, has won three of its last eight Big Ten games after an 0-4 start. The Hawkeyes played perhaps their best game of the season Wednesday, crushing Northwestern 78-65 as Tucker watched from the bench in uniform.

“It’s a situation where, I think we can all understand that we’re playing good basketball right now. And when you’re out, which Anthony was, that your team continues to move on and develop,” Lickliter said. “I like our rotations. I like the way we’re playing, and we’re going to continue to move forward,”