Tuck tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in the second of Sharks’ two opening weekend wins, over Manchester Giants and Cheshire Phoenix, earning him a place in the BBL Team of the Week.

Sharks face Raiders next, after the Devon club lost their curtain raiser at home to London Lions, and Tuck is targeting a repeat performance.

“I thought we played great team basketball,” he said.

“On the offensive end there’s no selfishness, guys are sharing the ball, and everyone’s working together.

“But I think we really excelled on the defensive end. Atiba (Lyons, coach) is really big on defense, and I thought we did a great job executing our defense and controlling our opponents.”

That may be more difficult this weekend given that Plymouth are something of an unknown quantity following an off-season of changes.

Tuck added: “Plymouth always seems to put together a great team.

“I’m not sure exactly what to expect, I know they have a new coach in Jay Marriott and have picked up a few new guys from around the league, like (Ben) Eaves and (Donald) Robinson.

“They will be a strong club and definitely looking to get their first win after a loss to London last weekend. ”

Last time they met:

Plymouth University Raiders 72 One Health Sharks Sheffield 78 (BBL Championship, Plymouth Pavilions, 30/03/2013)

What they say:

Raiders coach Jay Marriott: “Sheffield are looking very tough this year and I would even put them in that top three bracket which is credit to Coach Lyons. From the outside looking in Sheffield are controlling the boards, and in doing so just imposing their will on other teams. (Patrick) Horstmann seems a great addition not only for the team but to free up Tuck who is just such a dangerous player.”

Sharks guard Jeremie Simmons: “We are building team chemistry and figuring out our identity. We have a lot of talent now it’s time to put it in one motion. We expect another tough challenge and a good test for us this weekend.”

Story – BBL

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