And that’s because, first, that body of work --Tucker is a rare five-year college payer -- is both extensive and outstanding. And second, because Big Ten Player of the Year Tucker -- much like his ACC counterpart Jared Dudley who worked out for the locals the day before -- is another intangibles-filled ‘tweener whose innate winning qualities won’t necessarily shine through in a two-on-two workout.

How versatile is the 6-6 Tucker? Basically a smallish power forward in college, “teams are looking at me the play the one, two, and three spots,’’ he said. “I want to be a combo, a guy who can mix it up. I just came from Phoenix. The Suns worked me out at point guard.” And how much of a winner is he? The lone prime athlete on a beyond plodding Wisconsin team, he carried the Badgers within a game of the Final Four.

But this says even more: Wisconsin played the slowest of slow styles, scoring basically in the 50-s game after game. “It was mostly pass, swing, move -- and I love to get out on the floor and run,” smiled Tucker. So did he transfer, moan, make trouble? “No, I wasn’t frustrated at all,” he shook his head. “We were winning, right? And I’m all about winning.’’

Still, due to that style change, “I think I could be an even better NBA player than I was in college. The fast break game, that’s my type of game. So The NBA game is exactly my thing.’’

“In these workouts I just want to show I can play on the perimeter,” said Tucker. “Handle the ball, shoot with consistency. It’s really not that much of an adjustment for me because I played the back court a lot in high school.”

“I think I could come to a NBA team and be ready to play right away,” added Tucker. ‘’I’ve got experience. I’ve played in a lot of tough situations. And I’ve won. I can slash, I’ve proven can score – and I’ve proven it on a team that didn’t score much.”

“Isiah Thomas told me today not to worry about the injury. He said I had a great career and teams have seen a lot of me, that teams have a feel for me. We grew up in similar areas in Chicago, so we talked about some of that.’’

The biggest drawback about Tucker? He’s not seen as a pure shooter. “I look at guys like D. Wade,” he said. “He’s STILL not a pure shooter and look at what he’s accomplished. I just want to establish a consistent shot, one that I can knock down when I’m open. It’ll come. I’m a guy who plays within his limitations so I won’t rush it – but, eventually, it’ll come. I’m going to get it done. I’m dangerous on the floor. I’ll be able to score.”

Colorado State’s Jason Smith, a finesse 7-footer moving up and into the first round on many draft boards of late, also does not lack in confidence. “I bet I could come in and be a starter for the Knicks,” he said. “Look, I‘ve got the fight in me to get better. I work hard every day. I can face the basket or play down low. I’m not afraid to do the dirty jobs. I’ll do anything to help my team.”

“The Knicks are a rising organization and I think -- no, I know -- that I could help them win.”