Following the 2006-07 NBA season, Suns front office executives listed the addition of perimeter defenders among the top priorities for the organization. At the same time, they wanted to be careful not to alter the style of play which has helped them to three-straight Pacific Division Championships.

In 29th overall pick Alando Tucker, the Suns have managed to add a top-notch perimeter defender who will do anything but slow them down. The forward’s ability to get up the court was a key reason why his Wisconsin Badgers won 30 games this past season, at one point winning an astounding 17 straight. Ironically enough, the streak for the Badgers began the very same week the Suns began to enjoy their own franchise-best 17-game win streak. Now the two will look to win contests together and both are excited about the possibilities.

Tucker’s team-high 19.9 points per contest along with averages of 5.4 rebounds and two assists were no doubt a factor for his team’s solid play in college, not to mention a reason why he was recognized his senior year among the four finalists for the Naismith Trophy. He left the University as Wisconsin’s all-time leading scorer with 2,217 points, having surpassed former Sun Michael Finley in order to reach the milestone. He owns seven other school records, as well, including games played, games started, minutes played, field goals, free throws, free throw attempts and offensive rebounds. But while the numbers are no doubt impressive, his former Badgers Head Coach Bo Ryan insists they only tell half the story.

“He’s a winner and his personality will enable other people to play better around him,” Ryan said. “He is genuine and so down to Earth. All the teams that did their homework and saw him shoot, they know he can shoot a lot better than what they’re saying.”

The one knock on Tucker has been his shooting – an area he improved on considerably as his senior season progressed. After connecting on 18 shots from beyond the three-point arc as a freshman, Tucker hit 40 his final season at Wisconsin, including 4-of-8 shooting in two of his final eight games.

“Shooting is hard work, but if a guy makes that commitment, he’s going to be a really good shooter,” Suns assistant coach Phil Weber said. “Is he going to be automatic by midseason? Probably not, but it’s going to happen because Alando has that dedication.”

Tucker said, “When I came from high school I was a perimeter player, but when I went to Wisconsin, I felt it better to play a four down low. Because of that, I spent so much time in the post that it ended up being a struggle adjusting when I was back on the perimeter. As I continued playing outside, though, the more and more confidence I got and the better I felt. Of course, it always helps putting in a lot of practice off the court, too.”

With the progress made in shooting the basketball, it comes as no surprise Tucker's ability to score would also improve. In the process, his points-per-game average increased each season spent at Wisconsin. As Ryan points out, however, his former star forward can get the job done offensively with more than just his shooting.

“He can attack the basket, score inside and get fouled. He shot more free throws than anybody in the history of Wisconsin because he just has that ability to draw contact and get to the hole.”

But while instant offense is always a welcomed addition to the Phoenix Suns, Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr and Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin point to a number of attributes which attracted them to the 22-year-old.

“I think to a great degree he will help us fill that void in terms of perimeter defense,” Griffin said. “At the same time, he is a guy who is a junkyard dog and really a jack-of-all trades. Alando has asked to play at the four position at times in his career, and we welcome him as a guy capable of wearing a number of hats.”

Kerr added, “We were really fired up to get Alando where we did. We think he’s going to be a big addition to this team. He’s got experience. He’s big. He’s tough, and he’s been part of a winning team. Through a couple of workouts, we’ve gotten to know him pretty well and we think he’ll be a huge addition, not only to our foundation, but our character as a team.”

Suns Head Coach Mike D’Antoni shares Kerr’s excitement about bringing the young prospect to the Valley.

“He’s very athletic and knows how to play the game,” D’Antoni said. “He’s going to want to keep improving his shooting and his ball handling, but those are things he can improve. What you can’t improve in are attributes like how hard you play the game or leadership which are a given with him. So if he can continue to work in those other areas, we feel we’ll have ourselves a really special player.”

Tucker met with Phoenix media on Friday for the first time since the draft, and believes that ability to guard along the perimeter will help make him a perfect fit for the Suns.

“For me basketball is played on both ends," he said. "I feel you have to be equally as good on defense as you do on offense. I’ve bought into the philosophy that you have to be able to stop someone to play in this league. Everyone can score, but if you can play defense, you can find minutes on the floor.”

Tucker watched the draft with several members of his family and as he quickly found out, he wasn’t the only Tucker excited about his moving to the Valley of the Sun.

“My little brother is a big Phoenix Suns fan," Tucker smiled. "He was so excited that when he called, I couldn’t understand what he was saying. It was like he was talking a different language. It was great experiencing that moment with my family.”

Along with Tucker at Friday’s press conference was Phoenix’s other 2007 draft pick, D.J. Strawberry, who the Suns selected in the second round with the 59th overall pick. Up next for both prospects will be playing for Phoenix in the Las Vegas Summer League.

“Phil Weber will be coaching the team and these guys will both be there so we’re looking forward to getting them going,” D’Antoni said. “We’re trying to win a championship and because of that we want rookies, but mature rookies, both on and off the court. These are guys we expect something from. They’ll have to improve and learn our system, but they have a really good shot at contributing immediately which is what we need.”

After the Summer League, it will be back to Arizona where preparations for the 2007-08 season will continue. Tucker insists he is ready for the workload which will come along with that and he’s glad to have found an NBA home in Phoenix.

“Everybody has just been so welcoming from the second I got off the plane," he said. "It’s definitely a family atmosphere in this organization. Everybody is just so supportive, and I know this is where I want to be.”