It's 6 a.m. at Cleveland High School, and the only sounds that break the morning silence are the sounds of basketballs meeting the hardwood. On the court, you will find Head Basketball Coach Reggie Tucker, whose journey and dedication to the sport and its players knows no bounds.
A proud graduate of Cleveland High School, Tucker's story unfolds within the familiar confines of his hometown. From the Northeast Recreation Center to the classrooms of Arnold Memorial Elementary, Cleveland Junior High School, and eventually Cleveland High School, the foundations of his basketball journey were laid.
His journey continued at Hiwassee Junior College, where his skills gained recognition, and then at LSU, marking a significant chapter in his playing career. Eventually, Tucker's path took an international turn, spanning eight years across Switzerland, Poland, Germany, France, and Mexico. After a successful playing career, fate led Tucker to the coaching realm. In Orlando, he discovered a new passion—guiding and influencing the next generation of basketball players. Eventually, the journey brought him back to Cleveland, where he assumed the role of assistant coach for the basketball team in 2011. Now, in his fifth season as the Head Coach of Cleveland High School, Tucker is not just leading a team; he's shaping the future for young athletes in his hometown.
"To come full circle and contribute to the community that shaped me has been amazing. Being here, giving back to these kids and this community—it's amazing."
His coaching legacy at Cleveland High School is marked by remarkable achievements:
- 103 Wins and 34 Losses as the head coach
- Best Record in school history: 33-1 ('19-'20)
- First #1 Ranking in school history
- First coach to win back-to-back Sectional Championships
- First coach to lead the team to back-to-back State Tournament births
- Fastest to coach to 60 Wins
- NFHS National Coach of the Year Nominee
- 7 Players signed NLI
In the past four years, seven of his players have signed to play basketball on a Division I and Division II level. "Those players signed to play basketball, but they also signed to get their school paid for, and I think that's more important than anything,” Tucker emphasized. “Our teachers had a big hand in that as well.”
Beyond the victories, Tucker's commitment to building relationships and preparing his players for life after basketball. "People get so caught up on wins and losses; I'm focused on building relationships with kids and preparing them for life after basketball," Tucker emphasizes. "I think it's why this program has been successful—our relationship with kids."
We’re grateful to have you on our team, Coach Tucker!
