In the latest episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomed Anthony Tucker, founder of Hoop Habits, to discuss the evolution of Minnesota basketball, athlete development, and the mindset needed to thrive beyond the stats.
Tucker, a standout at Minnetonka High School and the University of Iowa, brings more than a decade of professional basketball experience and a deeply intentional approach to training that’s making waves in Minnesota and beyond.
Elevating the game through habits, not hype
After playing 11 years of professional basketball across nine countries—including earning an MVP award and multiple scoring and assist titles—Tucker returned home with a vision: to build more than just players. He launched Hoop Habits, a premier training program centered on skill development, game application, and holistic athlete performance.
“At Hoop Habits, we’re not just teaching moves,” Tucker said. “We’re building decision-makers. Players who know the game, not just play it.”
His training method blends technical footwork, offensive efficiency, and spatial awareness—tools that translate well beyond the court.
From local legend to global mentor
Tucker has worked with some of the most promising hoopers to come out of the Twin Cities and continues to train NBA and elite-level athletes, guiding them with the same rigor and purpose that shaped his own career. As director of skill development at New Balance’s Elite 100 Camp, he mentors national prospects with pro potential.
Still, Tucker stays rooted in Minnesota.
“This is home,” he said. “And there’s real talent here. What we’re doing is sharpening that talent with structure, guidance, and a mindset that’s built to last.”
Leading with lived experience
What sets Tucker apart isn’t just his résumé—it’s his perspective. Having lived and played overseas for years, he understands how athletes can lose their way when their habits aren’t grounded. His goal now is to give young players the kind of mentorship he wished he had earlier in his journey.
“Basketball gave me everything,” he told Hallman and McDonald. “Now it’s about giving back in a way that sustains others—not just through the highlights, but through the habits.”
Where to find him
Anthony Tucker’s work through Hoop Habits continues to redefine what it means to train with purpose. You can follow his journey and tap into the culture he’s building: