Kennesaw State University Athletics

Nate Rucker begins his first season as a member of the Kennesaw State men’s basketball program . . . Joined the program in December after transferring from Southwest Tennessee Community College . . . Began collegiate career at Northern Illinois . . . Expected to provide a presence along the frontline . . . Has a reputation as a ferocious rebounder.
 
2011-12: (Southwest Community College): Averaged 10 points and five rebounds a game while shooting 53 percent from the field.
 
2010-11 (Northern Illinois): Appeared in all 30 games, the only Huskie to do so, made 29 starts ... Averaged 7.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting a team-high 53.7 percent from the floor ... Scored in double figures on 12 occasions ... Grabbed double-figure rebounds twice ... Recorded a pair of double-doubles ... The first in his second collegiate game with a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds at Bradley (11/16) ... The second with 10 points and 10 rebounds against Bowling Green (2/2) ... Just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds at Central Michigan (1/20) ... Finished second on the team in blocked shots (9) and third in steals (19) ... Had a career-high three assists against Ball State (1/8).
 
High School: Four-year letterwinner for Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn. ... Led the Golden Wildcats to their first state championship since 1983 as a senior, and was named 2010 16AAA District Most Valuable Player ... Averaged 8.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his final season ... As a junior, totaled 12.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists and 2.1 blocks per contest, as Melrose reached the regional final ... Along with capturing the state title, Melrose was ranked as high as No. 13 nationally last season ... Was also recruited by Memphis, East Tennessee State, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.
 
Personal: Born Feb. 21, 2992 . . . A resident of Memphis, Tenn. . . . Son of Nathaniel and Veronica Rucker ... Sister, Candice, played basketball at both Colorado and Southern Miss ... Is interested in computers and music ... Admires Kobe Bryant for his "determination to win."