MIKE TUCK TO RETIRE

Mike Tuck has announced his retirement from playing, Sheffield Sharks have announced.

The 39 year old Canadian / British dual national represented the club for thirteen seasons from 2009-10, making his final and 500^th appearance against Glasgow Rocks at Ponds Forge in April.

Fittingly, Tuck became the club’s leading point scorer last season, surpassing the previous record holder Todd Cauthorn and finishes with a league points tally of 4297.

The forward made his debut for the Sharks on 5^th December 2009 at Guildford, making a three point score with his first shot and with great symmetry, concluded his points tally with another three in his final game.

Tuck skippered the Sharks since 21^st September 2012 and only missed 13 games throughout his BBL career – seven of those came when he was given the honour of leading England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Amongst his many achievements, the Toronto native won the BBL Cup in 2009-10 and 2010-11, the BBL Trophy in 2012-13 and famously, the BBL Playoff Final in 2015-16 when he was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for his 20 point, 13 rebound, 4 assist display in a memorable win over Leicester Riders. He was also fundamental in the Sharks teams that finished as Championship runners-up in 2009-10, 2013-14 and last season 2021-22.

Tuck scored 25 points or more on thirteen occasions for the Sharks and recorded a career-high of 33 against Mersey Tigers. As well as being the Sharks leading points scorer, Mike also leads the club in two point shots made (1561) and rebounding (2532). He finishes with career averages of 11.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game from 26.1 minutes on court.

A club statement said: “Although Mike is hanging up his boots on the court, we are extremely pleased to announce that he will be continuing with the Sharks in his role as club Marketing Manager.

“We would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to Mike for his remarkable achievements, longevity and leadership and wish him all the very best in this next stage of his career.”