Tucker Gambill has always been able to shoot the basketball. That's never been in question.
But Gambill -- a senior guard for Siloam Springs -- knew he had to get better in other areas of his game if he wanted to play a role for the Panthers this season.
His coaches drove home that point.
"All the time," Gambill said. "It was constantly, 'Tucker we know you can shoot, but we need you to step up and make plays on the defensive end and handle the ball."
Gambill's done just that this season for Siloam Springs, which played at Van Buren on Tuesday night. Results were not available at presstime. The Panthers host Conway on Friday.
Coaches say Gambill has improved in all areas, including handling the ball, rebounding and defensively.
On defense, Gambill plays the back end of the Panthers' 3-2 zone defense.
"There's different schemes in that zone, and it's different to see a Tucker or a Roman (Lambert) on the back side," said Siloam Springs head coach Tim Stewart. "Tucker's accepted that role and battles with those big kids and has been able to communicate with the teammates in front of him. We're fortunate that he's gradually progressed."
Stewart said Gambill has picked up his game all-around and, oh yeah, he can still shoot it pretty good too.
"He's got gradually better at the ball-handling and the rebounding and defensively," Stewart said. "But definitely his strength is shooting the ball."
Heading into Tuesday's game at Van Buren, Gambill had hit at least one 3-pointer in the Panthers' last 11 games.
On the year he's hit 24 of 48 (50 percent) from long range, and more recently, in the Panthers' last five games he's connected on 12 of 22 (54.5 percent).
"My shot's felt good," Gambill said. "I've been hitting shots."
On the season, Gambill is averaging 4.6 points per game, but included in that data is a slow start of only 12 points in his first six games. In his last 10 Gambill has averaged 6.2 points per game.
"We feel like if we can get him five shots, he's going to hit two or three every game," Stewart said.
But perhaps what Stewart is most proud of from Gambill -- aside from the 3-point shooting and improvement in other areas -- are the things that sometimes go unnoticed.
"What people may not see is the encouragement and the team focused-attitude that he has," Stewart said. "He's one of our best as far as player-motivators. He does a great job pulling for his teammates. ...
"I'm telling you, every team needs a Tucker. He's one of the best cheerleaders we have as far as pulling for his teammates, motivation in practice and encouragement. As a senior, he's kind of accepted that role that he's going to be the total team guy. We're fortunate to have him."
That total team effort reflects in his play on the court, Stewart said.
Gambill's 3-point percentage is high in large part because he doesn't force bad shots.
"My teammates do a great job of getting me open for shots," Gambill said. "I give a lot of credit to them for that."
In fact, most of his high-arching rainbow shots are well-designed and good looks.
"You miss a couple and you've got to have the discipline and confidence to know that you're a good shooter," Stewart said. "Tucker doesn't lack that confidence, but he takes good shots. That's key to our team reaching potential is taking good shots, and he fits that mold."
Even early in the year when Gambill didn't get very many looks from long range, Stewart said the senior persevered.
"It's staying with it, knowing it's going to come to you and not trying to force it," Stewart said. "Realizing you've got these other 10 to 15 teammates that can also shoot the ball. Man, when you buy into that team philosophy, it's a neat thing to watch."
Sports on 01/21/2015