Redshirt junior Tyler Hooker is a six-foot-tall scoring guard who plays bigger than he is for Kennesaw State’s basketball team. For him, failure is not defined by losing or winning, but by not reaching his full potential. In pursuit of reaching his potential, he enjoys mimicking his idol, Allen Iverson.
Hooker has been the leader for the Owls this season, finding ways to score against any opponent. He currently leads the team in scoring and minutes played, often finding himself as the only player creating opportunities and taking them.
Often overlooked in Iverson’s career was his defining moment, which came during the 2001 NBA Finals as Iverson’s Philadelphia 76ers team played the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing as an underdog and standing at exactly six feet tall, Iverson had a natural chip on his shoulder. He went on to score 48 points in 52 minutes as the 76ers won game one in overtime. The world instantly saw who Iverson was.
Fresh off a career-high 33-point game against North Alabama the night before, Hooker seemed in good spirits during our courtside interview in the Convocation Center.
Still, it was not always like this. Like many elite athletes, it took obstacles to push Hooker to become the player he is today.
His story begins in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he led Hillcrest High School to back-to-back state championship appearances. Hooker committed to East Tennessee State for the next chapter in his career. With the coach getting fired, however, he was forced to attend Moravian Prep School in 2015.
With Hooker back on the market after leaving Moravian, Owls assistant coach Stephen Cox sought him out. Hooker was anxious for an opportunity, joining the Owls as a redshirt freshman in 2016.
“Basketball has really meant everything for me,” Hooker said. “I don’t know where I’d be if I wasn’t playing. It opened doors for me. It helped me look at life differently, both on and off the court.”
On the court, his effort and natural skill have allowed him to account for over 31 percent of the team’s points this season. Consequently, he is ranked second in scoring in the Atlantic Sun Conference, averaging 19.2 points per game.
Hooker’s innate scoring ability may still pale in comparison to his drive. He takes pride in the work that he puts in during the offseason and considers himself as self-motivated. Like Iverson, there is no doubt of effort when watching Hooker.
“I come in and I get it on my own,” he said. “I don’t need a coach to tell me to get up shots or to play hard.”
Nonetheless, he is only human, and at times what he loves most can be a hindrance. Hooker says that the feeling recently arose this season.
“There’ve been many times where I wanted to give up,” Hooker said. “All successful people probably have those moments. There were a couple times where I didn’t want to come to practice or give it all I got, but I still showed up and gave my teammates all I have.”
The Owls are struggling this year, posting a 3-18 record and have yet to win a conference game.
“Even though we’re not having the success that we want, it’s still fun. I still get to wake up and play basketball and do what I love,” Hooker said.
Although his talent shines, there is no perfect basketball player. Hooker emphasized he still has room to grow with shot selection and his leadership abilities.
To turn the season around, Hooker believes it is important for his team to maintain faith. Knowing what the Owls need to improve on, he is looking to grow as a leader for the young squad.
As true as it was for Allen Iverson, it remains true for Hooker — a chance is not something that is given, it is often taken. For the team to reach their full potential, Hooker says they must block out the outside noise and play within themselves.
“At the end of the day, I want to win more than I want to do anything,” Hooker said.
