Mitchell High graduate Volesky walks on to USD basketball team

Mitchell High School basketball fans will only have to drive two hours to see Tucker Volesky play collegiately.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard will attend the University of South Dakota for basketball after originally attempting to play at Harvard.

“I initially tried to go to Harvard, but that didn’t work out,” said Volesky, who was voted a second-team all-state selection last season at Mitchell. “I am glad I took a shot at trying to go to the best school in the world. I had an interview, I got close and my dad played there, so I am glad I took a shot at it.”

Since Voleskey did not make the trip to Massachusetts, many of his supporters will have a chance to see him play in person for the next four years.

“It’s rewarding being able to stay at home to play for the school I grew up watching,” he said. “It’s rewarding to be able to stay at home and play in front of your family and friends. If I would have went to Harvard, it wouldn’t have been like that. But obviously now I am around my friends and my family in South Dakota.”

After contacting USD head coach Dave Boots this summer, Volesky’s dream of playing Division I basketball is still alive.

“Boots knew me from high school and he told me to come in and see him this summer,” Volesky said. “He said, ‘Hey, we got a spot for you,’ and after that I was on the team.”

Despite being a walk on, Volesky is happy to have the opportunity to pursue a dream that he has had ever since he picked up a basketball.

“It was my goal to be a D-I athlete my entire life and at USD I was able to make my goal a reality,” he said. “I think it’s a great accomplishment and I think it’s a testament to your hard work dedication and the help that I have received along the way.”

There’s one game the former Mitchell standout is especially anticipating.

“I am excited for all of our games, some teams that I always dreamed of playing against like Gonzaga and Kansas State, but as far as playing in South Dakota, I am excited for the SDSU-USD game. It’s a game that a lot of people care about and show up to,” Volesky said.

USD opens its season at the Global Sports Showcase Nov. 14 against Southern in Laramie, Wyo.

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