Former UTEP player Konner Tucker expects success as Montwood’s coach

It might still be his first month on the job, but Montwood boys basketball coach Konner Tucker feels at home already.

“My wife’s from here. She graduated from Montwood. All of her family is from here,” said Tucker. “You know, and then having just having the opportunity to coach at a school like this…it’s an unbelievable opportunity.”

Tucker spent Tuesday afternoon in the Montwood gym getting to know players and getting them ready for what he believes will be a successful campaign in 2018-19.

The Rams are coming off a promising showing last season in which they qualified for the postseason, grabbing the fourth spot in District 1-6A.

Though he’s originally from Fort Worth, Tucker grew fond of El Paso playing for UTEP during the 2012-13 season in which he averaged just over 10 points per game.

He most recently spent time as a coach in Louisiana, but there was something that drew him back – and something that drew him specifically to the Rams.

“You know, Montwood is a big-time, successful school in Texas. Tons of tradition and pride,” he said.

His players already seem to be happy with what they’ve seen. They say their new coach shares a passion for doing what it takes to win.

“He’s really motivated. So, we’re all motivated as well,” said guard Triston Johnson. “And, you know, we just want to win. And I think that’s the mentality that he’s bringing here.”