Anthony Tucker for Kurt Alexander?

Former Iowa guard Anthony Tucker apparently has committed to Division II power Winona (Minn.) State next year, according to GoldenSports.net.

Tucker averaged 11.9 points a game, second-most for Iowa, before he was suspended in December for a public intoxication ticket. He returned to the team but did not play. He left the program in February.

Tucker, a Minnesota native, does not have to sit out a year and is eligible right away.

Most people around Iowa really like Iowa Central guard Kurt Alexander, and he's the favorite to replace Tucker on scholarship. Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and assistant coach LaVall Jordan watched him play two weeks ago against Kirkwood. Iowa assistant coach Chad Walthall also watched Alexander play a few weeks ago in Boone.

Alexander is listed as 6-foot-2 and is from Toronto. Iowa hasn't taken a player from Iowa Central since at least 1989.

Alexander scored 30 points in his season finale, a junior-college regional loss to Kirkwood at Fort Dodge.

Tucker stood 6-foot-4, is a tremendous outside shooter, a decent ball-handler and an average defender. Alexander is more of a 2-guard who can play the point. It's hard to interpret defense in junior college but at minimum it's probably a wash.

So, if Alexander replaces Tucker, is it an upgrade?