Jalen Rucker makes Patriot League preseason team

Army’s Jalen Rucker was one of five players named to the Patriot League preseason basketball team Wednesday.

Rucker, a junior guard, was the lone underclassman recognized by a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors.

The 5-foot-10 co-captain is coming off a strong sophomore season. He finished fourth in the league with a 17.1 scoring average. Rucker scored 20 or more points 11 times last season. He topped the Patriot League with 83 3-pointers made in the regular season.

Joining Rucker on the preseason team were Colgate’s Tucker Richardson (player of the year), Boston University’s Walter Whyte, Gerrale Gate of Holy Cross and Lehigh’s Evan Taylor.

Army was picked fifth out of 10 teams. Navy was fourth. The Black Knights return senior forward Chris Mann and junior center Charlie Peterson.