LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – When Ray Tucker sat down for lunch with Little Rock Director of Athletics Frank Cuervo, he anticipated a casual conversation about the recent Trojan baseball success, basketball recruiting and the road ahead for the OVC program. Instead, Cuervo had a surprise for the legendary broadcaster that left him speechless.
He asked if Tucker would serve as the 2025 SpectacuaLR honoree.
"Frank said, 'Will you do it?' And I said, 'Do it? What an honor!'" Tucker recalled. "When you look at the incredible individuals they've honored in the past, I'm not sure I'm in their league—but I'm deeply honored to be a part of it."
On
Thursday, October 16, Tucker will be recognized as the
2025 SpectacuaLR Honoree, during Little Rock's signature fundraising gala for athletics. Held at the
Jack Stephens Center, SpectacuaLR is a celebration of Trojan spirit featuring an evening of entertainment, live and silent auctions, and an opportunity to meet and connect with Little Rock coaches and student-athletes.
This is the 16
th edition of the event that has generated over $4 million in vital support for Trojan Athletics. SpectacuaLR, along with generous contributions to the Trojan Athletic Fund (TAF), play a critical role in enhancing the overall student-athlete experience at Little Rock. Every dollar raised is strategically invested in key areas such as scholarships, student-athlete recruitment, and program excellence - ensuring student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.
A Helena, Arkansas native, Tucker has been the voice of Little Rock men's basketball since 1984. His deep roots in Trojan Athletics and Arkansas sports broadcasting make him a fitting and beloved choice for this year's recognition.
"Ray Tucker is a cornerstone of Trojan Athletics and a legendary figure in Arkansas sports media," said Director of Athletics Frank Cuervo. "For decades, Ray has been a passionate advocate for our student-athletes, our coaches, and the entire Little Rock community. His voice has been a constant presence on the airwaves, bringing our stories to life with insight, integrity, and an unmistakable love for the game. Ray's dedication goes far beyond broadcasting—he has been a true ambassador for Trojan Athletics. Honoring Ray at SpectacuaLR is not just appropriate—it's long overdue. His contributions have helped shape the identity of our program, and we are proud to celebrate a man who has given so much to the University and the state of Arkansas."
Tucker first broadcast a Trojan men's basketball game on local television in 1984, providing color commentary alongside his longtime friend, the late Max Morgan. Since then, he has served two tenures as the team's radio play-by-play voice and will begin his 26th consecutive season behind the mic this fall.
"Ray is a Trojan through and through," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Darrell Walker, who has worked with Tucker for the past seven seasons. "He's been a constant supporter of this program. Honoring him is a no-brainer—he's not just a great broadcaster, he's a great person and a friend."
Tucker's broadcasting career includes tenures as a sports anchor at KATV and Sports Director at KTHV, where he worked for 15 years. A two-time Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year, he also earned Best Play-By-Play Announcer from the Associated Press Broadcasters Association in both 1988 and 1993.
His association with Trojan Athletics has extended far beyond game nights. Tucker has hosted numerous Trojan coaches' shows on television and radio and continued traveling with the team even while serving as Executive Director of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, a role he held from 1998 to 2014.
Today, Tucker continues to co-host the popular call-in show Drive Time Sports with fellow Trojan alum Randy Rainwater on 103.7 The Buzz, and also hosts Ray Tucker Outdoors on the same station.
"Ray is a voice generations of Arkansans have grown up with," Rainwater said. "He's synonymous with Trojan Basketball, and there's no one more deserving of this honor."
Now 77, Tucker shows no signs of slowing down.
"Friends keep telling me, 'It's time to give it up,'" Tucker laughed. "But I tell them, 'This is what I do. Trojan Athletics is my family. As long as I'm able, I'll keep doing it.'"
That passion and dedication are exactly what SpectacuaLR aims to celebrate.
"I'm just blown away," Tucker said. "To be recognized like this by a program and community I love—it means the world. I'm truly looking forward to what will be a very special night."
Information on how you can become a sponsor, reserve a table, or purchase individual tickets for the event will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about SpectacuaLR, please contact
Noah Henkell, Associate Athletics Director for Development, at 501-916-5349 or
nhenkell@ualr.edu or visit
https://lrtrojans.com/sports/spectacualr.
