One of the best to ever play for Tom Izzo is heading to the Spartans’ hall of fame.
It was announced on Thursday that former Michigan State men’s basketball star point guard Kalin Lucas will be inducted into the school’s hall of fame. Lucas is one of seven Spartans athletes to be selected into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame this year.
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“It’s going to be emotional,” Lucas said about attending the hall of fame ceremony later this year. “But I think it’s going to be cool too, just because it’s around the time of Grind Week. That will make it even more special. All the guys are going to be back, all the players I’ve played with, past players that I’ve watched and got a lot of respect for, and I think it’s going to be just a whole big event.”
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Dec 27, 2008; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) brings the ball up court in the first half against the Oakland Grizzlies at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Michigan State defeated Oakland 82-66. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
(Leon Halip-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Dec 27, 2008; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) brings the ball up court in the first half against the Oakland Grizzlies at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Michigan State defeated Oakland 82-66. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
(Leon Halip-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Dec 27, 2008; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Draymond Green (23) and guard Kalin Lucas (1) celebrate a 82-66 win over the Oakland Grizzlies at the Place in Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
(Leon Halip-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 27, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) shoots over Kansas Jayhawks guard Sherron Collins (4) during the second half of the midwest regional semifinals in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State won 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 27, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) shoots over Kansas Jayhawks guard Sherron Collins (4) during the second half of the midwest regional semifinals in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State won 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 29, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Preston Knowles (2) during the first half of the finals of the midwest region of the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Spartans star inducted in Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame
Mar 29, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) puts his hand on the head of teammate Goran Suton (14) as they head to the bench during a timeout in the second half of the finals of the midwest region of the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament against the Louisville Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State beat Louisville 64-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 29, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) prepares to hug head coach Tom Izzo as he is taken out of the game late in the second half of the finals of the midwest region of the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament against the Louisville Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State beat Louisville 64-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 29, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (center) hoists the midwest regional championship trophy with his team after defeating the Louisville Cardinals 64-52 in the finals of the midwest region of the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 29, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) reacts to the crowd before he cuts down his piece of the net after defeating the Louisville Cardinals 64-52 in the finals of the midwest region of the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Apr 4, 2009; Detroit, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) brings the ball up court during the first half of the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Apr 3, 2009; Detroit, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas speaks at a press conference the day before the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Apr 4, 2009; Detroit, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) carries the ball away from Connecticut Huskies guard Craig Austrie (24) during the second half of the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Ford Field. Michigan State won 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Apr 6, 2009; Detroit, MI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Ty Lawson (left) carries the ball up court against Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) during the first half of the championship game of the Final Four in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball tournament at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 19, 2010; Spokane, WA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) celebrates hitting a key shot late in the second half of their 70-67 win over the New Mexico State Aggies in the first round of the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament at the Spokane Veterans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
(Steve Dykes-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 28, 2010; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans injured guard Kalin Lucas celebrates after cutting down the net after the finals of the midwest regional in the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Edward Jones Dome. Michigan State won 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
(Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE, US PESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 28, 2010; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans injured guard Kalin Lucas is carried off the court by teammates after the finals of the midwest regional in the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Edward Jones Dome. Michigan State won 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
(Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE, US PESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Dec, 8 2010; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace. Michigan State won 77-76. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
(Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Dec 11, 2010; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) goes to the net in the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace. Michigan State won 77-76. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
(Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Jan 3, 2011; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (left) shoots after driving past Northwestern Wildcats center Luka Mirkovic during the first half at Welsh Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
(Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Feb 6, 2011; Madison, WI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) shoots during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Michigan State 82-56. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Feb 6, 2011; Madison, WI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) dribbles the basketball during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Michigan State 82-56. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Feb, 27, 2011; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) takes a shot in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center. Purdue won 67-47. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
(Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
March 16, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Durrell Summers (15), guard Kalin Lucas (1) and forward Draymond Green (23) during their press conference the day before the second round of the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
(Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 17, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) in the second half against the UCLA Bruins during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum. UCLA Bruins defeated Michigan State Spartans 78-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
(Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Mar 17, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kalin Lucas (1) drives to the basket as UCLA Bruins forward Reeves Nelson (22) defends in the second half during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum. UCLA Bruins defeated Michigan State Spartans 78-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
(Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas with coach Tom Izzo during drills for the Spartans’ second-round game in the NCAA tournament against UCLA, March 16, 2011 in Tampa, Fla.
Kalin Lucas
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas scores against Penn State’s Tim Frazier during the Big Ten tournament March 12, 2011 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Kalin Lucas
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
MSU’s Kalin Lucas (1) drives the lane to score against Illinois in the second half. [Photo taken Feb. 19, 2011 by MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal]
Msu Vs Illinois
(MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
MSU’s Kalin Lucas fires off a lookaway pass against Illinois, . [Photo taken Feb. 19, 2011 by MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal]
Msu Vs Illinois
(MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
MSU’s Kalin Lucas (1) scores against Illinois Sat., Feb. 19, 2011. [Photo taken Feb. 19, 2011 by MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal]
Msu Vs Illinois
(MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Kalin Lucas (1) drives against Illinois Saturday evening. [Photo taken Feb. 19, 2011 by MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal]
Msu Vs Illinois
(MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal, MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for the Lansing State Journal)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
MSU’s Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, Kalin Lucas, Delvon Roe and Goran Suton trudge back upcourt for a tiemeut after a turnover to North Carolina during MSU’s Final Four championship game loss to North Carolina Monday April 6, 2009.
Msuunc24
(Lansing State Journal file photo/Rod Sanford, Lansing State Journal file photo/Rod Sanford, Rod Sanford)
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Gallery: Best photos of new MSU Hall of Famer, hoops star Kalin Lucas
Kalin Lucas drives against Derrick Rose during the first half of Michigan State’s 92-74 loss to Memphis, March 28, 2008 at the Reliance Center in Houston in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Lucas was essentially a four-year starter for the Spartans, appearing in 141 games with 119 of those being starts during his career. He averaged more than 10 points per game in each of his seasons, with his final year in 2011 being his best when he scored 17 points per game.
As a team, Lucas helped lead Michigan State to the Final Four in both 2009 and 2010 — with 2010 including an appearance in the National Championship game at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Lucas got hurt early in the NCAA Tournament during 2009, and many (including myself) believe the Spartans may have won the national title that season had he remained healthy.
Click here to see the complete list of this year’s Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame selections.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Spartans star inducted in Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame
