Michigan State's Lucas wouldn't take year to rehab
Share This Story
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP)
Kalin Lucas was told to take the season off, let his ruptured left Achilles' tendon heal.
The Michigan State senior wouldn't hear it, instead choosing a grueling rehabilitation plan that he was told would likely last up to eight months.
He started slowly, a factor in the Spartans' tumble from being ranked No. 2 in the preseason, and he struggled without the speed that made him a star.
He finished strong, beating opponents off the dribble and by making 3-pointers from all angles.
Lucas averaged nearly 21 points during the second half of the season and scored a career-high 30 in an 18-point win over Purdue at the Big Ten tournament.
That impressive win helped Michigan State seal a spot in the NCAA tournament for the 14th year in a row, a run that trails just Kansas and Duke among active streaks.
After getting hurt during last year's NCAA tournament, Lucas said he's ready to lead the team to a third straight Final Four.
''I can definitely carry this team,'' he said. ''Our best players, they got to bring it the whole game. If you lose, you go home.''
The 10th-seeded Spartans (19-14) will face seventh-seeded UCLA (22-10) in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday night in the Southeast regional. If they win, they'll likely face second-seeded Florida.
Michigan State has advanced to each of the past two Final Fours and had to do it last year without its best player. Lucas ruptured his tendon on March 21 in the second round, a setback that stunted his hopes of entering the NBA draft.
He returned and pushed himself back into shape with the help of athletic trainer Tom Mackowiak, and multiple rehab sessions a day. He endured several months of frustration.
''It made me tougher, more of a warrior, trying to come back from that injury,'' Lucas said. ''But I'm still not 100 percent.''
Lucas also sprained his right ankle Feb. 27 in a loss to Purdue toward the end of the regular season, then bounced back against the Boilermakers to break his career high in scoring.
It wasn't a fluke.
He led the Spartans in scoring in 13 of the past 14 games, pushing his career total to 1,985 points to pull within 29 points of Greg Kelser for fourth place on the school's career scoring list.
Lucas' teammates, though, know the best could be yet to come.
''He was pretty good against Purdue, but I've seen him better,'' forward Draymond Green said. ''Everybody says Kalin is back, but I still know he's got a little bit left. That says a lot about him. I'll take my chances with him any day.''
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Jeff Van Gundy slams Magic CEO?
Jeff Van Gundy lashed out at the Orlando Magic Friday, labeling the team's top execut... -
Better teamwork without Danica?
Michael Andretti's three drivers go into the Indianapolis 500 with strong chances to ... -
Joyce's slam helps lift Rays by BoSox
Matt Joyce hit his second grand slam in six games and Elliot Johnson had a two-run sh... -
Henrique OT goal puts Devils in Final
Rookie Adam Henrique's clutch goal sends Devils to Cup final. -
Stanton hits Marlins' sculpture
Giancarlo Stanton's latest tape-measure homer was the first to hit the Miami Marlins'...
NCAA BK Videos
NBA Draft Preview: Andre Drummond
Posted: May 18, 2012
Watch highlights of former Connecticut big man Andre Drummond.
Watch highlights of former Connecticut big man Andre Drummond.
White House welcomes Kentucky
Posted: May 04, 2012
President Barack Obama congratulates the national champion Kentucky Wildcats bas...
President Barack Obama congratulates the national champion Kentucky Wildcats bas...
NBA Draft Preview: Austin Rivers
Posted: May 18, 2012
Watch highlights of former Duke guard Austin Rivers.
Watch highlights of former Duke guard Austin Rivers.
NCAA BK Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas UCLA Bruins True Blue Layup Flex Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_UCLA_Bruins/browse/featuredproduct/664512/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_664000/ff_664512_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | adidas UCLA Bruins True Blue Layup Flex Hat |
| Nike Washington Huskies Purple Aerographic Performance Swoosh Flex Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Washington_Huskies/browse/featuredproduct/669771/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_669000/ff_669771_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Nike Washington Huskies Purple Aerographic Performance Swoosh Flex Hat |
| Nike Arizona Wildcats #33 Elite Replica Aerographic Basketball Jersey - Navy Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Arizona_Wildcats/browse/featuredproduct/676559/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_676000/ff_676559_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Nike Arizona Wildcats #33 Elite Replica Aerographic Basketball Jersey - Navy Blu.. |
| Nike Duke Blue Devils #30 Elite Aerographic Replica Basketball Jersey - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Duke_Blue_Devils/browse/featuredproduct/676562/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_676000/ff_676562_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Nike Duke Blue Devils #30 Elite Aerographic Replica Basketball Jersey - Black |
| Nike Florida Gators #1 Hyper Elite Platinum Basketball Jersey - Dark Gray | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Florida_Gators/browse/featuredproduct/688826/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_688000/ff_688826_xl.jpg&w=100 | 119.95 | Nike Florida Gators #1 Hyper Elite Platinum Basketball Jersey - Dark Gray |
| Murray State Racers 2012 OVC Men\'s Basketball Champions T-Shirt - Navy Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Murray_St_Racers/browse/featuredproduct/823160/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_823000/ff_823160_xl.jpg&w=100 | 18.95 | Murray State Racers 2012 OVC Men\'s Basketball Champions T-Shirt - Navy Blue |
| Kansas Jayhawks 2012 Big 12 Men\'s Basketball Champions T-Shirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Kansas_Jayhawks/browse/featuredproduct/823260/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_823000/ff_823260_xl.jpg&w=100 | 18.95 | Kansas Jayhawks 2012 Big 12 Men\'s Basketball Champions T-Shirt - Royal Blue |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.