Is Kalin Lucas' legacy a top-five one at Michigan State? Because Cleaves' clearly is.
Hey, I love me some Kalin Lucas. I think he’s just about everything Scottie Reynolds claims to be.
But is he in Mateen Cleaves’ league?
People are starting to believe it.
Unfortunately, this image of Cleaves is forever embedded in college basketball’s history. Winning titles goes such a long way. Lucas doesn’t own anything that comes close to what Cleaves, Morris Peterson and the Flinstones gave us 10 years ago.
He and Sparty came close to winning a title last season, but if MSU (CHJ’s pick to win it all this season) doesn’t reach another Final Four, within four years it’s likely almost everyone outside of Michigan will forget who Lucas is/what he did at Michigan State.
Last year would’ve been the year. He would’ve/could’ve been a legend. Cleaves helped bring a title to East Lansing after a 21-year drought with a coach many originally thought didn’t deserve the job.
Lucas could’ve equaled that title on the best possible stage, with the Final Four happening in Detroit during a bad economical climate. The run was still memorable, but MSU couldn’t keep up with Carolina.
However, Lucas is a terrific watch. I think he’s one of the 10 most valuable players in the country. I don’t want to belittle how good he is now. I just don’t think he can be placed next to Cleaves’ legacy just yet. We’ll talk again after a few more buzzer-beaters and another Big Ten title.
Kalin Lucas draws Mateen Cleaves comparisons with recent performances {MLive.com}
