Kalin Lucas is Willing, Almost Able and Ready!

Kalin Lucas is primed for another successful season at Michigan State. Now a senior, the team is his — now, more than ever.

All eyes were on Kalin Lucas last season.

Michigan State’s then-junior point guard was poised to lead the Spartans to a national title; but the trail was cut short when he suffered a high-ankle sprain in a 67-49 loss to Bo Ryan’s Wisconsin Badgers on Feb. 2 at the Kohl Center.

Spartan coach Tom Izzo rushed to the court to aid his ailing star, and with the unfortunate ankle injury, Michigan State’s league and national title hopes seemed to fade away.

Lucas’ importance to the team has never been questioned; he is the gear that makes the Spartans go.

His competitive nature brought him back, surprisingly early, against Purdue on Feb. 9. The Boilers exploited Michigan State’s lack of quickness with Lucas not at 100 percent; despite the fact he played 29 minutes off the bench and finished with 12 points. Matt Painter’s crew defeated Michigan State 76-64 in a game that Lucas showed his true love for his team, and the game of basketball.

"Kalin was unbelievable,” former teammate Chris Allensaid in a post-game interview. "Every time he came down, he tweaked it even more, but he sucked it up."

Lucas looked to be back on track soon thereafter, however, the loss of strength in his step was noticeable. His speed demon ways earned him Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2009, and solidified his reputation as one of the top point guards in country — not just in the Big Ten.

Michigan State met up with Gary Williams’ Maryland Terrapins in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament last March. Who can forget one of the biggest shots in Spartan basketball history? Korie Lucious’ three-pointer, assisted by Draymond Green, put the dagger in the Terrapins’ back in an 85-83 thrilling moment of victory.

Somewhat immobilized, Lucas still put forth a solid effort, and gave Michigan State everything he had in the 16 minutes he was available. On a layup, in which he split two Maryland defenders, Lucas fell to the ground and writhed in pain with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon. His season and tournament were over.

The Spartans weren’t picked to advance deep in the tournament with Lucas in their lineup; and according to many college basketball national columnists, Lucas’ injury was the end of the road for Michigan State. Some questioned the heart of Izzo’s group, and didn’t expect much out of the injured team.

With their backs against the wall; the Spartans reached the Final Four, where they were defeated 52-50 by Gordon Heyward and the Butler Bulldogs.

Few Spartan basketball players have enjoyed the type of success Lucas has. The former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s standout could pen his name in the Michigan State history books next to the likes of Magic Johnson and Mateen Cleaves with another Final Four bid, or better yet, a national title.

Thoughts of what could have been likely still linger in the senior’s mind. It’s hard to believe he’s already a senior. Lucas was straight-forward about his expectations for 2010-11 when he was recently on-air with Spartan Nation Radio.

Is his team up to the task? Does Lucas believe this could finally be the year the Spartans win it all?

“Oh yes, oh yes we can,” Lucas said confidently to Spartan Nation Radio. “They sky’s the limit with this team. We have to stay focused and stay hungry. We’ve already been to two Final Fours. We want to win a national championship. The main goal, and the main thing is, we have to stick together as a team.”

Off the court distractions plagued the Spartans last season, and with a recent blow to the roster, Lucas’ message of togetherness seems to grow in importance each day. Lucas’ leadership role has never been contested; it’s his team, and has been since Travis Walton and Goran Suton graduated.

Lucas said he’ll do everything in his power to keep his guys in line this upcoming season.

“I think I just have to be more vocal,” he said. “(I have to) keep pushing my teammates a little bit more, and a little bit harder. That’s it. I think that’s the main thing.”

With football season underway, it won’t be long until the Spartans take the court. Michigan State opens its exhibition season Nov. 2 against Saginaw Valley State University, and the regular season Nov. 22 against Chaminade in the Maui Invitational.

Although there is no set timetable for Lucas’ return, he wants to back as soon as his health allows.

“I’m definitely trying to be there when the season starts,” Lucas said. “That first game, I want to be out there playing. That’s my goal. That’s why I’ve worked so hard in the offseason for when that time comes. …It’s going to be on how I feel. If I feel great, with no problems, I’ll be out there playing.”

Lucas has been instrumental in Michigan State’s back-to-back Big Ten titles, and his love for the game can be seen with the mile-wide grin he wears as he brings the ball up the court. With being sidelined, Lucas said he had time to reflect on what the game really means to him.

“I definitely appreciate the game way more,” Lucas said. “I’ve been out for probably about five months, without playing, without touching the ball. It’s something I’ve been doing my whole life. I definitely appreciate the game a lot more. …During the tournament when the guys were playing, and I wasn’t playing, it was hard. I wanted to be out there with my teammates. …But now, I’m good. I’m good now. The smile is back on my face.”