Michigan State Basketball: Constructing ideal Izzo era NCAA tourney team

Michigan State Basketball: Constructing ideal Tom Izzo era NCAA Tournament team

DETROIT - APRIL 06: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT – APRIL 06: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Point Guard: Kalin Lucas (2007-11)

Glancing at all the great point guards of the Tom Izzo era, there’s one that sticks out as the most effective and efficient offensively and that’s Kalin Lucas.

Look, I get it. Mateen Cleaves led Michigan State to a national title in 2000 and was an All-American type talent. Drew Neitzel was also an elite point guard under Izzo and had the confidence to make just about any shot and Travis Trice was the same way, willing the Spartans to the 2015 Final Four. However, Lucas just had a little bit of everything in his game.

Lucas could score from anywhere on the floor. He could drain threes, take the ball to the hole or hit the mid-range jumper. Not only that, but he was a decent passer, averaging 4.0 assists per game throughout his career.

The former Michigan State great led the Spartans to the 2009 national title game, beating some Goliaths along the way.

Unfortunately, an injury derailed his junior NCAA Tournament run and his explosiveness was never the same during his senior season.

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