Kalin Lucas
A lightning-quick point guard whose leadership and clutch play drove Michigan State to a national championship game and defined an era of Spartan basketball.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American basketball player·Birthday: May 24·Millennials
Biography
Kalin Lucas arrived at Michigan State University as a highly-touted recruit from Orchard Lake, Michigan, and immediately injected electricity into the Spartans' backcourt. Under coach Tom Izzo, Lucas's speed, scoring ability, and fearlessness made him the engine of a powerhouse team. His sophomore season culminated in a run to the 2009 NCAA championship game, where Lucas, though battling injury, was the team's heart. That year, he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, a testament to his dominance in one of college basketball's toughest conferences. A devastating Achilles tendon injury during the 2010 NCAA Tournament altered his trajectory, but his determination to return and play professionally spoke to his resilience. While his NBA opportunities were limited, Lucas forged a long and successful career overseas, becoming a star in leagues across Europe and Asia. For Spartan faithful, he remains the fiery floor general who personified the program's toughness and competitive spirit during its last trip to the title game.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kalin was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kalin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Kalin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2009 as a sophomore.
- Led Michigan State to the NCAA National Championship game in 2009.
- Was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 and a Second-Team selection in 2010 and 2011.
- Finished his Michigan State career with over 1,800 points and 500 assists.
Did You Know?
He wore jersey number 1 at Michigan State, a number later worn by another Spartan great, Cassius Winston.
Lucas won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship.
He has played professionally in countries including Turkey, France, Russia, and China.
Despite his injury in the 2010 tournament, he returned to start for Michigan State the following season.
“I play for Coach Izzo, so toughness is not a suggestion.”
