Te’Jon Lucas: A Hometown Hero

From diving on the court for loose balls, trying to block out big guys, to making game winners, there has been huge improvement from Lucas over the course of his two seasons at Milwaukee.

Lucas played for Illinois his first two years until transferring back to his hometown in Milwaukee.

“This is my home,” Lucas said when asked about his transfer process.  

During his two years for the Fighting Illini, Lucas averaged five points, two rebounds and three assists in the 60 games he appeared in.  He started in over 20 games with Illinois in 2018 before deciding to make the move back home to Milwaukee.   

“I learned a lot going into the Power Five Conference out of high school,” said Lucas.  “I was able to learn a lot playing with the older guys and playing at another level.”   

After sitting for a year due to transfer allegations, Lucas improved substantially, averaging 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game in this season alone.  Sitting out a year, Lucas learned a lot, and Panthers Head Coach Patrick Baldwin quickly took notice, as it can be a tough transition at times. 

“When you sit out and you’re trying to lead, sometimes it gets harder,” Baldwin said.  “You can be in practice with them but in the game, you’re not in that battle.”    

There has been a big difference in the improvement of Lucas’s game, according to Baldwin.    

“The difference is this year, he’s doing the things that he’s preaching or telling our guys about,” Baldwin said.   

Lucas has made a great impact with the Panthers this year.  He has become a fan favorite from his work ethic to leadership and helped the team punch their ticket into the Horizon League tournament for the fourth consecutive season under Baldwin.   

“Tremendous impact and you can see in the game-winners,” said Baldwin.  “He’s a constant worker and he gives our team an edge that I like.”   

Lucas had two game-winners this season: one at IUPUI and one at home against UIC, which was number one on Sports Center Top 10 that week.  

ICYMI

There was a lot happening Sunday in the sports world, but look who made No. 1 in SportsCenter Top 10 plays of the day!! #UnitedWeRoar | #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/tz0Szw9M4N

— Milwaukee Men's Basketball (@MKE_MBB) January 6, 2020

Much of Lucas’s hard work does not just come on the court, according to Baldwin. As a Community Engagement and Education major, Lucas is always in the locker room and film room studying to better himself and the team.   

“He’s a true PG,” Baldwin said.  “He’s not always looking for himself.  He gets others involved and he just makes other guys better.” 

Redshirt Senior DeAndre Abram is Lucas’s roommate and loves playing with someone who loves the game just as much as he does.   

“He’s always motivated, said Abram.  “We have a special bond outside of basketball and I love playing with him.”   

Lucas not only has a bond with Abram and the rest of his teammates, but he also shares a special bond with Baldwin that has grown since he transferred to Milwaukee.   

“It’s grown really well and last year we developed that,” said Baldwin.  “But it’s even better when you have him in the game.”  

Baldwin and Lucas are constantly talking about the game and how they can continue to improve as a team, according to Baldwin.   

Whether it be in games or practice, Lucas’s relationship with Balwin has grown significantly while playing in a Panthers uniform.   

“Our relationship is built on trust,” said Baldwin.  “I trust that he’ll make the right decisions on the floor and get different guys in the position they need to be successful.”   

Lucas has taken on quite the leadership role in his first full season playing with the Panthers. He has become a teammate the younger players look up to.

“He’s a great role model for them because he works hard every single day,” Baldwin said.   

Lucas rarely misses games or practices unless he is injured, according to Baldwin.  He is always available and looking out for his teammates.   

“That’s great for Courtney to see, it’s great for CJ,” said Baldwin.  It’s great for our young kids that are going to be coming in next year.”  

The Panthers fell to Youngstown State 63-57 in the first round of this year’s Horizon League tournament in Indianapolis.  However, Lucas earned several accomplishments over the course of the season, including two time “Horizon League Player of the Week”, and he recently made “Second Team All-Horizon League.” Lucas currently has one year left of eligibility.  The Milwaukee native is looking to give it his all for his Senior season and be the best player he can be.   

A true athlete and team player, Te’Jon Lucas has made a monumental impact for the Milwaukee Panthers men’s basketball team.