Eric Boggs
There are only five life-size statues on The Ohio State University campus. William Oxley Thompson stands outside the library, representing the university presidency from 1900 to 1925. Woody Hayes outside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and the only two-time Heisman trophy winner, Archie Griffin, stands outside Ohio Stadium. Jesse Owens commands his place near the track and field stadium that bears his name. And now, joining this exclusive honor of Buckeye greatness, stands Jerry Lucas outside the Schottenstein Center.
On Friday, Ohio State proudly unveiled a bronze statue honoring Lucas, a player widely considered the greatest basketball talent the university has ever produced. The tribute now stands at the entrance of the Buckeyes’ home arena, ensuring generations of fans will recognize and remember his monumental impact on the program.
“It’s the highest honor I’ve ever gotten in my life,” Lucas said, visibly moved as he addressed the crowd. “I’ve had the honor to play on some great teams with great coaches and teammates. But to be honored like this is beyond what my dreams would ever be. I’m thrilled, excited, overjoyed, and thankful.”
Lucas’ legacy at Ohio State is unmatched. A three-time All-American, he was the engine of Ohio State’s 1960 national championship team and guided the Buckeyes to NCAA runner-up finishes in 1961 and 1962. He remains tied for third all-time in program scoring with 1,990 points and owns a rebounding record that will almost certainly never be touched — 1,411 career boards, averaging a staggering 17.2 per game.
His dominance extends well beyond Columbus. Lucas is the Big Ten’s all-time leader in total rebounds and rebounds per game, one of only five Ohio State players to have his jersey retired, and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. After leaving OSU, he earned an Olympic gold medal in 1960, won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks in 1973, made seven NBA All-Star appearances, and even produced two NBA seasons averaging 20 points and 20 rebounds.
How did he become one of the greatest rebounders the sport has ever seen? Through study, precision, and an almost scientific obsession with understanding the flight of the ball.
“I studied it so much,” Lucas explained. “I missed shots on purpose for eight hours some days. I imagined a clock on top of the rim—miss on the inside of the three to make it bounce one way, outside of the three for another. I developed a kind of software in my mind. I always knew where the ball was going. So instead of wasting time boxing out, I just went and got it.”
Moments before the unveiling, a host of dignitaries spoke about Lucas’ impact on the sport, the university, and the state of Ohio. Among them were Governor Mike DeWine, athletic director Ross Bjork, university president Ted Carter, and head coach Jake Diebler. When the cover finally dropped, the statue—crafted by renowned sculptor Alan Cottrill—revealed a towering tribute to a towering Buckeye.
Though now 85 and having navigated recent health challenges, Lucas insists his work isn’t finished. His latest passion is developing a picture-based system to help illiterate children learn to read and write—just one more meaningful contribution from a man who has never stopped finding ways to give back.
With the addition of his statue, Jerry Lucas’ legacy will stand physically and symbolically among Ohio State’s greatest figures—a permanent reminder of excellence, humility, and the relentless pursuit of mastery.
