Eric Boggs
Ohio State has never been a university that traditionally immortalizes its greatest athletes with statues, but in recent years, that has started to change. Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, received his statue a couple of years ago, and now the Buckeye basketball program will have one of its own. On November 14 at 4 p.m., Ohio State will unveil a statue honoring Jerry Lucas outside Value City Arena, cementing his place as one of the greatest Buckeyes to ever wear the scarlet and gray.
For Ohio State fans, this is a long-overdue recognition. Lucas, a Middletown, Ohio native, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in college basketball history. While his No. 11 jersey already hangs in the rafters alongside Buckeye legends John Havlicek, Evan Turner, Jim Jackson, and Gary Bradds, this statue sets him apart as the first Ohio State men’s basketball player to receive such an honor on campus.
Lucas himself expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, telling The Columbus Dispatch’s Adam Jardy, “I am so very, very humbled and honored for that happening. It might be the highlight of my entire career. It’s so unique. You look at the history of the university, the history of sports at the university, and the very small number of people who have had that honor, it’s incredible.”
When Lucas reflects on the names who came before him, his humility is clear. “When I first heard about it, I was so humbled. Jesse Owens. Woody Hayes. Archie Griffin. There’s so few that have had that privilege and that honor. It’s very, very touching.”
Lucas’ résumé speaks for itself. A three-time All-American and two-time national player of the year, he finished his Ohio State career with 1,990 points, which ranks third all-time in program history behind Dennis Hopson and Herb Williams, tied with William Buford. But it’s on the boards where Lucas’ dominance truly stands unmatched. His 1,411 career rebounds, averaging an astounding 17.2 per game, remain an Ohio State record unlikely ever to be broken. He also holds the program marks for career double-doubles (78) and consecutive double-doubles (38), numbers that highlight just how dominant he was every single night.
Lucas led Ohio State to unprecedented success during his three varsity seasons, when freshmen were not yet eligible to play. The Buckeyes went 78-6 during his career, winning the school’s only NCAA men’s basketball national championship in 1960 and finishing as the national runner-up in both 1961 and 1962.
For Buckeye Nation, Jerry Lucas’ upcoming statue represents more than just a tribute to an individual; it’s a celebration of one of the greatest eras in Ohio State basketball history and a long-overdue honor for a player whose impact on the program will never be forgotten. On November 14, Lucas’ legacy will officially take its place alongside the university’s most iconic figures, where it has always belonged.
