I think Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas is a terrific player, who has had a difficult season. Tom Izzo pushed him early this season, publicly calling him out. Trust me on this: Izzo doesn’t do that unless he figures the kid can take it.
Secondly, Lucas has had a nasty ankle sprain. Michigan State lost three games in a row while Lucas was ailing, but it doesn’t mean they will be any less of a force when it really matters come March.
Lucas, in particular, should gain from the problems during the regular season and emerge as more of a leader than ever.
It’s about peaking at the right time. It wouldn’t surprise me if State does that after a lull. And that Lucas will be the leader.
He had a huge game at Penn State Saturday. Might be the beginning of a big run for him - and the Spartans overall.

My column in Monday's Oakland Press on the plight of the Red Wings http://tinyurl.com/yjaxugp

My column in Sunday's Oakland Press on why I think the Tigers are capable of winning the AL Central. http://tinyurl.com/yfmuhjt