“As far as Kalin entering his name, I wanted to make some calls,” Izzo said. “But he kind of acted like, ‘You know what, I’ve got some more to finish.’”

I can’t say I’m surprised that Lucas has decided to return to school, however, I’m shocked that he hasn’t at least flirted with the idea.

Every year, dozens of college players enter the NBA Draft without officially entering it. Only when a prospect signs with an agent does he lose college eligibility.

The fact that Lucas didn’t explore this possibility speaks of his contentment at MSU, and his expectations for the Spartans next season.

“He’s smart to know that he’s not where he wants to be right now,” Izzo said. “But at the same time, him not even wanting to pursue it is a good sign for us because I think that means he’s gonna be focused in on the job he’s got to do and is not wishing he could be somewhere else.”

Despite constantly stressing his intentions to return to school, you never know how a person will react when people start telling them they will become multimillionaires if they sign some papers.

Although I don’t know this from personal experience, I’d imagine entering the draft becomes even more tempting when cunning agents start making empty promises that you’ll be a first-round draft pick.

Lucas is clearly smart enough to avoid this trap.

Only the 30 prospects selected in the first-round receive guaranteed contracts, and although Lucas is the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, there’s no guarantee he would have been taken that high.

Although he possesses all the skills necessary to be an NBA point guard, Lucas is far from a finished product. He needs at least one more year to improve his perimeter game and to find the balance between being a scorer and facilitator.

Lucas clearly understands this, and that bodes well for the Spartans next season.

Instead of repenting his decision to put the NBA on hold, Lucas will have his head clear and his heart fixed on leading the Spartans back to the Final Four.

Izzo said Lucas’ attitude throughout the process has reminded him of the attitude Mateen Cleaves had after his junior season.

Cleaves could have gone to the NBA. Instead, he returned to school and won the 2000 National Championship in Indianapolis.

Next season, the Final Four will be back in Indianapolis. Don’t be surprised if Lucas and the Spartans once again leave the city as champions.