MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- This southwest Ohio city celebrated a hometown hero Tuesday, as residents flocked to a series of events honoring basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas.
Middletown officials gave Lucas, 68, a key to the city of some 51,000 people. He also attended an evening reception with former teammates, followed by the official retirement of his Middletown High School No. 13 during halftime of the Hamilton-Middletown game.
With generations of fans chanting "Jer-ee," a banner was unveiled showing his jersey number 13.
"This is an honor," Lucas said. "It brings back so many memories."
Lucas, who now lives in Templeton, Calif., said he was thrilled by the day's events.
"I was fortunate to play on great teams at every level and each holds a special place in my heart," Lucas said in an afternoon interview. "Middletown is really special to me. It's where it all began. This is where I learned. This is where it happened."
This mill city, struggling economically, was buzzing about the special day.
"This town is extremely excited over this event," said Gary Lebo, the Middies' athletic director.
"He was the Babe Ruth of basketball up to that time; he put Middletown on the map," said Dick Nisbet, a retired optometrist who said he saw all Lucas' high school games, had season tickets to watch him at Ohio State and with the NBA's Cincinnati Royals, and even traveled to Rome to see Lucas play in the 1960 Olympics.
"I think it's nice," Nisbet said of the celebration. "It's a little late in coming."
No one has worn Lucas' high school number since his final game in 1958, but officials recently realized there was never a ceremonial retirement. He led the Middies to 76 straight victories and two state titles.
A three-time All-American, Lucas and fellow future Hall of Famer John Havlicek led Ohio State to a 1960 national championship, and to two second-place NCAA finishes. The Buckeyes retired his No. 11 jersey several years ago.
Lucas also won an Olympic gold on the 1960 team and played for the 1973 NBA champion New York Knicks.
The celebration of Lucas' glory days here comes during a resurgence for the Middie basketball program. This year's team entered Tuesday's game at 16-1 on the season and ranked No. 3 in Ohio.
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Ohio City Honors Hall Of Famer Jerry Lucas
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Published: February 18, 2009
Published: February 18, 2009
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