Lucas-Perry picking up offers, making visits

Basketball at the Lucas-Perry house in Michigan isn't like most homes. How many homes can boast a father that played for Dick Vitale, a sister that plays at Michigan State and a brother that is one of the fastest rising guards in the Midwest? Laval Lucas-Perry can and he says that is why he is quickly becoming a hot commodity on the recruiting trail.

Lucas-Perry, a 6-foot-1 combo guard from Flint (Mich.) Powers Catholic High School, makes no secrets about the competition level he faces within his own home. His father, Laval Perry, shares plenty of stories of his days playing for Vitale, baby. His sister, Victoria, is a two-year starter at Michigan State and a dead eye shooter for the Spartans.

Games of H.O.R.S.E. are a little more competitive with this family than most.

"We'll go back to back and head to head. It's a lot of fun. I think they all know that they can't contend with me anymore," Lucas-Perry said half joking, half serious.

All jokes aside, Lucas-Perry said his family ties have helped shape him into the coveted prospect he is now.

"There is a lot to live up to," Lucas-Perry says. "But I like it. They push me to my limits. That is why I am the player that I am today. It's because of them."

Playing with the Michigan Mustangs full time on the AAU circuit, Lucas-Perry has shown off his ability to play both guard spots, do the little things to help win basketball games and score when needed.

"I think I have improved as a player and a person," Lucas-Perry said. "I've improved my quickness and my ability to get to the rim. I feel like I've improved in every aspect of my game. I'm improving my ability to be a true floor leader."

His play has attracted schools from coast to coast. Lucas-Perry is collecting scholarship offers at a rapid pace of late. Dayton was the first to tender a free ride. Penn State was next after Lucas-Perry made an unofficial visit to the Big Ten school. Boston College, Marquette and Wisconsin have all offered this summer, he said.

Michigan, Michigan State, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest are also all very much in the mix. He has unofficially visited all but Georgia Tech.

Lucas-Perry will participate in Michigan State's team camp this weekend. His former Flint Powers teammate Tom Herzog is a member of MSU's 2006 recruiting class. After the MSU camp, Lucas-Perry will play in the prestigious NBA Players Association camp in Richmond, Va.

Unofficial visits to Arizona and Boston College round out a busy June. With all of the visits, Lucas-Perry said he does not want to rush a decision.

"I don' think I've gotten to that point yet. I'll probably narrow things down at the end of August and then go from there."

"I'm still open," Lucas-Perry said. "I'm still looking where I can fit in the best and make a difference. I want to find a place where I can play at my best…I want to find the best situation for me academically and athletically."