A three-time All-American and a Phi Beta Kappa student, Lucas led the Ohio State University Buckeyes to the 1960 NCAA National Championship. He was a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a member of the 1960 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. Lovellette was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 1964 and was selected to the All-NBA first team three times.

Director of Basketball Operations for the University of Indiana Wesleyan