BYU Basketball: Update on Milwaukee Transfer Te’Jon Lucas as He Nears Decision

One of BYU’s top transfer targets is nearing a decision. Milwaukee guard Te’Jon Lucas told multiple media members that he will announce his decision Wednesday among finalists BYU, Utah, DePaul, Nevada and New Mexico State.

Lucas is a versatile 6-foot-2 guard that will be a sixth-year senior this upcoming season. Last season he averaged 14.9 points, 5.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds on 39% shooting from the field and 28% from deep. According to KenPom he was top 50 in usage percentage and 21st in assist rate. His 5.8 assists were top 20 nationally. Lucas put up similar number the year prior where he also averaged over 14 points and 5 assists per game. Lucas was All-Horizon in both of his seasons at Milwaukee. He spent his first two years at Illinois where he started over 30 games in two seasons.

Lucas has primarily played point guard in his career and has been very successful. I’ve talked with him over the past week and he said Alex Barcello potentially returning would not be a detriment to him choosing BYU. If Barcello does return then Lucas would essentially replace Averette and start alongside Barcello as one of the two primary ball handlers.

That’s just what Lucas told me, so Barcello possibly returning could give him pause if he is looking to be the clear-cut ball handler on his next team. If Lucas does team up with Barcello then I believe that would be an upgrade over last year’s back court of Barcello and Averette.

This to me likely comes down to BYU, Utah and DePaul. Nevada has their top two guards returning and New Mexico State doesn’t do much to advance his career. BYU offers an immediate starting spot on a likely tournament team, Utah added two transfer guards from Utah State but they give Lucas a shot at good playing time in the Pac 12, and DePaul is a Big East school that is close to home.

BYU coaches have been in touch with Lucas virtually everyday for weeks and have made a strong push for him. BYU has a great chance but I won’t be surprised if it’s DePaul or Utah.