2028 class: Early look at Rod Lucas

Courtney Smith January 22, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

In late January, freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='2784747' first='Rod' last='Lucas'] is a primary option for Arlington. It's been that way since he stepped foot on campus. And the Tigers need him to be effective on the offensive end in district play. In Tuesday night's 71-62 home win against Cordova, Lucas scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half to help the Tigers get their second district victory. Arlington currently sits at 12-5 with more important games coming up in the top heavy 4A District 15. The Tigers have six district games left, with three coming against the top three teams in the league (Bartlett, Houston, and Southwind). If Arlington wants any chance of finishing anywhere in the top three, the 6-foot-6 forward will have to play well. Luckily enough for the Tigers, the bright lights haven't been too bright for Lucas, who won state titles at Elmore Park Middle School. He's a versatile forward that can push the basketball in transition, make shots from the perimeter and guard in space. Lucas has a thick frame, so he's able to take physicality. “When I get older, whatever the coach needs me to do, I can do it,” Lucas said. “If it's the 5 through the 1, I can do whatever.” Lucas has earned the trust of Arlington's head coach Anthony Smith, especially when it comes to decision making. He's allowed to make the right basketball play, whether the team is in half-court or in transition. Lucas has the freedom than most freshmen at this point of the season. Effective duo The pairing of sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2624485' first='RJ' last='Tate'] and Lucas have had the Tigers competitive this season. Tate led Arlington with 25 points Tuesday night against the Wolves. The 6-0 guard, along with Lucas, fought off Cordova's late scoring rally with timely scores. Tate scored 8 in the fourth quarter, while Lucas had 11.

In late January, freshman forward Rod Lucas Rod Lucas 6'5" | SF/PF Arlington | 2028 State TN is a primary option for Arlington. It's been that way since he stepped foot on campus. And the Tigers need him to be effective on the offensive end in district play.

In Tuesday night's 71-62 home win against Cordova, Lucas scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half to help the Tigers get their second district victory. Arlington currently sits at 12-5 with more important games coming up in the top heavy 4A District 15.

The Tigers have six district games left, with three coming against the top three teams in the league (Bartlett, Houston, and Southwind). If Arlington wants any chance of finishing anywhere in the top three, the 6-foot-6 forward will have to play well.

Luckily enough for the Tigers, the bright lights haven't been too bright for Lucas, who won state titles at Elmore Park Middle School. He's a versatile forward that can push the basketball in transition, make shots from the perimeter and guard in space. Lucas has a thick frame, so he's able to take physicality.

“When I get older, whatever the coach needs me to do, I can do it,” Lucas said. “If it's the 5 through the 1, I can do whatever.”

Lucas has earned the trust of Arlington's head coach Anthony Smith, especially when it comes to decision making. He's allowed to make the right basketball play, whether the team is in half-court or in transition. Lucas has the freedom than most freshmen at this point of the season.

Effective duo

The pairing of sophomore guard RJ Tate RJ Tate 6'1" | PG/SG Arlington | 2027 TN and Lucas have had the Tigers competitive this season. Tate led Arlington with 25 points Tuesday night against the Wolves. The 6-0 guard, along with Lucas, fought off Cordova's late scoring rally with timely scores. Tate scored 8 in the fourth quarter, while Lucas had 11.