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articles : Luke Adjusts to Being the Enemy
 Luke Adjusts to Being the Enemy
Reached in his Louisville apartment last week, former Spirit Maurice Lucas was hobbling about on two sprained ankles and indicated that he would probably not participate in last Sunday's game in St. Louis (a 113-111 Spirits victory). An honest fellow, Luke was not to be disbelieved.
However, when the teams took the court last Sunday night, leading the way was Maurice - the same familiar scowl, the same bending and stretching warm-up antics, and the same cool, aloof, and imposing demeanor Spirits fans have grown accustomed to in 1 ½ years. Five minutes into the contest with the Colonels holding a one point lead, Coach Hubie Brown summoned Luke to his side, and in minutes Luke reported to the scorer's table.
Quizzed about the "sore ankles," Big Luke winked, then whispered, "These ankles would have to broken to keep me out of this one."
Although Maurice went on to score 26 points and collect 14 rebounds, his highest totals in a Colonel uniform, Luke's adjustment to the Kentucky system has not been especially quick.
Much has been said about the trade which sent sophomore center Lucas to Kentucky in exchange for Caldwell Jones, the league's premier shot rejector. Despite early season impressive scoring and rebounding statistics (20.5 points per game and 14+ rebounds) Luke had obvious shortcomings on defense. In 28 games with St. Louis this year Luke had only 21 blocked shots and many felt he was playing out of position at center. And so the deal was made, and Caldwell Jones was obtained in an effort to plug up the Spirits defense.
C.J., the former San Diego Sail who had been playing out of position at forward for the Colonels, has become the intimidating force in the middle that the Spirits so desperately needed. His shot blocking totals have skyrocketed (nearly five per game) and he is averaging 13 pints and 13 rebounds per game.
While C.J. has found success in a Spirits uniform, Luke has failed to crack the Colonels starting lineup. A center since his college days at Marquette, Luke has had to learn to play forward with All League pivotman Artis Gilmore manning the middle in Kentucky.
Luke's attitude is acquiescent.
"Sooner of later this was going to happen. Forward is my natural position, but I've never had to play it," he says.
Despite an uncanny ability to hit from a long distance, Luke is well aware that outside scoring does not a forward make.
"Sure it's different," said the 22-year old vegetarian. "As a center the defense didn't challenge me. I was smaller and more mobile than most. Now I'm guarded by another forward and there's more pressure."
Always a strong rebounder, Luke feels that rebounding is more difficult from the forward position.
"Playing away from the basket I can't get to the hoop as easily…and with the big guy (Artis) in there it's even more difficult to get position."
Adjusting to Coach Hubie Brown's methodical system also has made for problems.
"Here in Kentucky the system is geared toward Artis' game. In St. Louis we played a forward-oriented, fast-break game," he explains.
How has this affected Luke's play?
"Well, to begin with I'm more stationary on offense, and often I'm shooting with a hand in my face or on the move," he says. "Before I usually could set my jumper."
And on defense?
"I have to pressure my man, overplay him, and funnel him toward Artis. In the pivot there isn't as much movement."
Another adjustment has been playing and fighting with Gilmore, instead of against him. Luke not only did a good job against the 7-2 giant when with the Spirits, but he also decked big Artis during one game with a single punch. Luke laughed when asked about it, and quipped.
"He's my sparring partner now…no, no, there's no personal animosity. It's nice to have the big guy on my side for a change."
As a Spirit, Luke's best performance came against Gilmore and the Colonels. But after firing in 26 points against the Spirits last Sunday, then exchanging shoves and elbows with former teammate Marvin Barnes, Luke gave the Spirits an idea of what they can expect from him tonight and in the future now that he is the enemy.
(This article appeared originally in a Spirits of St. Louis Official Program, January 15, 1976.)
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