Oregon State Men’s Basketball: Catching Up With Beavers Signee Jarod Lucas

With the Oregon State Beavers opening Pac-12 Conference play with a big victory over Oregon this weekend and the departure of Jordan Campbell and Jack Wilson, Beaver fans are all curious what is around the corner.

The 2019 recruiting class is comprised of three outstanding seniors from the CIF-Southern Section, one of the most competitive high school city sections in the nation. One of those signees is Jarod Lucas.

Lucas, from Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, is racking up points this season. He is top five in the nation for points per game, according to MaxPreps. Jarod has had multiple 40-point games and his impeccable perimeter play has lead Los Altos to a 12-5 record despite playing against regional powers including Orange Lutheran, Mission Bay, and Leuzinger. Lucas has a knack for scoring at all three levels with a silky smooth jumpshot and and an overall tenacious attitude.

The program itself and fans alike are incredibly excited to have him on campus at Corvallis. I was able to catch up with Lucas recently on finishing his high school season and look forward to his days at Oregon State.

Albert: So you’ve been all business this season. Averaging over 30 points...pouring in a game high 42 points at the Take Flight Challenge against Leuzinger...What do you attribute your success this season to?

Jarod: I’m currently averaging 37.6 points per game. I couldn’t achieve all of this without my teammates. I attribute the success to all the hours I put in the weight room and on the court. I wanted to make sure my senior year was one of the best that Southern California has ever seen.

Albert: You’ve moved up the All Time CIF-SS scoring list, coming in at number seven, right behind DeMar Derozen. How does it feel to have your name in history amongst such great names?

Jarod: It’s a blessing being on the list with the many great players that have played in the CIF-SS. It means a lot to me to be able to achieve all these records while playing for my hometown school.

Albert: With league play underway as midseason approaches us, what are your goals for yourself and Los Altos?

Jarod: The goal for my teammates and I is to take every game one at a time... we also want to win our fourth consecutive league championship. We would then like to win a CIF-SS title.

Albert: At the end of the month, you guys take on Los Alamitos at the Nike Extravaganza at Mater Dei. Tell us your outlook for that game.

Jarod: I’m looking forward to the Nike Extravaganza, but I want to win. My sophomore year we lost to Corona Centennial and I want to redeem that loss.

Albert: The Beavs just won a huge game last night in Eugene against the Ducks when they opened up conference play. Did you follow the game and how do you see yourself contributing next season?

Jarod: I was in a defensive stance while watching the game last night. Especially the last couple of possessions. I could see myself coming in and doing whatever Coach Tinkle needs me to do and doing what I do best: shoot the ball.

Albert: What are some portions of your game you would like to work on before stepping on campus next fall?

Jarod: I want to work on my athleticism (speed, agility, bounce).

Albert: What do you think of the Beavers this season and their chances to make the NCAA tournament?

Jarod: The Pac-12 is wide open. I said it at the beginning of the season and I still believe that we will win the Pac-12 and make the NCAA tournament.

Albert: Last question: for our excited fans out there, how would you describe your game in one sentence?

Jarod: I would say that I am a team-first player. But don’t leave me open. That’s an automatic bucket.