Basketball Legend Jerry Lucas Savors Small-Town Life and Cherished Memories

Jerry Lucas, a former Buckeye and member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame, recently visited Guthrie's in the Burlington/South Point area of Lawrence County, Ohio. Lucas, accompanied by his friend and basketball coach Norm Persin, enjoyed a meal at the restaurant, reflecting on his illustrious career and the enduring bonds of small-town life.

Revisiting Cherished Connections and Savoring Delectable Fare

A Reunion with Familiar Faces

Jerry Lucas, a basketball legend whose accolades span high school, college, the NBA, and the Olympics, made a special trip to Guthrie's in Lawrence County, Ohio. The reason for his visit was to reconnect with his longtime friend and former coach, Norm Persin, who had coached the owners of the restaurant in the past. Lucas expressed his excitement at the opportunity to visit the establishment, stating, "I know the brothers. I know all of them, so I was very excited to come with him and very, very happy after I ate because the food is great."

Celebrating Shared Successes and Enduring Bonds

Persin, who has the third-most wins in Ohio high school basketball history, shared his pride in the accomplishments of his former players. "Coach, you understand how successful we've all become you know once I got done playing basketball for you, so that makes you proud, makes you feel good, and I try and stay in touch with as many players as I possibly can," Persin said. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the two men were palpable, as they reminisced about their shared experiences and the lasting impact of their basketball journey.

A Culinary Delight and a Bustling Drive-Thru

As Lucas savored his meal at Guthrie's, he couldn't help but comment on the quality of the food and the restaurant's popularity. "Work hard and do the right things and they're doing that here. I know it's only been open for about a month or so but this drive-thru line has never stopped in over the hour that we have been here," he observed, impressed by the establishment's success and the dedication of its owners.

Reflecting on the Evolution of Basketball

During the conversation, Lucas shared his perspective on the changes in the game of basketball over the years. "I like the old game better, not because I played in it," he said, noting that his era of basketball included a more complex in-between game. He acknowledged the significant impact of the three-point line, stating, "The three-point line changed basketball forever."

The GOAT Debate and a Lighthearted Quip

When asked about the greatest player of all time, or the "GOAT," Lucas responded with a lighthearted quip, saying, "The goat has horns and eats everything it can find, that's my answer." This playful response demonstrated Lucas's humility and his ability to approach the often-debated topic with a touch of humor.

Finding Contentment in a Small-Town Life

Despite his illustrious career and national recognition, Lucas has found a sense of belonging and fulfillment in the small town of Gallipolis, Ohio, where he currently resides. "I love it there, it's 2,500 people, I'm in a great church, I've made great friends, I love the camaraderie that's in a small town, you can't beat it. It's America, and what America should be," he shared, expressing his deep appreciation for the close-knit community and the values it embodies.Even as a basketball legend, Jerry Lucas continues to cherish the simple pleasures of life, the enduring connections with friends and former players, and the comfort of a small-town existence. His visit to Guthrie's in Lawrence County, Ohio, served as a testament to the enduring power of community, the joy of shared experiences, and the timeless appeal of the game he has dedicated his life to.