Anthony Lackey finished his four years on the Portland State men’s basketball team this year. To cap off a great individual season, Lackey led the team to four straight victories before losing in the first round of the Big Sky tournament and ending a memorable college basketball career.
“Being here the full four years, it was a good experience. I learned a lot from all my coaches here. My teammates I had showed me the ropes and made me better,” Lackey said.
Lackey was the leading scorer for the Viking basketball team for the second year in a row. He also led the team in rebounds per game. To finish his senior campaign, he averaged 16.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, a 46 percent field goal percentage and a 42 percent three-point percentage. The team made it to the Big Sky tournament in the sixth spot to improve from its eighth place finish one year ago. Lackey was an intricate part of the team, and not only an all-conference player, but also a leader to his fellow teammates.
“I was glad to be given the chance to play D-1 (Division I). Not many guys get that chance and I’m definitely going to miss competing at this level, playing games and coming to practices,” Lackey said.
For the second season, Lackey was first team All-Big Sky Conference Selection in 2002. He was named all-tournament at the Stanford Invitational, named Big-Sky player of the week twice this season and surpassed the 1,000-career point total in January.
Lackey was not only to be admired on the court, but off the court as well. He demonstrated class and modesty when dealing with the media, not just being a phenomenal athlete, but a phenomenal person as well. Lackey hopes to continue playing basketball at the professional level somewhere, whether it is here in the United States or overseas in Europe.
Lackey said he’ll miss his teammates, coaches and Portland atmosphere when he leaves.
“I’ll miss my teammates, I’ve made lots of relationships and friendships here, ones that are lifelong. I felt this was a good place to get my education. I’m glad to be on scholarship and being able to take classes and get an education. In Portland you get to see the different people and different community. It’s been great,” Lackey said.