MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State Athletics is celebrating Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history. The next honoree in the series is former men's basketball standout and two-time All-America selection Luke Anderson.
 
The 25 for 25 Series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. Over the next three months, the 25 honorees will be announced in no particular order, with ten unveiled in September-October, ten more throughout November and the final five in December prior to the Christmas holiday.

"Luke is definitely in every conversation you have about the all-time greats in Maverick men's basketball, but what I remember most is how much I enjoyed watching him compete," Buisman said. "He was athletic, versatile and had unbelievable shooting range, but there was also a confidence about Luke that you could feel when the game was on the line. He was the guy who was going to keep you in a game, and when it was time to make a play, he wanted the ball in his hands. Those are the players you remember."
 
Originally from Bloomington, Minn., Anderson set team career records in games played (132), points (2,328) and three-point shots made (328). He is the only Maverick to score more than 600 points in a season twice with 644 points during the 2005-06 season and 630 points during the 2006-07 season. Anderson garnered four All-NCC honors and was named the NCC Most Valuable Player in 2007.  He was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
 
"When I look back on my time at Minnesota State, what I remember most isn't necessarily the wins or the personal accolades, it's the people and the experiences we shared," Anderson said.  "My teammates were a huge part of that chapter of my life and I truly believe I had the best coaching staff a young kid could have asked for.  They challenged me, believed in me and helped build the foundation for so much of who I've become today.  Those lessons and experiences have stayed with me long after my playing days were over.  I'll always be grateful for my time at MSU and I am incredibly proud to be a Maverick and humbled to be recognized as part of this group."
 
Anderson is the only men's basketball player in team history to receive All-American honors during two separate seasons. The 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons saw him received All-American accolades from Daktronics, the NABC and DII Bulletin. 
 
"Luke was here during some really formative years for our program, when we were beginning to establish Minnesota State as a force to be reckoned with," Buisman added. "I remember seeing the way other players responded to him and the way his talent helped us attract more talent to the program. Luke gave us credibility, but he also gave us belief. For me, that's a big part of his legacy—he was one of those players who helped make people believe that Maverick basketball could become something special."
 
He helped the Mavericks win a pair of NCC Championships as Minnesota State advanced to the NCAA Tournament on three occasions during his time at MSU. He was later inducted into the Minnesota State Hall of Fame in 2017.
 
"Congratulations to Kevin Buisman on 25 incredible years at Minnesota State," Anderson said.  "Kevin's leadership and commitment to Maverick Athletics has impacted so many student-athletes over the years.  To be included in this group while celebrating his 25 years makes the recognition even more meaningful.  Thank you Kevin for everything you've done for Minnesota State."