Michigan State Spartans

Brain surgery for Cavs owners' son, a Michigan State student

Published Feb. 12, 2018 1:40 p.m. ET

CLEVELAND (AP) Nick Gilbert, the son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert who became a good-luck charm during the NBA lottery, will have brain surgery this week.

The team says the 21-year-old Michigan State student will have the operation in Detroit.

In 2011, the younger Gilbert endeared himself to Cavs fans when he represented the team at the draft lottery. Cleveland won the No. 1 overall pick, which the team later used to select All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Wearing a bow tie and dark-rimmed glasses, the then 14-year-old Gilbert was asked how it felt that his dad considered him his ''personal hero.'' The youngster replied: ''What's not to like?''

Nick Gilbert was born with a nerve disorder that causes tumors. He has undergone previous surgeries for the genetic illness.

Dan Gilbert has five children. He serves on the board for the Children's Tumor Foundation, which is trying to find a cure for his son's condition.

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