Miami has tapped Duke affiliate head coach Jai Lucas as its subsequent males’s basketball head coach, the college introduced on Thursday. Lucas was identified as the front-runner for the job in late February when CanesInSight was the first to report the event. CBS Sports activities first reported the information of Lucas’ imminent hiring on Wednesday.
Lucas will depart championship-minded Duke following its common season finale this weekend towards North Carolina to get a soar begin on rebuilding the Hurricanes.
“I’m extremely grateful and honored to be the following head coach on the College of Miami,” Lucas mentioned in an announcement. “Miami has every thing you must compete on the highest degree — elite teachers, a passionate fan base, and a dedication to excellence in athletics. Past that, the town of Miami has a wealthy tradition and vitality that makes this an extremely particular place. The historical past, range, and fervour for sports activities listed below are second to none.
“I sit up for constructing on an unimaginable basis and main this program into an thrilling new period. My household and I can not wait to get to Coral Gables and get to work.”
The 36-year-old Lucas has been a key asset underneath Jon Scheyer for the previous two-plus years as Duke has maintained its elite status within the post-Mike Krzyzewski period. Lucas was a important voice within the recruitments of gamers akin to Cooper Flagg, along with incoming five-star Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, four-star Cayden, who coincidentally sufficient hail from Miami. (The Boozers selected Duke over Miami final fall and may very well be two of probably the most impactful freshmen within the sport subsequent season.)
Lucas is the son of John Lucas II, a well-renowned and extremely revered individual in basketball circles for many years, courting again to being the No. 1 pick of Maryland in 1976. Lucas II performed within the NBA from 1976-90 earlier than transferring into teaching within the Affiliation from 1992-2023. Jai Lucas performed at Texas — the place he started his teaching profession in 2016. He left in 2020 to take a job on John Calipari’s workers at Kentucky, then was recruited away by Scheyer two years later.
Scheyer spoke about Lucas’ readiness to be a head coach after Duke’s record-setting 110-67 win over Illinois at Madison Sq. Backyard on Feb 22.
“Completely he is a head coach, no query about it,” Scheyer mentioned. “It is a part of why I employed him, and the job he is executed for us has been unimaginable. … I can let you know 100% Jai’s a tremendous coach.”
Miami was one of many extra aggressive applications within the first two years of the NIL period (due to having an outspoken, formidable booster) however that turned prior to now two years. With Lucas (set to be the youngest high-major head coach) coming aboard, the U is anticipated to once more be a participant each within the portal and highschool recruiting.
Past rising into one of many strongest recruiters within the business, Lucas has additionally been a key defensive strategist at Duke. This season has seen the Blue Devils at their defensive greatest underneath Scheyer, rating fourth nationalnly in adjusted defensive effectivity at KenPom.com.
Lucas is anticipated to go away Duke and be with Miami in a full-time capability after the Duke-UNC recreation this weekend, a supply mentioned. It is an uncommon association that displays the drastic shift in faculty sports activities recruiting in 2025. Lucas has helped Duke to nationwide title contender standing. The Blue Devils are pacing towards a No. 1 seed and have the potential nationwide participant of the yr in Flagg. In a earlier period, an assistant coach would keep on till the top of the season. With the portal now taking part in a significant component in hastened roster turnover, Lucas can unwell afford to stay round with the Blue Devils till their ultimate recreation within the NCAA Event.
By leaving in early March, Lucas and Miami have a head begin on each different power-conference program that can change coaches on this yr’s cycle.
Lucas will succeed Jim Larrañaga, who retired in late December amid a dismal 4-8 begin. Jim Larrañaga coached Miami for greater than 11 seasons and received 274 video games, together with a charmed run to the 2023 Ultimate 4. Since he stepped down the day after Christmas, issues obtained worse. Miami is an abysmal 6-24 and can conclude the common season Saturday at house towards NC State. With the ACC now an 18-team convention, the underside three groups within the standings don’t get invitations to the league event, that means Miami’s season is finished this weekend.
