Coach Jai Lucas, a former Longhorn, was appointed Miami’s new head coach.
Jai Lucas, a former Texas Longhorns player and highly respected assistant coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team. At 36, Lucas becomes the youngest head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), bringing a wealth of experience from his previous coaching stints at Texas, Kentucky, and Duke.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born into a basketball-centric family, Jai Lucas is the son of John Lucas II, a former All-American at Maryland and the first overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Jai was immersed in the sport from an early age. He attended Bellaire High School, where he was a standout player, earning accolades such as McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic selection, and Parade All-America Second Team honors. As a three-year starter and three-time District Player of the Year, Lucas led Bellaire to three consecutive district titles.
Lucas began his collegiate career at the University of Florida during the 2007-08 season, where he was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team after helping the Gators to a 24-12 record. He then transferred to the University of Texas, where he played two seasons and contributed to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Lucas graduated from Texas in 2011 with a degree in corporate communication.
Professional Playing Career
After college, Lucas pursued a professional basketball career, spending one season overseas with BK Valmiera in the Baltic Basketball League (2011-12) and two seasons in the NBA Development League with the Idaho Stampede (2012-13) and Canton Charge (2013).
Coaching Career
Texas Longhorns
Lucas began his coaching career at his alma mater, joining the University of Texas staff in 2013 as a special assistant under head coach Rick Barnes. He remained on staff when Shaka Smart took over in 2015, serving as the director of basketball operations before being promoted to assistant coach in 2016. In this role, Lucas was instrumental in player development and recruiting, helping the Longhorns secure top-10 recruiting classes and mentoring future NBA players such as Jarrett Allen, Mohamed Bamba, and Jaxson Hayes.
University of Kentucky
In 2020, Lucas joined the University of Kentucky as a special assistant to the head coach and recruiting coordinator under John Calipari. He was quickly promoted to assistant coach, where he continued to excel in recruiting and player development. During his tenure, Lucas played a pivotal role in signing five players who participated in either the McDonald’s All-American or Jordan Brand Classic games, including top prospect Shaedon Sharpe. He also contributed to the development of players like Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington Jr., who set the UK single-game record with 17 assists against Georgia.
Duke University
Lucas joined the Duke men’s basketball coaching staff in May 2022 as an assistant coach under Jon Scheyer and was promoted to associate head coach in June 2023. At Duke, Lucas was responsible for developing the backcourt and serving as the team’s defensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Blue Devils ranked among the nation’s best defensive teams, allowing 63.6 points per game, a .406 field goal percentage, and a .305 three-point percentage during the 2022-23 season. Lucas also played a key role in recruiting top talent, including No. 1 recruit Cooper Flagg and the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, for the 2024 and 2025 classes, respectively.
Appointment as Miami Head Coach
Lucas’s appointment as the head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team comes after the retirement of Jim Larrañaga, who stepped down in December 2024 after 14 seasons with the Hurricanes. Larrañaga led Miami to six NCAA tournaments and four Sweet 16 appearances, including a Final Four run in 2023. Lucas’s hiring is seen as a strategic move to inject youthful energy and a strong recruiting acumen into the program, aligning with the evolving landscape of college basketball and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) considerations.
Coaching Philosophy and Expectations
Known for his defensive prowess and recruiting expertise, Lucas is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Miami Hurricanes. His ability to develop NBA-caliber talent and build strong relationships with players will be crucial as he transitions into his first head coaching role. The Miami community anticipates that Lucas’s leadership will usher in a new era of competitiveness and success for the Hurricanes in the ACC and on the national stage.
In summary, Jai Lucas’s journey from a celebrated high school player to a seasoned assistant coach has culminated in his appointment as the head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team. His diverse experiences and proven track record in player development and recruiting position him well to lead the Hurricanes to new heights in the coming seasons.
