The Miami Hurricanes have landed one of the most intriguing coaching hires in recent college basketball memory. Jai Lucas, whose basketball lineage runs deep and wide, is bringing his unique pedigree, high-level experience, and elite recruiting skills to Coral Gables as the new head coach of Miami men’s basketball.
Lucas is more than just a rising coaching star — he’s basketball royalty. The son of 14-year NBA veteran and former No. 1 overall draft pick John Lucas II, Jai has grown up immersed in the game. From attending NBA practices as a child to learning the intricacies of leadership and mentorship from his father, basketball has been woven into his DNA from day one.
But Lucas has earned his own respect. A former McDonald’s All-American, he played collegiately at Florida and Texas before transitioning into coaching. His meteoric rise in the coaching world began as an assistant at Texas, then Kentucky, and most recently Duke — where he was recognized as one of the nation’s premier recruiters. Lucas played a key role in securing blue-chip talent, helping to develop several future NBA players and solidifying his reputation as a connector with both players and parents.
What makes Lucas’s arrival in Miami so captivating isn’t just his resume — it’s the convergence of influence. He’s worked under legendary coaches like Rick Barnes and John Calipari. He’s gained the trust of icons like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who both praised his hiring publicly. His recruiting ability has put him in rooms with the families of players compared to Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. And now, he steps into the shoes of longtime Miami coach Jim Larrañaga, affectionately known as “Coach L,” who led the program to new heights, including a Final Four in 2023.
Lucas inherits a program with high expectations but also great potential. His youth, energy, and connections to the modern game may be exactly what the Hurricanes need to stay nationally relevant in an ever-evolving college basketball landscape.
From hardwood royalty to head coach of The U, Jai Lucas is poised to write the next great chapter of Miami basketball.