Lucas prepared to lead ‘huge overhaul’ at Miami
Mar 10, 2025, 03:19 PM ET CORAL GABLES, Fla.– Jai Lucas acknowledges his training pedigree lacks the crucial role of running a team however believes that experience gained through assistant stops at “Blue Blood” programs has actually prepared him for the massive endeavor that waits for him.The 36-year-old Lucas was presented as the guys’s basketball coach at Miami on Monday. Lucas changes Jim Larrañaga, who retired Dec. 26 after assisting the Hurricanes for 14 seasons. Larrañaga went to the initial news conference as well as Lucas’ daddy, former NBA player and coach John Lucas.
“I have actually experienced a great deal of things except for running a program,” Lucas stated. “But through these experiences that I have actually gone through and the preparation that I have done, I understand I’m prepared and ready to lead.”
Lucas, an assistant with No. 1 Duke for the previous three seasons, officially started his new job Sunday and will not become part of heaven Devils’ staff during the postseason competition cycle.Editor’s Picks
Two years after a Final 4 run, the Hurricanes ended up the season at 7-24 and an Atlantic Coast Conference-worst 3-17, removing them from the conference competition. They were 11-39 considering that winning 11 of their first 13 games in 2023-24.
“It was extremely hard to leave [Duke] even if of the relationships you developed there,” Lucas stated. “This year we finally had a team that might win everything. You hired those kids and we have returning players that have existed 3 years and you build that bond.
“I felt it was my duty to get down here as quick as I could and ensure we get started on the best foot and get the program going. That was essential to me.”
Before his tenure at Duke, Lucas was an assistant at Kentucky and Texas. Acknowledged for his recruiting skills, Lucas expects an extreme group transformation however likewise is open to maintaining Hurricanes players with remaining eligibility.
“It’s going to be a big overhaul,” Lucas said. “My expectation coming in was that I would require to get 13 new players just because that’s the method it is. However you never understand of the opportunity of people coming back.”
Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich and a search committee remained locked in on Lucas regardless of the fantastic interest in the task.
“From the start the committee was impressed with Jai,” Radakovich stated. “His knowledge of the game. Enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to constructing a basketball program the proper way.”
Larrañaga thinks Lucas will effectively adjust to the head-coaching function.
“The great thing for Jai is he played the game and comes from a basketball family,” Larrañaga stated. “He has actually worked for a few of the best college basketball coaches in the history of the game. He is effectively prepared.”