Jim Larranaga: Jai Lucas is a 'great choice' as Miami's next head coach

Former Miami head coach Jim Larranaga is thrilled to see Jai Lucas take over the Hurricanes basketball program. It was quite the move prior to the end of the season as Lucas takes over for the long tenured coach.

Larranaga stepped down in December in a bit of a surprise decision, leaving Bill Courtney to finish out the year. But the longtime coach sees Miami on the up and up with Lucas, a former Duke assistant, in charge.

It seems like Lucas is the right fit to lead Miami in this new era of college athletics, amid the transfer portal and NIL. Larranaga made sure to make that point clear.

“He’s a great young coach,” Larranaga said. “He’s got a lot of enthusiasm. He has a clear vision of how he wants his team to play, and he’s in a situation now with the transfer portal and NIL that you’re almost rebuilding every year. As Jay mentioned, he might need as many as 13 new players. 

“That’s scary, but when you’re trying to put together a team, you’ve got to fill every roster spot. So he’s got a big job to do. He’s got to hire his staff, but he’s ready for the position. He’s coached under some of the legendary head coaches of all time, so I’m excited for him [to be leading] in the program. I want to see Miami continue to do well.”

Lucas, a former point guard at Florida and Texas, had a brief pro career before beginning to coach in 2016 with the Longhorns. Following a stint from 2016-20, Lucas went to Kentucky from 2020-22 and eventually Duke in 2022.

He worked his way from assistant to associate head coach under Jon Scheyer and is now leading the charge in Coral Gables.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to be the next head coach at the University of Miami,” Lucas said. “Miami has everything you need to compete at the highest level — elite academics, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence in athletics. Beyond that, the city of Miami has a rich culture and energy that makes this an incredibly special place. The history, diversity, and passion for sports here are second to none.

“I look forward to building on an incredible foundation and leading this program into an exciting new era. My family and I can’t wait to get to Coral Gables and get to work.”