Jim Larrañaga Backs New Miami Hurricanes coach Jai Lucas: ‘He’s Ready for the Job’
The man who built the Miami program into a Final Four contender was on hand for his successor’s press conference today. And Jim Larranaga was all smiles as new coach Jai Lucas spoke about his vision for the program … and asked those in attendance to acknowledge coach L.
“I appreciate you coming,” Lucas said to Larranaga at the start of his press conference. “Can we give him a round of applause? I appreciate everything you’ve done the last 14 years. I plan to build on the strong foundation you left behind.”
Larranaga returned the favor. He told CaneSport after Lucas’ presser that he believes in the young, new Miami coach. He says the pair had “a very nice conversation” and that he offered to help Lucas in any way needed.
“I think he’s a great choice,” Larranaga said. “He’s a great young coach, has a lot of enthusiasm, 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. And as Jai mentioned, he might need as many as 13 new players. That’s scary, but when you are trying to put together a team you have to fill every roster spot. So he’s got a big job to do, has 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 and the program. I want to see Miam continue to do well.”
Lucas is 36 years old; Larranaga is 75. And in today’s game perhaps that youthfulness can be an advantage despite the lack of a lifetime of experience. The former UM coach also pointed to how NIL money is going to be very important, especially with the roster needing to be rebuilt essentially from the ground up after Miami finished last in the ACC this year.
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“The biggest thing is do you have the resources and support to be able to recruit at the highest level,” Larranaga said. “When you’re in the ACC you’re trying to get the best players in the country, and there’s going to be a lot of competition for them.”
There’s also a connection between Larranaga and the Lucas family – coach L worked with Jai’s father, basketball legendary player/coach John Lucas II, back when Lucas II was a player at the University of Maryland.
“I got to know his dad when he was a freshman in college in 1972,” Larranaga said. “So I’ve known him a very, very long time. And it is a basketball family. His sons (Jai and John III) were terrific players, Jai was a McDonald’s All-American. And I think Jai is very well prepared because of his experience as the son of a coach, having played the game and worked with some great coaches.”
As for himself? Larranaga says he’s “enjoying my new life” in retirement. He’ll be doing a radio show on 560 AM on Thursday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. He says he’ll teach a class at UM as well.
“Also I’m writing a book, am busy trying to put together a book I hope everybody will want to read,” Larranaga said. “My era is over, the Jai Lucas era begins now. I’m going to be a fan. I’ll be at games next year cheering them on.”
