CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Jai Lucas has been given the task of devising a strategy to defeat Miami. The Hurricanes, however, are in discussions to keep him on their side for the future.
In his position as Duke’s associate head coach, Lucas was responsible for creating the game plan for the Blue Devils’ match against Miami on Tuesday night. The strategy worked wonders as No. 2 Duke dominated Miami with a commanding 97-60 victory.
Just days prior to this encounter, Lucas reportedly agreed to become Miami’s next head coach, pending the finalization of a contract. Negotiations are still ongoing, and neither party has officially confirmed the completion of any agreement.
“Jai is an exceptional coach,” commented Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer, who has worked with Lucas for three years. “We’ve faced numerous challenges together over the years. He has all the qualities you could hope for — meticulous attention to detail, excellent in building relationships, and outstanding on the court. In every aspect, he is a remarkable coach and one of my closest friends. We’ve been through a lot together.”
The exact timing of finalizing Lucas’s contract with Miami remains uncertain, but the Hurricanes are optimistic a deal announcement will occur shortly. With Miami’s season slated to conclude on March 8, and the transfer window opening on March 24, the urgency to appoint someone before that date is evident.
Meanwhile, Duke eyes a national championship and could potentially compete until early April in the NCAA Tournament.
“This isn’t our news to disclose,” Scheyer stated. “We’ll defer to Miami to manage that announcement.”
Lucas was actively involved during the warmup session initiated about 90 minutes before the game. He was seen briefly interacting with a few individuals, including some Miami staff members, before directing players in practice drills.
If Lucas joins Miami, he will succeed Jim Larrañaga, who unexpectedly stepped down in December. Bill Courtney, the longtime associate head coach, has been acting as the interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Courtney has kept the focus on the current season without discussing the coaching transition with his team. “It’s not much of a change for us,” Courtney stated. “Our focus and priorities remain the same. Some players, especially the younger ones, might speculate, but it’s almost impossible not to hear the buzz.”