Following a decisive victory over Miami, the ACC makes a historic announcement about Cooper Flagg and Duke.
According to reports, Jai Lucas, the assistant head coach of Duke men’s basketball, is leaving the program to take a position as head coach at Miami.
The agreement is contingent upon contract discussions and information regarding Lucas’s departure date from the Blue Devils this season, according to an AP story. @CanesInSight was the first to tweet the story, and Adam Zagoria of the New York Times Sports said that “sources” had verified it.
The Chronicle asked Duke basketball to confirm or comment on the allegation, but they rejected. The tweets were sent more than an hour before Madison Square Garden’s Blue Devils victory over Illinois. Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke, was questioned about Lucas’ coaching prospects following the game.
“He’s a head coach, no doubt about that. I recruited him in part for that reason,” Scheyer added. “Jai is an amazing instructor, I can assure you of that. He’s been fantastic for these men, and we’ll keep working together to resolve all of that.
Lucas, a skilled recruiter, was hired by Scheyer in May 2022 following his two-year stay at Kentucky. Lucas and Scheyer have been building recruiting classes at or close to the top of the country since Lucas moved to Durham. Lucas has assisted in leading one of the top defensive teams in the nation while concentrating on working with the backcourt.
Despite having strong family ties in Durham, Lucas was an uncommon hire outside of the Brotherhood. Lucas Middle School has the name of his grandpa, John Harding Lucas, who was a prominent member of the community.
Lucas spent three years playing professionally overseas after playing collegiate basketball for Florida and Texas before turning to coaching. After that, Lucas went back to Texas, where he started teaching under current Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes.
One important member of Scheyer’s crew has been Lucas. The youthful head coach will have a difficult time finding a replacement if his departure is confirmed.
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