Miami basketball's future is bright thanks to HC Jai Lucas

Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami basketball's future is bright thanks to HC Jai Lucas

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 6:37 PM ET

The Miami Hurricanes were pleased with what they saw from first-year head coach Jai Lucas in 2025-26.

They had plenty of reason to be, as well.

Lucas took over for the legendary Jim Larranaga, who stepped down in the middle of his 14th season as Miami's head coach.

Bill Courtney was the interim head coach for the rest of that 2024-25 season, but Miami struck big by hiring Lucas for the start of last season. He was just wrapping up his third season as Jon Scheyer's top assistant with the Duke Blue Devils, and he was considered one of the top up-and-coming assistants in college basketball.

It seemed like a good hire at the time, and Lucas proved Miami right in year one. The Hurricanes went 26-9 and made the NCAA tournament with a win over Missouri in the first round.

It was a great first season, especially considering the disappointing way the Larranaga era ended in Coral Gables.

It's now being reported that Miami and Lucas have agreed to terms on a new five-year contract extension. This is according to Jeff Borzello of ESPN.

Miami coach Jai Lucas has agreed a new five-year contract, sources told me and @PeteThamel. Lucas led the Hurricanes to a 19-win improvement in his first season in Coral Gables, tying an NCAA record, while their 24 regular-season wins matched a program record. pic.twitter.com/D93Xng8f5o
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) August 12, 2026

Jai Lucas is building a contender in Miami

Lucas made his impact in the transfer portal in year one, and he had to consider the fact that not a single player from the 2024-25 team had come back.

He landed several great players in the transfer portal, including two players who ended up being All-ACC selections: forward Malik Reneau and guard Tre Donaldson.

Lucas had to do it again this offseason with four of his top five scorers from last season out of eligibility.

The Hurricanes have high hopes for Villanova transfer guard Acaden Lewis and Georgia transfer center Somto Cyril. Lucas also landed a five-star freshman from Miami in power forward Caleb Gaskins, and the Hurricanes are returning forward Shelton Henderson after he averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 35 starts as a freshman.

The future of Miami basketball is bright, but it all starts and ends with Lucas.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: