Jai Lucas, Miami Take Down UNC - and Earn Some Blue Devil Love Along the Way
The ACC just got a little more interesting. On Tuesday night, Miami handed North Carolina a 75-66 loss that sent a ripple through the college basketball world - and drew a nod of respect from an unexpected place: former Duke guard Tyrese Proctor.
It’s not every day you see a Duke player celebrating a Miami win over UNC, but this one had a personal connection. Proctor took to social media to show love to first-year Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas, who’s quickly turning heads in Coral Gables. Lucas, a former Duke assistant, coached Proctor during his time in Durham, and clearly left a lasting impression.
The win was a big one - not just for Miami’s resume, but for Lucas’ growing reputation. In his first season at the helm, he’s already positioning the Hurricanes as a tournament team, and Tuesday’s performance against a top-tier Tar Heels squad may have been his signature moment so far.
A Win That Resonates Beyond the Box Score
Miami’s victory wasn’t just about the final score. It was about poise, execution, and a team playing with the kind of energy and discipline that reflects well on its coaching. Lucas had his squad ready, and they delivered - outplaying a UNC team that’s been among the ACC’s best all season.
For Duke fans still stinging from their own recent loss to Carolina in Chapel Hill, Miami’s win was a welcome sight. The Hurricanes not only helped their own tournament chances, but also gave the Blue Devils a potential boost in the standings - and maybe even a blueprint for how to handle the Tar Heels next time around.
Proctor and Lucas: A Bond That Goes Beyond the Game
In today’s college basketball landscape, where roster turnover is constant and the one-and-done era often limits long-term relationships, it’s easy to overlook the bonds formed between players and assistant coaches. But in the case of Proctor and Lucas, that connection clearly meant something.
Their time at Duke overlapped completely, and while both were waiting for their respective moments - Proctor to make his NBA jump, Lucas to get his shot as a head coach - they built something that’s carried into their professional journeys. Proctor, now in his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being selected No. 49 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, didn’t hesitate to celebrate his former coach’s milestone win.
It’s a reminder that behind the stats and the scouting reports, relationships still matter in this sport.
Lucas Making His Mark Early
Let’s not overlook what Lucas is doing in Miami. Taking over a program still in the long shadow of Jim Larrañaga’s successful tenure, Lucas has wasted no time establishing his own identity. His team plays hard, plays smart, and now has a statement win to hang its hat on.
Yes, there’s still a long road ahead. But if this is what year one looks like, the ACC might want to start paying closer attention.
Lucas isn’t just filling a seat - he’s building something. And with Miami climbing out of the bubble conversation and into solid tournament territory, that “something” is starting to look like a March-ready team.
Duke’s Takeaway? Learn and Adjust
The Blue Devils will get another shot at UNC before the regular season ends - this time in Durham. And while every matchup is different, there’s no harm in taking a few notes from what Miami just pulled off. The Hurricanes brought energy, defended with purpose, and didn’t let the moment get too big.
Duke has the talent. Now it’s about execution - and maybe channeling a little of the same fire Lucas had his team playing with on Tuesday night.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Miami, and to a coach who’s quickly proving he belongs on the big stage. And if you needed any more confirmation, just ask Tyrese Proctor.