Jai Lucas is making waves in Coral Gables, and it's not just the sound of the University of Miami basketball arena that’s causing a stir. After a thrilling 67-66 victory over Virginia Tech, Lucas reflected on the electric atmosphere, a testament to the rebuilding journey he embarked on in South Florida.
When Lucas arrived last spring, he faced an empty slate-no staff, no players, no legacy to lean on. It was a clean canvas, and he was the artist tasked with painting a new future for Miami basketball.
“You just start and do it,” Lucas said, a mantra that underscores his transformative approach. He’s crafted a team from scratch, focusing on what he calls "The Formula." This blueprint emphasizes size and role clarity, key elements in his strategy to revive the program.
Lucas first brought in Malik Reneau, a 6-foot-9 powerhouse from Indiana University, predicting he’d lead the scoring charge. Roles were clearly defined across the board: Tre Donaldson took the reins as the primary ballhandler, while Ernest Udeh anchored the defense. Freshman Sheldon Henderson was tapped as the secondary ballhandler.
“In this day and age, you need to give as much clarity and as much role definition as possible,” Lucas explained. With a roster of players new to each other, setting clear expectations was crucial.
Lucas’s Formula draws inspiration from successful programs like Arizona, Florida, Gonzaga, and Tennessee. He analyzed their stats and crafted a game plan that leverages Miami’s strengths. Here’s the offensive recipe:
- Dominate the paint with at least 45 points.
- Secure 40% of missed shots with offensive rebounds, aiming for around 15 per game.
- Match second-chance points to offensive rebounds.
- Make as many free throws as the opposition attempts.
While Miami isn’t known for shooting prowess, this strategy plays to their strengths, much like Arizona, which thrives without relying heavily on three-pointers.
Lucas is not just building a team; he’s shaping a culture. Following the departure of Jim Larrañaga and the challenges of the NIL era, Lucas is redefining Miami basketball. He’s juggling three key areas: integrating a new staff, molding a fresh roster, and aligning with program administrators.
Currently sitting at 21-5 and fourth in the ACC, Miami is back in the conversation, and the noise is growing louder. Lucas remains focused, acknowledging there’s room for growth.
“We’re not playing our best basketball,” he said. “We’re getting close to it.”
With a clear vision and a strategic approach, Jai Lucas is not just reviving Miami basketball; he’s creating a legacy.