Tre Donaldson is quickly becoming the heartbeat of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team - and first-year head coach Jai Lucas isn’t shy about saying it. As the Hurricanes continue to build momentum in ACC play, Donaldson’s leadership and growth at the guard position are emerging as foundational pieces of a program that’s finding its identity.
Coming off a 79-70 win over Stanford, Lucas was clear in his praise: Donaldson isn’t just playing well - he’s evolving into the kind of player every successful team needs. “You always need a good guard,” Lucas said after the win. “He’s turning from a good guard to a great guard for us.”
That transformation isn’t just coach-speak. Through 21 games, Donaldson is averaging 16.1 points, 6.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
He’s shooting 46.7% from the field and logging a team-high 33.1 minutes per game. Those are the numbers of a player who’s central to everything the Hurricanes want to do on both ends of the floor.
But the stats only tell part of the story. What’s standing out just as much as Donaldson’s production is his maturity - the kind that shows up in the quiet moments, the lineup changes, and the hustle plays.
Against Syracuse, Donaldson came off the bench for the first time this season, a move that could rattle some veterans. Instead, he embraced the role and delivered an efficient performance, showing that his focus is squarely on the team’s success.
That kind of adaptability speaks volumes. For Lucas, who’s laying the groundwork for a new era of Hurricanes basketball, having a player like Donaldson buy in at that level is invaluable. Lucas, whose basketball roots run deep thanks to his father, longtime NBA player and coach John Lucas II, knows what greatness looks like - and he sees that potential in his senior guard.
“I think he’s had a great year so far,” Lucas said. And he’s not wrong.
Even when the shots haven’t fallen - like in recent outings against Clemson and Florida State - Donaldson has found ways to impact the game. Whether it’s through facilitating, defending, or simply being the vocal leader on the court, he’s finding ways to leave his mark.
That leadership was something Lucas identified early on. Back at ACC Tipoff Media Day, he spoke about the importance of building a core group to set the tone for his first year at the helm.
Donaldson, along with senior forward Malik Reneau and senior center Ernest Udeh Jr., were at the top of that list. Lucas didn’t just want talent - he wanted players who could help shape the culture.
“I knew I wanted these three to be the core,” Lucas said. “Especially in building the first year of this program as well.”
So far, that vision is coming to life. The Hurricanes are 17-4 overall and 6-2 in the ACC - a strong start for a team trying to re-establish itself in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. And with Donaldson leading the charge, both on the stat sheet and in the locker room, Miami looks like a team that’s not just winning games, but building something sustainable.
Next up, the Hurricanes host the California Golden Bears before heading north to take on Boston College. But wherever the road leads, one thing is clear: as Tre Donaldson goes, so go the Hurricanes - and right now, that’s a good place to be.