Dick Vitale doesn't hold back with thoughts on Miami potentially hiring Jai Lucas

Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale called reports that Miami is going to hire Duke assistant Jai Lucas as head coach a 'great choice.' Vitale linked to an article by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press published on Saturday that Lucas has agreed to take over at Miami and his contract is still pending.

Reynolds is a regular panelist on the Miami football pregame show on the radio and is known for his stat of the week. Vitale returned this season after not announcing a game for two years while he has been battling cancer. Lucas working for John Calipari at Kentucky, and now for Jon Scheyer at Duke was mentioned by Vitale.

Lucas was initially hired on the basketball staff at his alma mater Texas by Rick Barnes, who he played for during two seasons with the Longhorns. Lucas began his college career at Florida. When Barnes left to become the head coach at Tennessee, Lucas was elevated to assistant coach by new head coach Shaka Smart.

Calipari hired Lucas in 2020 originally as a special assistant and lead recruiter. Lucas is regarded as an elite recruiter who has signed at least 10 five-star prospects during his career as an assistant coach. Miami would be the first head coaching job for Lucas.

Dick Vitale would be all for Miami hiring Duke assistant Jai Lucas

Vitale stated Lucas would bring great hoops info to Miami. Working for Calipari at Kentucky and spending the last three seasons at Duke certainly provides Lucas with a perspective of how elite programs operate. Scheyer played and coached under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.

If Lucas is hired by Miami, expect him to build an experienced staff around him. The staff could include his brother John Lucas III, who has extensive experience as an NBA assistant and former player. Miami hosts Duke on Tuesday night and some clarity could arrive with the Blue Devils in Coral Gables.