Jai Lucas strikes again for Miami by adding touted combo guard from the portal

Miami head coach Jai Lucas continued building his inaugural Hurricanes' roster with highly-ranked transfers after gaining a commitment from New Mexico combo guard Tru Washington. Indiana forward Malik Reneau, Michigan point guard Tre Donaldson and TCU center Ernest Udeh Jr. committed to Miami last week.

Donaldson and Washington both played in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Washington averaged 11.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 42.5 percent from the field, 33.6 percent on 3-point attempts and 63.0 percent from the free-throw line with a 49.1 FG percentage.

Washington averaged 10 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG and 1.0 block, while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line, but missed all six of his 3-point attempts as New Mexico beat Marquette 76-55 and lost to Michigan State 71-63 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

At 6-3 and 175 pounds, Washington helps provide Miami with a bigger backcourt in 2025-26. Lucas told Josh Darrow on the Behind The U Podcast that his ideal guards are at least 6-4. Lucas worked with the guards at Duke as an assistant. The shortest guard in the Duke rotation in 2024-25 was 6-5.

New Mexico transfer guard Tru Washington has committed to Miami basketball

The addition of Washington provides Miami with four of its five projected starters for the 2025-26 season. A small forward should be the next projected target for Lucas. After filling out the starting lineup, Lucas will need to add depth to fill out the Miami roster with all 13 2024-25 Hurricanes in the transfer portal.

Lucas and Miami remain in contention for 2025 combo guard Dante Allen. Allen decommitted from Villanova after the Wildcats fired head coach Kyle Neptune. Villanova has since hired former Maryland head coach Kevin Willard. Allen would help Miami build for the future with Washington, who has two years of eligibility remaining.