Miami and Jai Lucas making a push for top player in Florida

The University of Miami has offered a scholarship to five-star forward Caleb Gaskins.
Countdown to Craziness
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The University of Miami has offered a scholarship to five-star forward Caleb Gaskins, a top player from Christopher Columbus High School and Nightrydas Elite AAU team. Gaskins is a 6-foot-8, 210-pound prospect, and is currently ranked No. 11 nationally in the 2026 class by On3. He is considered the top player in Florida according to On3 and this would be a monumental commitment for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes interest in Gaskins follows his impressive performances on the Nike EYBL circuit where he averaged 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His all-around game is enough to bring interest from any team around the country but Miami has a unique connection with Gaskins. The Canes have made him a priority target and will hope to build off his relationship with new Miami assistant coach Andrew Moran, who previously coached Gaskins at Columbus High School and with Nightrydas Elite.

Gaskins has garnered attention from several top programs nationwide, receiving offers from Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Georgia, Gonzaga, Villanova, and Washington. Despite so much national interest, Miami's early offer and existing relationships within the program, position the Hurricanes as a real contender in his recruitment.

If recently hired head coach Jai Lucas, with a completely new roster, can have a successful 2025-26 season, that could put the Hurricanes in position for recruits of Gaskins caliber. At face value, it seems like a reach for a program coming off a 7-24 campaign to be in the running for the top player in Florida, even with the coaching connections. But, Lucas was known to be an elite recruiter before arriving to Coral Gables.

At Duke, Lucas was the lead recruiter for the Boozer twins and Cooper Flagg. He even sprinkled his magic in the 2025 recruiting cycle by securing 5-star Shelton Henderson. It will be a tall order with all things considered, but with an emphasis on keeping local talent, Lucas and company will make a strong push for the top player in their backyard.