Miami basketball’s new era receives endorsement from NBA legends | Sporting News

The first coach to step down due to the changing climate in college athletics was Virginias Tony Bennett.

A day after Christmas, Miamis longtime head coach, Jim Larranaga, also decided to resign for the same reason.

The Hurricanes season has been struggling, as they hold a 6-24 record, placing them at the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

For a long time, Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas had been the expected candidate to take over the Hurricanes' program.

Lucas is a renowned recruiter, having brought in some of the biggest names to the programs hes assisted.

One of the most recent names is Cooper Flagg.

On Thursday, it was officially announced that Lucas would be the next head coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

Known in the basketball world, Lucas appointment suggests that the future of the program is in good hands.

The Duke associate head coach is set to begin his tenure in Coral Gables after the regular season ends on Saturday, which will give him enough time to prepare for the transfer portal.

With Lucas expected to hire Miami Columbus head coach Andrew Moran as an assistant, there is heavy speculation that Cayden Boozer and Cameron Boozer could remain at home and join the Hurricanes.

On Thursday, the Hurricanes Twitter account posted a video featuring NBA legends LeBron James and Dwyane Wade congratulating Lucas.

The video also included former Duke players like Dereck Lively II and Jared McCain, who sent their love and best wishes.

Game recognizes game pic.twitter.com/K9l0IUAEc7 The new Miami head coach wants to recruit players who are "connectors," emphasizing a sense of togetherness.

Lucas primary focus will be recruiting players and building his staff.

The Miami football program has successfully landed Cam Ward and Carson Beck in back-to-back years, and hiring Lucas signals that Miami is committed to revitalizing its basketball program in terms of NIL..

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