Jai Lucas gives Duke fresh perspective
Jail Lucas comes from outside the Duke Brotherhood bringing a fresh perspective, but also as someone part of a exclusive group of young coaches with the complete package.
Jai Lucas has been touted for his ability to recruit. He’s noted for his uncanny ability to connect with players. He’s also been praised for his skills as an on-court coach.
By all accounts, Lucas is the complete package.
The response to his announcement that he was leaving Kentucky just reinforces that notion. Sure people around the Kentucky program were not happy that he left Big Blue Nation for the hated Blue Devils, but the deepest cut comes because Lucas is good — very good — at what he does.
And those that follow Kentucky closely know it, and that’s perhaps what hurts most.
Duke fans certainly shared some hurt when Nolan Smith left for Louisville. But that scenario was different. Smith was returning to the place his late father shined and vowed to coach at before his life was cut short.
Smith was fulfilling a dream his father had while also finding a way to connect more deeply with his memory.
Duke fans were sad. They weren’t angry.
Here’s the thing for the Blue Devils: Jon Scheyer made a huge hire with Lucas. He shares many of the traits Smith exemplifies and will be star on the Duke bench this year and beyond.