History of Jai Lucas in Timeline

Jai Lucas is the associate head coach for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team. Previously, he was a professional basketball player after playing college basketball for the Texas Longhorns. His career encompasses both playing and coaching roles within basketball.

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Full Timeline

December 5, 1988: Jai Lucas Born

On December 5, 1988, Jai Powell Lucas was born. He would later become an associate head coach for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team and a former professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2007: McDonald's All American

In 2007, Jai Lucas, a 5'10" point guard, was named a McDonald's All American and ranked 20th by ESPN in the high school class.

2008: Transferred from University of Florida

In 2008, prior to his second season with the Florida Gators, Jai Lucas announced his transfer from the university and sat out the 2008-09 season per NCAA rules. A month later, he announced he would play for the University of Texas.

2011: Pro Career Begins

In 2011, Jai Lucas began his professional basketball career with BK Valmiera.

August 2013: Hired as Assistant Coach

In August 2013, Jai Lucas was hired by the Texas Longhorns as an assistant coach on Rick Barnes' staff, assisting in all internal operations of the basketball program.

2013: End of Pro Career

In 2013, Jai Lucas's professional career ended after stints in the G League with multiple teams.

2015: Retained by Shaka Smart

In 2015, Jai Lucas was retained as an assistant coach by Shaka Smart, the successor to Rick Barnes at the Texas Longhorns.

2020: Hired by Kentucky

In 2020, Jai Lucas was hired by John Calipari to be a special assistant and lead recruiter at the University of Kentucky.

2021: Rated Second Best Recruiter

During the 2021-22 season at Kentucky, Jai Lucas was rated the second-best recruiter in the country.

2021: Hired as Duke Assistant Coach

In 2021, after Jon Scheyer became the Duke head coach, he hired Jai Lucas as an assistant coach, the first Duke assistant in 30 years who hadn't played for the Blue Devils.