Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas has reportedly shown interest in a former top-50 recruit from the 2020 class who recently entered the transfer portal after departing LSU. The guard, who has also played at NC State and East Carolina, was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school.
While the specific identity of the player has not been explicitly disclosed in the provided context, the information suggests a player with significant college experience despite being only a few years removed from his high school recruitment. This individual has played in multiple conferences, including the ACC, SEC, and the American Athletic Conference, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
The reason for Miami’s offer being declined, as indicated in the initial prompt, is not available within the search results. However, it’s common for players in the transfer portal to have a variety of factors influencing their decisions, such as playing time opportunities, the program’s playing style, location, or potential NIL deals.
Jai Lucas, who took over as the head coach of the Hurricanes in March 2025, has been actively working to reshape the team’s roster through the transfer portal. He has emphasized recruiting players who are fully bought into the program’s new culture and are eager to contribute to winning. Lucas has already secured commitments from several transfers, aiming to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
The pursuit of a player with the pedigree of a former top-50 recruit indicates Lucas’s ambition to bring high-level talent to Miami. Even though this particular pursuit was unsuccessful, it highlights the program’s intent to be a significant player in the transfer portal market under its new leadership. Lucas’s recruiting acumen was a key factor in his hiring, and his efforts to attract impactful transfers are closely being watched as he aims to revitalize the Miami basketball program.
