Jon Scheyer Details How Duke Has Filled Jai Lucas’ Role After Miami Departure
In a season filled with transition and uncertainty, Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer has faced several challenges in adapting to changes within his coaching staff. One of the biggest shifts came with the departure of assistant coach Jai Lucas, who left Duke to join Miami’s coaching staff just before the start of the 2025 season. Lucas, a respected recruiter and player development coach, had played a key role in Duke’s success over the past few years. With his sudden exit, the Blue Devils were forced to adapt quickly, and Scheyer has had to fill the void left by Lucas’ departure.
In a recent press conference, Scheyer opened up about how Duke has managed to fill Lucas’ role, highlighting the collective effort of the coaching staff and the depth of experience that the Blue Devils have within their ranks. While losing a coach of Lucas’ caliber was a setback, Scheyer made it clear that the team had adjusted and continued to thrive under new dynamics.
“We were all disappointed when Jai decided to leave, but we knew that we had the talent and experience within our staff to continue moving forward,” Scheyer said. “We have a great group of coaches here, and everyone has stepped up to take on additional responsibilities. Filling Jai’s role wasn’t about one person taking over—it’s been a team effort, and I’m proud of how our staff has responded.”
Lucas, who was widely regarded for his recruiting acumen and player development expertise, had been a key factor in Duke’s ability to land top-tier prospects, including current players like Cooper Flagg and others. His ability to connect with players and bring in top talent was integral to Duke’s success in both recruiting and on the court. His departure, therefore, raised questions about how the Blue Devils would maintain their status as one of the nation’s premier programs.
To fill the gap left by Lucas, Scheyer leaned on several of his trusted assistants, each of whom brings a unique set of skills to the table. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell, who has been with Scheyer for several years, has taken on additional responsibilities, particularly in terms of player development and recruiting. Carrawell, a former player at Duke, understands the program’s culture and has been instrumental in helping the team maintain its high level of play.
Additionally, Scheyer has relied on new assistant coach, Aaron Brooks, who joined the staff this season. Brooks, known for his work with guards and his experience in both the college and professional ranks, has taken on a greater role in developing the team’s backcourt players. His expertise has been crucial in continuing the Blue Devils’ tradition of developing strong point guards and versatile shooters.
“We’re fortunate to have guys like Chris and Aaron on staff,” Scheyer continued. “They’ve been great in stepping up and helping us adjust to the changes. Chris is an experienced coach, and Aaron has brought a fresh perspective to the staff. Together, they’ve ensured that our recruiting and player development hasn’t skipped a beat.”
Duke has also seen strong contributions from support staff and off-court analysts, who have helped manage the day-to-day operations and maintain relationships with recruits. The coaching staff has made it a point to emphasize a collaborative environment, where each assistant coach has a voice and a role in shaping the team’s direction both on and off the court.
The adjustments have paid off. Despite the loss of Lucas, Duke remains a dominant force in college basketball, with a roster loaded with top-tier talent and a balanced, efficient offense. The Blue Devils have excelled this season, positioning themselves for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Scheyer’s leadership through this period of transition speaks to his ability to manage adversity and continue building on the foundation laid by previous coaches. With the team’s success on the court, it’s clear that Duke has handled the loss of Jai Lucas effectively, with a coaching staff more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.
“We’ve learned to adapt, and we’ll keep pushing forward,” Scheyer concluded. “The coaching staff is working together, and our players are buying into the process. That’s all you can ask for.”
As Duke continues its march toward the NCAA Tournament, the Blue Devils remain one of the most formidable programs in college basketball, proving that even in the face of coaching changes, they are a force to be reckoned with.
