Is Jai Lucas related to John Lucas? Explaining connection between Miami head coach, former NBA player

Is Jai Lucas related to John Lucas? Explaining connection between Miami head coach, former NBA player originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Not all top basketball coaches, whether in college or the NBA, have a professional playing career under their belt. That cannot be said of the Miami Hurricanes' Jai Lucas, however. Lucas, who became the Hurricanes' head coach in March 2025, was once a McDonald's All-American in high school, a point guard at both Florida and Texas, and a G League player — that is, until he decided to take up coaching.

In his first year at Miami, Lucas guided his team to an NCAA Tournament bid. But what some may not know about him: playing and coaching basketball seems to run in his family. Here's what to know about Lucas' connection to former NBA player and coach John Lucas II.

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more Is Jai Lucas related to John Lucas? Yes, Jai Lucas, the head coach of Miami men's basketball, is related to John Lucas, the former NBA player and coach who was once at the helm of the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Jai Lucas is John's son, following in his father's footsteps as a player-turned-coach.