Jai Lucas Isn't Assistant Coach, Recruiting Coordinator For Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari Anymore Because He Is Now Assistant Coach For Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer
Jai Lucas is former McDonald’s High School All American and now a highly-respected coach, Jai Lucas joined John Calipari’s Kentucky men’s basketball staff as a recruiting coordinator in August of 2020 and was quickly transitioned into a full-time assistant coaching role for the 2020-21 season.
As an Assistant Coach for Head Coach John Caipari at Kentucky Jal Lucas was tasked with taking a lead role in Kentucky's recruiting efforts while filling the traditional on-court roles of an assistant, including helping with game and practice preparation and playing a key role in player development through practice and individual workouts. Additionally, as recruiting coordinator, he manages official and unofficial visits and is responsible for the recruiting strategy for the program.
Jai Lucas helped the Wildcats haul in five players who appeared in either the McDonald's All-American or Jordan Brand Classic games and a No. 1 overall prospect in Shaedon Sharpe. He was also an integral part in the development of Sahvir Wheeler who was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award and led the Southeastern Conference in assists per game, as well as TyTy Washington Jr. who set the UK single-game record with 17 assists against Georgia.
Jai Lucas is known in basketball circles for his high-level player development and a penchant for formulating strong relationships
”according to Jai Lucas’s biography on ukathletics.com”
Though, Jai Lucas isn’t Assistant Coach, Recruiting Coordinator for Kentucky Head Coach Jon Calipari anymore because he is now Assistant Coach for Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer.
Jon Scheyer helped spark the Blue Devils to two ACC championships and the 2010 NCAA title as a player from 2007-10,
Jon Scheyer was one of the most versatile players in Duke history, concluding his playing career as the only player in school history to record at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-point field goals and 200 steals. He averaged 14.4 points per game while scoring in double figures 114 times (sixth-most in Duke history) and leading the Blue Devils to a 115-29 (.799) record.
A two-time team captain, Jon Scheyer scored 2,077-career points and still ranks 10th on Duke’s all-time scoring list. He ranks third in Duke history in free throws made (608), fourth in free throw percentage (.861) and three-point field goals made (297) and sixth in free throw attempts (706). He played in 144 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in Duke history.
As a senior in 2010,
Jon Scheyer averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game from the point guard position to spark Duke to a 35-5 record and its fourth national championship. He was a consensus second-team All-American and a first-team All-ACC pick in his final season after starting all 40 contests and scoring in double figures in all but two games on the year.
Jon Scheyer was named MVP of the ACC Tournament as a junior in 2009, averaging 21.7 points and 4.0 rebounds as Duke took home the title.
As a Special Assistant, Assistant Coach , Associate Head Coach for Mike Krzyzewski Jon Scheyer helped mentor Tyus Jones in Duke’s 2015 national title season, as the Blue Devils finished the year ranked third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Jones was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in Indianapolis and was a first-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft after just one college season.
In 2017, Jon Scheyer helped mold Luke Kennard into a consensus All-American after a breakout sophomore season that saw him rank second in the ACC in scoring and three-point field goal percentage. He also helped develop Frank Jackson into one of the most dynamic young guards in the country during the 2016-17 campaign.
Kennard and Jackson were selected 12th and 31st overall, respectively, in the 2017 NBA Draft.
After Grayson Allen finished his career in 2018 as the 12th-leading scorer in Duke history with 1,996 points, he was drafted in the first round by the Utah Jazz. Allen joined Scheyer as two of just five Blue Devils in history with 1,900 or more points, 400 or more rebounds and 400 or more assists (Grant Hill, Danny Ferry, Johnny Dawkins).
The 2019 campaign saw Tyus’ brother Tre enjoy a breakout year as a freshman by setting the program’s single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio (3.62), while establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive players. Jones’ classmate, RJ Barrett, finished his remarkable freshman season at Duke as a consensus first-team All-American, the USA Today National Player of the Year, and the overall No. 3 selection in the NBA Draft.
RJ Barrett broke a myriad of program and ACC records, including both the Duke and conference freshman scoring record with 860 points. His 860 points were surpassed on the program’s single-season scoring list by only J.J. Redick’s 964 points as a senior in 2006. Barrett averaged 22.6 points and was the only major conference player in 2018-19 to score 13+ points in every game of the season.
Under Jon Scheyer’s guidance, Tre Jones parlayed his phenomenal freshman season into a decorated sophomore campaign that ended with him as the 2020 ACC Player of the Year, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-American. After two seasons as the starting point guard, Jones declared for the NBA Draft, leaving Duke as the program’s career record-holder in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.88) and ranking third in assists per game (5.8).
Throughout the 2021-22 season, Jon Scheyer worked closely with ACC Freshman of the Year and consensus second-team All-American Paolo Banchero. He also helped guide second-team All-ACC pick Wendell Moore Jr., into performing as one of the nation's most complete players. Moore capped his season winning the Julius Erving Award as the nation's best small forward.
“according to Jon Scheyer’s biography on goduke.com”
Jon Scheyer had this to say about Jai Lucas being named his Assistant Coach!
"Jai embodies everything I was looking for in this role. I've been impressed by his winner's mindset, great feel for the game, and strong work ethic. Through his impressive playing and coaching career, he has built extraordinary relationships across the basketball landscape and shown a unique ability to connect with student-athletes. I could not be more excited to welcome Jai, his wife, Kori, and son, Jaxin, to Durham."
Jon Scheyer was interviewed by Andy Katz on the March Madness youtube channel and went further in depth on why he hired Jai Lucas.
So why did Jon Scheyer hire Jai Lucas?
Jon Scheyer had this to say about why he hired Jai Lucas!
Look, ‘the Brotherhood’ is still strong and alive and well,” Scheyer told Andy Katz on the official March Madness Youtube channel. “You know, for us, we had an opportunity to really take a fresh look, fresh perspective and, you know, talking to Jai, one, you think about the places he’s been, you know, Florida, Texas, Kentucky. Great coaches he’s been around in Coach [John Calipari], and Coach [Rick] Barnes, you know, and Coach [Shaka] Smart. I mean, to get that perspective and that experience at his age, it really doesn’t happen.”When faced with that resume, Scheyer knew he had an oppertunity to improve his team.
“I really felt like he just fit with our staff,” the Duke head coach continued. “He’s got a great way about him. Like I said, he knows the game. He’s great with people, and he’s great with players. So we’re really excited for him to join our staff. … He’s going to be a rising star in this profession.”
“according to an article by Joe Kozlowski on sportscasting.com”
Jai Lucas had this to say about being introduced as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Jon Scheyer, Duke today!
My family and I are excited to be joining the Duke University family," said Lucas. "The opportunity to come to Duke and be a part of Jon Scheyer's first staff was something I felt I could not pass up. I look forward to building on the foundation established by Mike Krzyzewski and the former Blue Devils, while helping Coach Scheyer usher in a new era of Duke Basketball. Durham is a special place for me, and I'm thrilled to get to be around so many of my family members."
“according to an article on goduke.com”
On Jon Scheyer’s coaching staff Jai Lucas is going to be joining Jon Scheyer, Chris Carrawell, Amile Jefferson, Mike Schrage who have previous experience with Duke.
Jon Scheyer was a player was a Special Assistant, Assistant Coach Associate Head Coach to Mike Krzyzewski before he retired following the 2021-2022 and Jon Scheyer became the Head Coach of Duke.
As a player,
Jon Scheyer was one of the most versatile players in Duke history, concluding his playing career as the only player in school history to record at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-point field goals and 200 steals. He averaged 14.4 points per game while scoring in double figures 114 times (sixth-most in Duke history) and leading the Blue Devils to a 115-29 (.799) record.
A two-time team captain, Scheyer scored 2,077-career points and still ranks 10th on Duke’s all-time scoring list. He ranks third in Duke history in free throws made (608), fourth in free throw percentage (.861) and three-point field goals made (297) and sixth in free throw attempts (706). He played in 144 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in Duke history.
As a senior in 2010, Scheyer averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game from the point guard position to spark Duke to a 35-5 record and its fourth national championship. He was a consensus second-team All-American and a first-team All-ACC pick in his final season after starting all 40 contests and scoring in double figures in all but two games on the year.
Jon Scheyer who helped spark the Blue Devils to two ACC championships and the 2010 NCAA title as a player from 2007-10, has helped Duke compile a 219-62 (.779) record, a national championship (2015), two Final Fours (2015, 2022) and two ACC Tournament crowns (2017, 2019) during his time as an assistant or associate head coach.
As a Special Assistant, Assistant Coach, Associate Head Coach Jon Scheyer The Northbrook, Ill., native has been integral in the recruiting and development of several young Duke stars since joining the staff. Preparing for his first season as head coach, Scheyer has already landed what is projected to be the nation's No. 1-ranked recruiting class for the 2022-23 campaign.
He helped mentor Tyus Jones in Duke’s 2015 national title season, as the Blue Devils finished the year ranked third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Jones was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in Indianapolis and was a first-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft after just one college season.
In 2017, Scheyer helped mold Luke Kennard into a consensus All-American after a breakout sophomore season that saw him rank second in the ACC in scoring and three-point field goal percentage. He also helped develop Frank Jackson into one of the most dynamic young guards in the country during the 2016-17 campaign.
Kennard and Jackson were selected 12th and 31st overall, respectively, in the 2017 NBA Draft.
After Grayson Allen finished his career in 2018 as the 12th-leading scorer in Duke history with 1,996 points, he was drafted in the first round by the Utah Jazz. Allen joined Scheyer as two of just five Blue Devils in history with 1,900 or more points, 400 or more rebounds and 400 or more assists (Grant Hill, Danny Ferry, Johnny Dawkins).
The 2019 campaign saw Tyus’ brother Tre enjoy a breakout year as a freshman by setting the program’s single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio (3.62), while establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive players. Jones’ classmate, RJ Barrett, finished his remarkable freshman season at Duke as a consensus first-team All-American, the USA Today National Player of the Year, and the overall No. 3 selection in the NBA Draft.
Barrett broke a myriad of program and ACC records, including both the Duke and conference freshman scoring record with 860 points. His 860 points were surpassed on the program’s single-season scoring list by only J.J. Redick’s 964 points as a senior in 2006. Barrett averaged 22.6 points and was the only major conference player in 2018-19 to score 13+ points in every game of the season.
Under Scheyer’s guidance, Tre Jones parlayed his phenomenal freshman season into a decorated sophomore campaign that ended with him as the 2020 ACC Player of the Year, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-American. After two seasons as the starting point guard, Jones declared for the NBA Draft, leaving Duke as the program’s career record-holder in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.88) and ranking third in assists per game (5.8).
Throughout the 2021-22 season, Jon Scheyer worked closely with ACC Freshman of the Year and consensus second-team All-American Paolo Banchero. He also helped guide second-team All-ACC pick Wendell Moore Jr., into performing as one of the nation's most complete players. Moore capped his season winning the Julius Erving Award as the nation's best small forward.
Chris Carrawell was a player and is currently the Associate Head Coach!
As a player at Duke,
Chris Carrawell As a player at Duke, Carrawell was a two-time All-ACC selection. He is tied for 32nd on the all-time scoring list at Duke with 1,455 career points and also ranks 15th in school history with 0.8 blocks per game and tied for eighth with 116 overall wins. Duke dominated the ACC during Carrawell’s career, as his 66 conference victories are the second-most by a Blue Devil.
With Chris Carrawell on the squad, Duke won a pair of ACC Tournament titles and reached the 1999 Final Four by tying a school record for wins (37-2).
As a coach,
As a coach,
In Chris Carrawell’s first three seasons on the staff, Duke has gone 70-23, reaching the Elite Eight and claiming the program’s 21st ACC Tournament title in 2019. Among the nation’s highest scoring teams in 2018-19, the Blue Devils were led by consensus first-team All-Americans Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, who among their many accomplishments, became the first freshman teammates in NCAA history to each average 20+ points for a season.
The following season in 2019-20, Carrawell aided in the development of Tre Jones, who was named both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
In the 2021-22 season -- Carrawell's first in his current role -- he helped Duke win the ACC regular season title outright before advancing to the program's 17th NCAA Final Four. Working primarily with the Blue Devils' frontcourt personnel, he has been directly involved in the development of ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Williams. Williams has put together a remarkable sophomore campaign, leading the ACC and ranking in the top-10 nationally in blocked shots. He is also the nation's only player shooting 70 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line (minimum 150 field goals).
“according to Chris Carrawell’s biography on goduke.com”
As a player at Duke,
Amile Jefferson was five-year letter winner, a national champion and three-time team captain at Duke from 2012-17, Jefferson played in a program-record 150 games with 103 starts, averaging 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest. He played in 67 home victories (most in program history) and 124 total victories (third most in program history), while his .971 home winning percentage (67-2) ranks as the second best among any Duke player.
Then Amile Jefferson rejoined Duke as a member of the coaching staff after a four-year professional playing career that included time with the NBA G-League's Iowa Wolves (2017-18), Orlando Magic (2018-20), Boston Celtics (2020) and the Turkish Basketball Super League's Galatasaray (2020-21). In his first season on the coaching staff helped the Blue Devils claim the ACC regular season title outright and advance to the Final Four for the 17th time in program history. An anchor on the defensive end for Duke during his playing career, Jefferson worked closely with ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Williams, who led the conference and ranked 12th nationally with 110 blocked shots.
”according to Amile Jefferson’s biography on goduke.com”
Mike Schrage is a familiar face to Duke fans, spectators because he been on the Duke coaching staff before.
From 1999-2008 he was on Mike Krzyzewski’s coaching staff. He was the teams academic, recruiting coordinator from 1999 -2008. Then he was the director of basketball operations from 2002 -2008.
“according Stephen Wiseman’s article on newsobserver.com”
Then Mike Schrage left Duke in 2008 he was an Assistant Coach for Johhny Dawkins who then was at Stanford for eight seasons and now the Head Coach of University Of Central Florida. (UCF). Then he was an Assistant Coach at Butler where he spent one season in 2016-2017 season. There, he helped the Bulldogs to a 25-9 record and a second-place finish in the BIG EAST while reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since its 2011 run to the national championship game. Along the way, the fourth-seeded Bulldogs beat Winthrop and Middle Tennessee State before falling to eventual national champion North Carolina. Schrage also helped Butler sign its highest-rated class in program history.
On April 5, 2019 Mike Schrage was named Head Coach of Elon where he was the Head Coach for three seasons .
As the Head Coach of Elon Schrage went 33-52 at Elon, leading the Phoenix to the CAA championship game in 2021. Elon defeated Towson, top-seeded James Madison and Hofstra over the course of three consecutive days. The Phoenix eventually lost to Drexel 63-56 in the finals.Elon went 10-22 during the 2021-22 season, playing three teams that advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament – Duke, North Carolina and Arkansas. The Phoenix also played Florida, West Virginia and Ole Miss during a non-conference campaign rated as the 12th- most difficult in the country by KenPom.com.
“according to Mike Schrange’s biography on elonphoenix.com
Mike Schrage replaced Nolan Smith who was an Assistant Coach for Duke this past season but decided to join Kenny Payne’s coaching staff at Louisville as an Associate Head Coach.
Louisville’s new Head Coach Kenny Payne, Nolan Smith’s late father Derek Smith played against each other in the offseason league that once ranged every summer at Atherton High School.
“according to Rick Bozich’s article on WDRB.com”
Mike Schrage had this to say about joining Jon Scheyer’s coaching staff at Duke!
"I loved being a head coach and especially at Elon, but this was an opportunity I felt I could not pass up," said Schrage. "I am honored to be back at Duke starting this new chapter with Jon Scheyer. My experience previously with Coach K not only shaped my career in this profession but my entire life. I have believed in Jon to the fullest since I was fortunate enough to be on staff when he played. I could not be more excited to help him build on Duke's incredible tradition of excellence while putting his own stamp on the program too."
Head Coach Jon Scheyer had this to say about the addition of Mike Schrage to the Duke Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff!
Having learned from some of the best coaches in the game before taking on a head coaching role himself, Mike brings an unparalleled breadth of knowledge to our staff," said Scheyer. "I've been lucky to know and trust Mike implicitly since my playing days when he was Duke's director of basketball operations. He will have an immediate impact on our team strategy and organization. We are excited for him, his wife Amanda, and his family to return to Durham."
“according to an article on goduke.com
Jai Lucas, Jon Scheyer are familiar with one another because they played against one another in the AAU Circuit!