Jai Lucas joins the Kentucky coaching as a special assistant to the head coach and recruiting coordinator. Lucas spent the previous eight seasons working at hiw alma matter on the University of Texas coaching staff. Lucas began his coaching carrer under then head coach Rick Barnes. Shaka Smart was hired and moved Lucas up to the director of basketball operations then to assistant coach in 2016-17.
He is known in basketball circles for his high-level player development and building strong relationships.