The Duke Blue Devils went to Miami and blasted the Hurricanes on Tuesday evening, 97-60, an entirely unsurprising result considering the current trajectory of both programs. Miami – who dropped to 2-15 in ACC play – is entering a new era after longtime head coach Jim
Larranaga abruptly announced his retirement in December in the midst of another disappointing season. Recent reports indicate the ‘Canes are working to hire Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas, which made Tuesday’s game a little more interesting for Miami fans who got a look at the present and potential future of the program.
Duke’s current head coach – Jon Scheyer – addressed the rumors surrounding his right-hand man on Tuesday.
Jai is a special coach,” Scheyer said. “We’ve been through a lot together for three years. He’s everything you could want…He’s a great coach, bottom line. Our friendship will always be there no matter what.”
Lucas has been at Duke the last three seasons, and prior to that spent two years under John Calipari at Kentucky. He also spent seven years at Texas, working his way from Director of Basketball Operations to assistant coach.
The hiring has not been finalized, with recent reports saying the two sides are still negotiating. Start date is among the issues being discussed, as Miami certainly wants a coach in place prior to March 24 when the transfer portal opens, while Duke could conceivably still be playing into April if they make the Final Four.
Next up for Miami is a road game in Chapel Hill against North Carolina on Saturday, March 1 at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN.
After missing six weeks with a calf injury, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is still working his way back into game shape while adjusting to his new team and city
The five-time All-NBA guard hasn’t had the luxury of easing into competition. On Friday against the L.A. Clippers, he showed flashes of his usual brilliance, knocking down two clutch step-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Despite an inefficient shooting night, he managed to record his second 30-point performance as a Laker.
Balancing the challenge of regaining form while adapting to a new system isn’t easy, but Doncic’s aggressive approach is a positive sign. After the Lakers’ 106-102 victory, the 26-year-old acknowledged the team’s strong chemistry and shared that he’s gradually feeling more like himself without disrupting their cohesion.
“The first thing I noticed was how connected they play on both ends of the floor,” Doncic said. “The ball moves well, and that stood out to me right away. I’m just trying to fit into a different style of basketball than I’m used to. But since returning, they’ve let me play my game. I still have a long way to go, but slowly, I’m starting to feel like myself.”
His late-game three-pointers, a signature part of his game, were a result of a more assertive mindset.
“I think the key was not waiting—just going for it,” Doncic said. “That’s what helped me in the fourth quarter.”
Through seven games with the Lakers, Doncic is averaging 21 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 37.3% from the field and 24.1% from beyond the arc. Fans are eagerly awaiting a signature performance, but despite his adjustment period, the Lakers continue to find ways to win.
Doncic Credits Lakers’ Bench in Win Over Clippers
Friday’s victory wasn’t the smoothest, especially with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura sidelined. However, the Lakers’ bench played a crucial role on both ends of the court. Doncic acknowledged their impact, crediting the second unit for putting the team in a position to secure the win.
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