MIAMI, Fla. – Around this time last year, Jai Lucas was hired as the new head coach of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program; he assembled a completely new roster with no returning players, and the previous team went 7-24.
Despite all the early challenges, expectations were significantly surpassed. Lucas led the Hurricanes to a 26-9 overall record, finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, and returned to March Madness. Despite not reaching the Sweet 16, it marked a successful turnaround.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Hurricanes can’t sneak up on opponents. They will have a bigger target on them, but Lucas’ first focus is learning how to put the pieces together with a new roster featuring two freshmen, eight transfers, and two returners.
“Last season was last season,” he said in Monday’s media availability. “It’s a completely different team. There’s nothing that is the same. What they did was great, but it’s in the past. I don’t know what this team is and eventually we’ll get there – what we can be – but I like who we have in the building.”
The Hurricanes’ strength of schedule appears tougher; a presumed at least seven ranked opponents scheduled, including the Nov. 2 season opener against the Florida Gators at Tampa. Lucas is excited about the raise in competition, plus hosting the Atlantic Coast/Southeastern Conference challenge against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Watsco Center on Dec. 2. It was announced on Monday that tipoff is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. E.T. and televised on ESPN.
Facing tougher matchups will sharpen the Hurricanes, especially from a mental standpoint. Whether it’s non-conference or ACC play, every opponent is going to attempt to make Lucas and the team stumble. The Hurricanes will have little room for error, especially against elite competition.
Lucas has the knowledge and experience of being part of a team circled on another opponent’s calendar, especially as an assistant at Duke. The Blue Devils are historically one of the more competitive programs in college basketball. Lucas knows what it means to face an opponent’s best effort.
The Hurricanes will need to enter every matchup with a similar pedigree and edge, especially from returning sophomore Shelton Henderson. He’s projected to have a breakout season, which will be pivotal for team success. Henderson welcomes the challenge of facing a tougher schedule.
“Just a little added pressure,” he said. “Makes it a lot more fun knowing that a lot more people are watching us.”
Henderson had a promising freshman campaign: 13.8 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts). The 6-6 and 240-pound forward is a force inside the paint, but improvements as an outside shooter would take the Hurricanes’ offense further.
Lucas is looking to lead a contender, not just in the ACC, but among the nation. There will be several tests, including the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas, but the Hurricanes are preparing for all the action.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports