Kentucky and Jai Lucas finalizing deal, report says

This morning, Kentucky made the hiring of Bruiser Flint official. According to a new report, an announcement about Jai Lucas isn’t be far behind.

Sources tell Pete Thamel that Lucas is finalizing his deal to join John Calipari’s staff in an off-court role. Last week, word first broke that the Texas assistant was in talks with Kentucky, bringing a 14-year connection with KSR full circle. The 31-year-old has been with the University of Texas since 2013, serving as a special assistant under Rick Barnes before being promoted to director of basketball operations under Shaka Smart in 2015. He was then promoted to his current post as an assistant coach in June 2016. In his time as a full-time assistant at Texas, Lucas has established himself as one of the top up-and-coming names in college basketball recruiting, helping the program sign top-ten prospects and former Kentucky targets Mohamed Bamba and Greg Brown III, among other four- and five-star talent.

Once the deal is finalized, we’re hearing Lucas will take on a primary recruiting role, while Flint will focus on the Xs and Os.

“Would be a big get if we could pull that off,” a source close to the Kentucky basketball program told KSR Tuesday morning.

“Jai Lucas is a specialist, knows everyone in the country. Limitless resources,” another source familiar with the situation told KSR on Monday evening. “Could be an assistant like he is now but more of a connections guy. Fits like a glove [at Kentucky].”

Last week, a job posting for “Special Assistant to Men’s Basketball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator” was posted on UK’s website, adding further fuel to the Lucas to Kentucky fire. The deadline to apply is August 27.

As always, stay tuned to KSR for more Jai Lucas news as it develops.