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With rumors swirling that Kentucky Wildcats recruiting legend and current Texas Longhorns assistant coach Jai Lucas could finally be making his way to Lexington, that got the fans buzzing, especially after the departure of long-time assistant Kenny Payne.
Lucas is one of the more well-liked assistants in the country, as he was the main recruiter for top-10 recruit Greg Brown, who picked the Longhorns over Kentucky back in April.
If Calipari can steal Lucas away from Texas, it would be a major win, and Kentucky would have done their best to fill the massive shoes left by Kenny Payne leaving for the Knicks.
Now, let’s see what social media had to say regarding the Lucas rumors:
Rumors swirling that John Calipari is considering adding Jai Lucas....yes that Jai Lucas to the UK staff
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) August 18, 2020
Life comes full circle
Kentucky coach John Calipari has been in contact with Texas assistant Jai Lucas about joining the UK staff, a Texas spokesman confirmed. As of now, Lucas is still a Horn, going through workouts at Cooley.
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) August 18, 2020
Jai Lucas brings deep recruiting ties to the Kentucky program. His father was as connected as anyone in the country. He knew the AAU world & was an elite skill developer. UK will add a coach who basically knows everybody.
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) August 18, 2020
Just seeing the Jai Lucas/Kentucky news. A little unclear what his role will be, but just know, he is one of the most well-liked, well-respected assistants in all of college hoops. Kentucky doesnt need help opening any doors, but that dude will be a MAJOR asset to that program
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) August 18, 2020
Kentucky has been interested in adding Jai Lucas since last week following Kenny Payne’s departure and Bruiser Flint’s rumored addition.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 18, 2020
Lucas is considered one of the most well-connected recruiters in the nation. Game changer for the Wildcats. https://t.co/E5gxfXHJZk
FWIW, Jai Lucas is listed as the lead recruiter for 2021 5-star SF Harrison Ingram and 5-star C Daimion Collins, both from Texas. Kentucky has shown a little interest in Ingram but didn't make his top 6.
— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) August 18, 2020
It is impossible to state how big the Patrick Patterson/Jai Lucas decisions were in 2007
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) August 18, 2020
They were a HUGE part of the rise of KSR as a real media outlet and me leaving the law to do this full time
Jai Lucas ending up here 13 years would be absolutely awesome
Multiple sources indicate to https://t.co/zDtvmwuNcz that Kentucky basketball will add Texas assistant Jai Lucas as special assistant to the head coach.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) August 18, 2020
So it appears the Jai Lucas recruiting watch is back on after a 12 year break. Fire up the message boards. https://t.co/20V3ugZKwF
— Big Blue Express (@bigbluexpress) August 18, 2020
Is Jai Lucas, Texas Assistant, heading to Lexington to join John Calipari’s staff?? This would be #BBN pic.twitter.com/4NqfxhMoYz
— Moore Edits (@moore_edits) August 18, 2020
If #Kentucky hires Jai Lucas he will be paid very well. His role would be non-coaching and more likely be like a recruiting coordinator. Imagine having a recruiter just focusing on recruiting. Flint will be “Coach” with all X’s and O’s.
— Patrick Loney (@PatrickLoney) August 18, 2020
I was just heavily getting into UK basketball as a young fan during the recruitment of Jai Lucas and Pat Patterson. Now having him on the staff would be wonderful. He was the main recruiter for Greg Brown at Texas.
— Michael Beard (@AllMikedUp_) August 18, 2020
Jai Lucas is 31-years old and would bring a ton of energy to Kentucky's staff. No word on the role, but he would be huge on the recruiting trail.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) August 18, 2020
Hook 'Em says Jai Lucas was the lead recruiter for rising NBA star Jarrett Allen at Texas https://t.co/YSvOx0Fa98
— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) August 19, 2020
Most of the recruiting success under Shaka Smart bears the fingerprints of Jai Lucas, hence the Kentucky interest. He's a critical piece of Texas basketball. https://t.co/obNFs0AsNX
— Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) August 18, 2020
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