Courtesy of Miami Athletics:
Following one of the most impressive turnarounds in college basketball this season, University of Miami head coach Jai Lucas was named the Clarence “Big House” Gaines National Coach of the Year, the National Sports Media Association announced Monday.
The first-time head coach led the Hurricanes to a 26-9 record and a No. 3 seed in the ACC Tournament following a 13-5 mark in league play. Miami’s 19-win improvement from the previous season tied the NCAA record for largest turnaround.
The Hurricanes finished the regular season with 24 wins, matching a program record, and posted 15 victories at the Watsco Center, the second-most in school history.
Lucas led Miami to its 13th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, and he also became the fastest first-time head coach in the ACC to reach 20 wins since Bill Guthridge (North Carolina, 1997-98).
Following one of the most impressive turnarounds in college basketball this season, University of Miami head coach Jai Lucas was named the Clarence “Big House” Gaines National Coach of the Year, the National Sports Media Association announced Monday.
The first-time head coach led the Hurricanes to a 26-9 record and a No. 3 seed in the ACC Tournament following a 13-5 mark in league play. Miami’s 19-win improvement from the previous season tied the NCAA record for largest turnaround.
The Hurricanes finished the regular season with 24 wins, matching a program record, and posted 15 victories at the Watsco Center, the second-most in school history.
Lucas led Miami to its 13th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, and he also became the fastest first-time head coach in the ACC to reach 20 wins since Bill Guthridge (North Carolina, 1997-98).
