Jai Lucas to Announce Tonight

by Barking Carnival Staff on Dec 28, 2008 11:33 AM CST

The 6-0 transfer from Florida will announce his next destination some time this evening. I posted over a week ago that there was a strong probability that school would be Texas. (See comments section.) And that's definitely still the case. If I hear anything definitive sooner, I'll let you know.

As for the move, I think it would be outstanding. Jai is good lead guard prospect who would automatically be an upgrade at the position over anything we have on the roster this year or next. He's a better creater than his brother and a good shooter that would prevent defenses from helping off the position. See the Michigan State and Wisconsin games as examples. The move would also allow Mason to get off the ball allowing him to play the caliber defense we've grown accustomed to the last two years. It would also take tremendous pressure off of Bradley from having to run part of the the show next year. A three guard lineup of Lucas, Mason, Bradley with a mix and match in the frontcourt of Pittman, Hamilton, Johnson, and James (if he returns) would be downright nasty. We'd go from having one or two guys that can create off of the dribble, to having 4 guys on the floor that could create off the bounce. The personnel upgrade would be huge especially considering Rick Barnes' offensive philosophy. The random screening game could morph into more of a Dribble Drive Motion attack without missing a beat on the defensive end. Jai would be an outstanding addition.

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Comments

he is about abrams height; looks like a defensive liability.
how will the scholarship numbers workout? when can he start playing?
agree will be a great plus on the offensive side of thew ball;would still like to see dogus on the court for longer periods. i think the wisconsin game would have given him a confidence boost.

by 98 on Dec 28, 2008 11:53 AM CST reply actions

Balbay gets more time and I think evryone will be happy.

by ousniffsware on Dec 28, 2008 11:58 AM CST reply actions

You are closer to 6’0" than he is, Trips.

Any understanding on why he is leaving Florida?

It looks like an exciting pick-up.

by CloseToJumping on Dec 28, 2008 12:03 PM CST reply actions

He’s not a bad defensive player and will only get better under Barnes. He’ll start next fall but he’ll join the team for workouts asap. With Connor and perhaps James leaving, we simply can’t roll out a lineup of Pittman, Johhnson, Hamilton, Mason, and Balbay/Bradley. We’d get zoned or sagged to death and it would be too much pressure to put on our freshman stars.

CTJ, Calathes was promised to be put on the ball and Jai was promised same when he was recruited. Once Jai decided to transfer, Donovan actually re-recruited him to stay.

by Trips Right on Dec 28, 2008 12:58 PM CST reply actions

I don’t see any playmaking ability or creative capacity and I don’t like his overall game.

He is a very capable shooter though.

I hope I’m wrong. Your optimism certainly makes me feel better.

by Scipio Tex on Dec 28, 2008 4:02 PM CST reply actions

Donovan wanted him to play off the ball more this season and his playing time at the point would have gone down even more next year when Kenny Boyton gets there.