GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida took a major step towards addressing its depth for the 2007-08 season when point guard Jai Lucas of Bellaire High School (Texas) signed a letter of intent to join the Gators in the Fall.
One of the top point guards in the nation, the Houston native averaged 26.3 points and 7.5 assists per game for Bellaire this past season. He is the son of former NBA player and coach John Lucas (Sr.) and the younger brother of John Lucas (Jr.), who helped Oklahoma State to the 2004 Final Four and was an All-American for the Cowboys.
“We are really excited to have Jai be a part of our program,” Florida head coach Billy Donovan said. “With the loss of Taurean Green, there was a strong need for a point guard. Without question, he fits that need and our style of play. He comes from a great family and has played against a high level of competition his entire life. We are thrilled Jai has decided to become a Gator.”
Lucas (5-10/160) is rated as the No. 6 point guard in the nation for the class of 2007 by Rivals.com. He played his AAU ball for the Houston Hoops. Lucas averaged 23.0 points and 6.0 assists per game during his junior season.
His arrival will bolster a Gator backcourt that has been depleted by the departures of starters Lee Humphrey and Taurean Green. The Gators return only two scholarship players in their backcourt, Walter Hodge and Brandon Powell.