John Lucas III to Join the Las Vegas Aces as Player Development Coach

John Lucas III to Join the Las Vegas Aces as Player Development Coach

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 27, 2025)—Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon announced today the hiring of John Lucas III as the Aces Player Development Coach.

“Lucas has an extensive basketball background, and over the past several years has shown success as a player development coach for NBA teams,” said Hammon. “We’re excited to welcome him to the Aces family and now that we have a full staff, I am more excited than ever for the upcoming season.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity of being able to work with Becky, who I’ve watched while she was in the WNBA and her coaching career with the Spurs,” said Lucas. “Seeing her growth and seeing everything she’s done in the organization, how the organization is run at an elite level. I’m looking forward to being a part of all of it and bringing my knowledge to all of these players who have already accomplished tremendous things during their time here, with two championships. We’re looking forward to putting more banners in the arena.

“Also, one of the reasons I’m looking forward to my transition from the NBA to the WNBA is because when I was younger, I used to practice against the Houston Comets as one of their practice players. I remember going against Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoopes, Kim Perrot and Cynthia Cooper, practicing against them when I was in high school and playing against those young ladies was eye-opening because they had game. It’s like a full circle moment. I love everything about basketball, and I can’t wait to get started with the Aces.”

Lucas brings four years of NBA coaching to the staff after having worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2017-2019, the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22 and the Phoenix Sun during the 2023-24 season.

Lucas played professionally from 2005-2017 in the NBA, G League, Italy, China, Spain and Puerto Rico. The journeyman’s career in the NBA saw him play stints over eight different seasons for Houston, Chicago, Toronto, Utah, Detroit and Minnesota, where he got his first coaching nod.

While in the G League, Lucas helped the Colorado 14ers earn the 2009 championship ahead of the team’s move to Frisco, Texas.

A 2004 All-American, 2004 Big 12 Player of the Year and two-time All-Big 12 first team selection, Lucas notably hit the game-winning shot in the 2004 NCAA Elite Eight that sent Oklahoma State to the Final Four for the first time since 1995. He started his collegiate career at Baylor and was named to the 2002 Big 12 All-Freshman Team before transferring to OSU following his sophomore season.