After fueling a historic turnaround in Miami, the defensive anchor lands a two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing elite rim protection and a massive wingspan.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following the NBA Draft, several players went on Wednesday night without the privilege of being selected within the 60 picks. However, it didn’t mean the end of the road, as franchises were signing free agents to add to the Summer League roster. Among those to earn an opportunity was former Miami Hurricanes center Ernest Udeh Jr.
Coming off a career season at Coral Gables, the league takes him to the Midwest with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The University of Miami announced that Udeh Jr. signed a two-way contract with the organization. While on the Hurricanes, he averaged 6.7 points on 72.7 percent shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 33 games, all starts.
The Orlando native had spent three seasons in the Big 12 – with the Kansas Jayhawks and TCU Horned Frogs – before moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference. He joined forward Malik Reneau and guard Tre Donaldson in transferring to Miami and first-time head coach Jai Lucas’ roster. Together, they delivered a historic turnaround in college basketball – going from 7-24 to 26-9.
Although the numbers aren’t flashy, Udeh Jr. provided a presence in the middle as a rim protector and lob threat. In four of the final three regular-season games – Florida State, Boston College, and SMU – he averaged 3.3 blocks.
However, there’s an area that needs improving: free-throw shooting. After four collegiate seasons, Udeh Jr. sat at 54.6 percent – 51.2 at Miami. He shares similar intangibles to New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson.
The Cavaliers are heavily reliant on utilizing size, especially in the front court. Udeh Jr. is listed at 6-11, 266 pounds, with a 7-4 wingspan. Given the organization’s cap situation – $210,000 over the second apron – he could be viewed as an immediate rotation player.
As currently constructed, the team has no true backup center. A two-way player is only eligible for 50 regular-season games. The Cavaliers could look to use it all on Udeh Jr. before deciding whether or not to convert him to a standard contract, which would still be cheap and flexible.
The Summer League provides an opportunity for him to showcase everything he can do and remain on the roster. It’s still likely that Udeh Jr. would start the season with the Cleveland Charge – G-League affiliate. However, the path to consistent rotation minutes is reachable.
After returning home to the Sunshine State, Udeh Jr.’s NBA journey begins in Cleveland.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
