Sharp-shooting veteran Brent Bland joins a revamped Miami Hurricanes roster, bringing elite MAAC production and perimeter size to a bench looking to fuel another deep ACC title run.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program added size and three-point shooting to the backcourt after landing Nick Dorn through the transfer portal, previously with the Indiana Hoosiers. He averaged 8.1 points on 40.4 percent shooting, 38 percent from behind the arc, and 2.3 rebounds in 30 games, including 12 starts. The incoming senior guard is listed at 6-7, 200 pounds.
However, the work doesn’t stop for coach Jai Lucas as Brent Bland reportedly committed to the Hurricanes, adding depth to the team’s bench. He will be a six-year senior, coming off a career season with the Saint Peter’s Peacocks: 13.9 points on 38.8 percent shooting, 36.9 percent from behind the arc, five rebounds, and two steals in 29 games, all starts. Bland earned All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference First Team honors.
The 22-year-old was an unranked prospect coming from Half Hollow Hills High School West, a public institution located in Dix Hills, New York. He didn’t receive any offer from powerhouse programs before accepting a scholarship with the Peacocks.
Bland redshirted as a freshman, not appearing in any games. Afterwards, he would earn consistent playing time until the 2024-25 season. The New York native was sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, only appearing in five total games, thus earning another year of NCAA eligibility.
Coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround season, the Hurricanes added significant depth to the roster after finishing ranked No. 299 in bench points.
After playing four seasons in the MAAC, Bland will face a greater level of competition. He primarily played outside the arc, as 72.9 percent of shot attempts came from behind the line. However, the 22-year-old is capable of handling the ball and driving inside.
The Hurricanes are shaping up to repeat as one of the best programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They finished third last season, only behind the Duke Blue Devils and Virginia Cavaliers.
Coach Lucas led the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2023 Final Four run. After falling short of reaching the Sweet 16, the 37-year-old completely revamped the roster, despite numerous departures, including guard Tre Donaldson, forward Malik Reneau, and center Ernest Udeh Jr., all of whom declared for the upcoming NBA Draft.
The Hurricanes still have two open roster spots with plenty of talent still in the transfer portal.
They will likely enter next season as a ranked team, projected to compete among the best in the nation.
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