Defying expectations and a complete roster overhaul, the Miami Hurricanes surge into the AP Top 25 thanks to stellar performances and a winning culture.
The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball squad has surpassed expectations throughout the regular season. They currently sit with a 23–6 overall record, 12-4 in ACC play, holding the third seed in the conference. Despite an offseason without any returning players, plus hiring a first-time head coach in Jai Lucas, the team defied the odds and took college basketball by surprise.
Senior forward Malik Reneau is projected to be an All-ACC First Team member. He's averaging 19.2 points on 57 percent shooting from the field, 35 percent from three-point range, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, playing in all 29 games thus far. The 22-year-old was expected to be a leader from the jump after transferring, playing the previous three seasons in the Big 10 with the Indiana Hoosiers.
With a week left of the regular season, the Hurricanes cracked the latest AP poll rankings, claiming the No. 22 spot. It's the first time they made the top-25 nation's list, despite a 75–66 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on Feb. 10, which was before star freshman forward Caleb Wilson was injured.
Coach Lucas knew the infrastructure he wanted to implement in the first year of rebuilding the program. The team is constructed to dominate in the paint and defend at a high level.
Alongside Reneau came senior guard Tre Donaldson through the transfer portal. He was previously with the Michigan Wolverines and helped deliver a Big 10 Championship.
The 22-year-old was relied on to initiate the offense and develop into a more-natural point guard who can still score at will. He's been successful in being a star in that role, averaging 16.6 points on 45.5 percent shooting from the field, 33.8 percent from three-point range, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, playing in all 29 games thus far.
The Hurricanes recruited a supporting cast of senior center Ernest Udeh Jr., junior guard Tru Washington, five-star freshman Shelton Henderson, and four-star guard Dante Allen, plus the rest of the roster.
They aren't the most attractive basketball program, but coach Lucas has changed their image in just one season.
The Hurricanes have two games left on the schedule: the SMU Mustangs on Wednesday at Moody Coliseum, followed by a finale against the Louisville Cardinals, who were previously ranked but fell out of the latest poll, at the Watsco Center.
Both are Quad 1 opponents, which a win would boost the team's NCAA Tournament resume.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: