Malik Reneau's standout season propels him toward the NBA, leaving a void for the Miami Hurricanes but opening doors for a professional career.
Following a historic 26-9 overall season, the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program looks to build off recent success. Part of what led to it was coach Jai Lucas having an empty roster to fill with players that would fit his vision, including senior forward Malik Reneau. After three years with the Indiana Hoosiers, the Miami native returned home and left a significant impact.
The 22-year-old averaged career highs: 18.9 points on 54 percent shooting, 34.7 percent from three-point range, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals, starting in all 35 games. Coach Lucas relied on Reneau to be the face of the program, the go-to guy, and he rose to the occasion. After the regular season, the homegrown star was named to the All-ACC First Team.
Reneau led the Hurricanes' men’s basketball program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2023 “Final Four” run. Despite falling short of reaching the “Sweet 16” after a 79-69 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers, the team established a new standard. As Reneau is without extra NCAA eligibility, he has officially declared for the NBA Draft, as announced on social media.
The incoming class is projected to contain significant talent, including Cam Boozier, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Mikel Brown Jr., and Thomas Haughn, among others.
Reneau is a 6-9 forward who weighs 235 pounds. He recorded nine double-doubles with the Hurricanes, the most in a single season, and was consistently the team’s leading scorer. The veteran forward primarily worked around the rim, can back down defenders, drive to the basket, can handle the ball down the court, and shoot from behind the arc on a low volume. Reneau wasn’t a lob threat, but can be utilized in the dunker’s spot.
Alongside him, Hurricanes teammates Tre Donaldson and Ernest Udeh Jr. declared for the NBA Draft. However, none of them are projected to be selected within the 60 picks.
Reneau will likely participate in numerous workouts to leave a lasting impression on scouts and front office members. Teams that could benefit from his talents are the Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.
The 22-year-old will likely start as a second-round selection or two-way contract candidate and develop in the G-League.
The Hurricanes have developed a couple of NBA prospects over the last few years, such as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George and Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller.
Reneau, alongside Donaldson and Udeh Jr., will look to be next.
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