Getting to Know Miami

Miami will host NC State this Saturday. What do you need to know about the Hurricanes before tipoff?

Ja’Quan Newton is the go-to man…

Last season Miami had a veteran team led by Angel Rodriguez, Sheldon McClellan, and Tony Jekiri. The departure of this trio left Miami with quite the void to fill. Ja’Quan Newton has had flashes of brilliance in his career but struggled with consistency; however, this season he has been more reliable. Newton leads the Hurricanes in scoring at 15.3 PPG as well as assists at 4.2 per game. Coach Larranaga needed Newton to step up as the primary ball handler which he has. If the Hurricanes are going to have a winning record in the ACC Newton will need to continue improving each game.

Miami has some talented freshmen in Bruce Brown and Dewan Huell…

Both players were five-star recruits. Huell was a McDonalds All-American while Brown was part of the Jordan Brand Classic. Huell is a rangy power forward standing 6 feet 11 inches capable of rising above to score and rebound. Miami loves to have Huell face up and looks for him on the break as he runs the floor well.

Bruce Brown has had a solid start to his collegiate career averaging 10.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Not only has he rebounding well but he is a well-rounded player having recorded a triple-double on the season. Brown’s measurables have helped his transition to college standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. He also has 6 feet 9-inch wingspan.

Miami’s defense allows 58.6 PPG ranked 8th in the NCAA…

Miami does a great job at digging in on the defensive end. They use their combination of size and athleticism to smother opponents. Teams are shooting a paltry 37% from the field and an even worst 28% from three. On the interior, the Canes big men have great size making it difficult to finish. Miami blocks four shots a game; however, many shots are altered. Not only do they defend but they also rebound the basketball. Miami has a positive rebounding margin of 8.4.

Standing at 10-2 entering ACC play Miami is in prime position to play itself into the NCAA Tournament. Coach Larranaga is one of the premiere coaches in the country and should be able to get the most out of his talented Canes.