Coral Gables, FL.- The new era of Miami Men’s Basketball is just over a month away.
Over the past two years, ‘Canes fans have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, coming off a Final 4 appearance to end the 2022 season, then falling to a 15-17 record in 2023 (2nd last in ACC).
Miami is obviously looking to get back to the winning ways of that 2022-23 season, and Coach Jim Larrañega has all the talent in the world to do it.
Let’s take a few moments to highlight two potential storylines surrounding the squad in 2024.
- All New, All Different
The 2024 roster is a completely different squad than most ‘Canes fans are used to seeing. Fan favorite Grad-Senior Guard, Nijel Pack is officially the only returning player from that 2023 Final 4 squad. Coach L and his staff were pretty active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from elite talents like AJ Staton McCray, Lynn Kidd and Jalen Blackmon.
Throughout his lengthy coaching career, Coach Larrańega has been known to switch rotations around depending on matchups. Coach L game plans around the strengths & weaknesses of the U’s opponent very well.
With that being said, I believe Miami’s starting five will look something along the lines of:
G- Nijel Pack (6 foot)
G- AJ Staton McCray (6 foot 4)
G- Matthew Cleveland (6 foot 7)
F- Brandon Johnson (6 foot 8)
C- Lynn Kidd (6 foot 10)
6 Man- Jalen Blackmon (6 foot 2)
2. Favorable Non Conference Schedule
Miami’s non-conference schedule is one of the more favorable schedules in CBB. The Hurricanes open the season by hosting three consecutive home matchups against Fairleigh Dickinson (Nov. 4), Binghamton (Nov. 10) and Coppin State (Nov. 17). The Hurricanes will then travel to Charleston, SC., to compete in the Charleston Classic. Miami will face Drake (Nov. 21) in the first round, if they defeat the Bulldogs, they’ll face off against the winner of Oklahoma St. and Florida Atlantic (Nov. 22).
The ‘Canes will then continue their quest for Charleston dominance, hosting Charleston Southern University on November 30.
Miami will then beef up their schedule, having two SEC matchups on their hands. The Hurricanes will first host a star studded Arkansas squad (Dec 3), before traveling to New York City to face off against Tennessee (Dec. 10) in the Jimmy V Classic.
As Miami prepares for ACC play, the Hurricanes will close out their non-con schedule with home matchups against Presbyterian (Dec. 15) and Mount Saint Mary’s (Dec. 21).
The 2024 NCAA Basketball season is just around the corner. For all things surrounding University of Miami Athletics, tune into the Bleacher Brothers’ Sports Network!