2011-12 Miami Hurricanes Basketball: A Roller Coaster Season and the Birth of Category 6.

Miami’s up and down season came to a thudding end last night with a disappointing loss to Minnesota in the second round of the NIT. But we would be remiss if we did not reflect on that was if nothing else an eventful year.

The 11-12 ‘Canes Hoops Timeline:

April 5, 2011: Frank Haith resigns after 7 mediocre seasons in Miami, One NCAA Tournament appearance, and 129-101 record. Little did we know at the time the Haith era was unfortunately, far from over.

April 23, 2011: In a surprise move Miami announces the hiring of former George Mason Coach Jim Larranaga. Many speculated UM would make a run at Kansas State’s Frank Martin. But the ‘Canes instead go with the 61-year-old Larranaga who brings an energetic approach and Final Four experience to Coral Gables.

May 5, 2011: Josh invents “Category 6″ a grassroots movement/blog site designed on building support for Miami’s traditionally under supported hoops team, as well as all things UM. ‘Canes hoops, the Blog world as we know it, and our lives (or lack there of) will never be the same.

July 1, 2011: C Reggie Johnson suffers a torn meniscus in a pickup game with teammates. Johnson who is perhaps Miami’s most important player, is expected to miss 5-6 months.

August 23, 2011: C/F Julian Gamble tears his ACL and is out for the year. With Johnson already down, Miami’s front court is suddenly extremely thin before a single game is played.

November 10, 2011: On the eve of the hoops season UM announces that F DeQuan Jones, their most athletic player, will sit out the entire season amidst allegations his family received $10,000 from Nevin Shapiro to commit to Miami.

The loss of DQJ hurt UM early.

December 17, 2011: Reggie Johnson returns to the line-up and UM beats FAU 93-90 in OT. Johnson goes for 15 points 9 rebounds 5 assists and 5 blocks in one of his two best performances of the year.

December 21st 2011: With the help of his attorney, DeQuan Jones is reinstated after missing 10 games. The Shapiro allegations as they pertain to DQJ seem to be completely debunked. Miami suddenly seems like a deep and dangerous squad.

December 22nd, 2011: In tragic news, Malcolm Grant’s 36-year-old brother Yatti, dies of a heart attack. Grant would miss the next 2 games and struggle though out the year. The tragedy reminds us all that there are more important things in life than basketball.

Malcolm Grant suffered through a very difficult year personally.

January 21, 2012: G/F Garrius Adams, who began the year as a starter has knee surgery and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. Coach L also announced that freshman G Bishop Daniels is injured and will redshirt this season.

January 22, 2012: Miami loses to NC State 78-73 at home. UM shoots just 2-20 from downtown. After the game Coach L questions the teams intensity.

February 5, 2012: Miami extends its winning streak to 5 in a row with a shocker, defeating Duke 78-74 in OT on the road. Reggie Johnson is a man amongst boys with 27 points and 12 rebounds, and suddenly the ‘Canes are mentioned as an NCAA Tournament caliber team.

Reggie Johnson destroys Duke.

A Star is Born??? Over a 5 game stretch streak Kenny Kadji is unstoppable, averaging 17.5 ppg 8.1 rpg 2.0 blcks and knocks down 8-16 from long-range.

February 15, 2012: In one of the most outrageously one-sided officiated games you will ever see, Miami loses AT HOME to UNC 73-64. The ‘Canes build an early lead and play extremely well at times, but can not overcome a 23-8 FT advantage for the Heels. Miami now sits squarely on the NCAA bubble coming down the stretch.

February 21, 2012: Miami loses a heart breaker 75-70 at Maryland. UM controls the game through out but fails to execute down the stretch. Miami goes nearly 9 minutes with out a FG and gives up several huge offensive rebounds in the collapse. The ‘Canes NCAA hopes seem to be faded.

February 26, 2012: Just hours before a critical game against FSU, Miami announces that Reggie Johnson is ineligible due to travel benefits his family received from the previous coaching staff (Haith).

Reggie was forced to sit out against FSU.

Despite not having Johnson in the line-up Miami plays perhaps their best game of the season, annihilating FSU 78-62 behind a strong performance from Durand Scott. Miami’s NCAA hopes suddenly are revitalized.

Perhaps the highlight of UM's season.

February 29, 2012: Miami shoots itself in the foot by losing 77-73 to fellow bubble opponent NC State. Miami loses despite the reinstatement of Johnson earlier in the day.

March 9 2012: After defeating GT in the first round of the ACC Tournament, Miami is set to face FSU in the quarterfinals in their most important game of the season. Just hours before tip-off it is announced that Durand Scott is ineligible for receiving improper benefits from the previous coaching staff (Haith). In an atrociously officiated game, UM is defeated 82-71. Their bubble appears to have burst.

March 14, 2012: UM announces Scott will be reinstated after serving a 6 game suspension. Miami defeats Valpo 66-50 in the first round of the NIT.

March 19, 2012: The ‘Canes play perhaps their worst game of the season and lose at home to Minnesota in a near empty Bank United Center. The season, ends sadly.

Overall the season can not be judged as either a failure or a success. While the team did not accomplish its goals, it would be hard to argue that any team in America faced more distractions, adversity, or flat-out bad luck than Miami.

2011-12 Noteworthy:

Newcomers Shane Larkin, Trey McKinney-Jones, and Kenny Kadji all showed incredible promise.

Larkin, just a true freshman, saved his best for last. The son of hall-of-fame baseball player Barry Larkin, averaged 7.4 ppg 2.5 rpg 2.5 apg and 1.6 stls. Larkin may already be one of the quickest players in the country and played exceptionally well at the end of the season. If his floor game improves he could become a superstar.

Shame Larkin could be the key to UM's fate next season.

McKinney Jones averaged 7 ppg 3.5 rpg and shot 37.5 % from downtown. TMJ hit several clutch shots throughout the year and at times was Miami’s most consistent player.

TMJ had a solid first year at UM.

Kadji finished the year averaging 12.0 ppg 5.4 rpg 1.6 blcks, and shot 42.4% from downtown. At times K2 was the ‘Canes best player. At 6’11 he needs to improve on his rebounding. If he does not only will he be an ALL ACC player, he will find himself in the NBA.

While Rion Brown averaged only 6.9 ppg on the season, expect more from him next year. Brown averaged 14.7 ppg over the last 4 games of the season. Along with the prettiest stroke on the team, Brown showed off explosive athleticism in 11-12. Expect his star to rise with the graduation of Malcolm Grant opening up minutes next season.

What needs to happen next year for Miami to dance??

1) Reggie Johnson needs to return to the form that made him a star as a sophomore. Johnson really only played to his potential 2 or 3 times all season. The injury and conditioning clearly hurt Big Reg.

2) Kenny Kadji needs to get stronger. Kadji is an incredibly skilled big man. But the ‘Canes gave up far too many offensive rebounds this year. Kadji can really elevate his game to the next level by getting stronger and becoming a force on the glass next year.

Kenny Kadji is a force.

3) Shane Larkin takes over the team. Larkin’s talent, hustle, and skills are undeniable. If he takes the reigns and becomes the all world point guard he is capable of becoming, Miami is a very dangerous squad.

4) Durand Scott has a big senior season. Scott plays all out all the time. Scott was solid this year averaging 12.9 ppg 5.4 rpg and 3.1 apg. But I can’t help but feel Scott left some plays on the floor during crunch time.

5) Rion Brown becomes a consistent force. Nuff said. His ability is obvious.

Rion Brown could be huge next year.

With that being said an entertaining season is concluded with the hopes that next year promises to be just as exciting, more successful, and less eventful off the court.

Category 6 ACC Preview: Miami (17-10) at NC State (18-11)

(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Akula Wolf with http://www.backingthepack.com/ for working on this collaboration and providing advanced scouting on NC State)

Coming off of an exhilarating and clutch win over FSU, Miami returns to action in Raleigh with another huge match-up against the suddenly struggling NC State Wolfpack (Wednesday 9PM EST Raycom/ESPN3). While the Hurricanes may have saved their NCAA hopes by thrashing Florida St, 78-62 on Sunday, NC State comes in losers of 4 in a row. They likely need to win their last 2 contests as well as make a run in the ACC Tournament to salvage any chances of being selected. Earlier this year the Wolfpack did defeat UM 78-73 at the Bank United Center. After the game Coach Jim Larranaga questioned his ‘Canes, and they responded with 5 wins in a row. That game may have been the turning point in Miami’s season, but this game may be its most important. It is unclear whether Reggie Johnson will be cleared in time for this match-up.

Reggie Johnson was forced to sit out against FSU.

Atlantic Coast Conference Standings

	Conf	All
Duke (5)	12-2	25-4
North Carolina (7)	12-2	25-4
Florida St. (15)	10-4	19-9
Virginia (25)	8-6	21-7
Miami (FL)	8-6	17-10
N.C. State	7-7	18-11
Clemson	7-7	15-13
Maryland	6-8	16-12
Virginia Tech	4-10	15-14
Wake Forest	4-10	13-15
Georgia Tech	3-11	10-18
Boston Coll.	3-11	8-20

Projected Starting Lineups:

Miami

C Reggie Johnson 6’10 290 JR

or Raphael Akpejori 6’10 230 SO

F Kenny Kadji 6’11 260 SO

G Shane Larkin 5’11 160 FR

G Malcolm Grant 6’1 188 SR

G Durand Scott 6’4 198 JR

NC State

F Richard Howell 6’8 250 JR

F CJ Leslie 6’8 209 SO

F Scott Wood 6’6 177 JR

G CJ Williams 6’5 224 SR

G Lorenzo Brown 6’5 189 SO

Keys to the Game: Avoid the “Woodshed”. After the FSU game Jim Larranaga admitted they had a goal of knocking down 10 threes and 20 free throws. And while they only knocked down 9 threes, they made up for it with 23 free throws. Against NC State we imagine Coach L might set a number to the amount of touches they allow for Scott Wood. In January Wood lit up the ‘Canes for 21 points, including 4-6 from downtown.

Scott Wood is no easy match-up.

Win with Depth. NC State only plays 7 players and their starters tend to play 30 minutes or more nearly every time out. Wood, CJ Leslie, Lorenzo Brown. and CJ Williams are all very talented players, but we wonder if extended minutes haven’t left those guys with tired legs. In the meantime Miami has enjoyed sparkling bench play of late featuring the all around game of Rion Brown, the red-hot shooting of Trey McKinney Jones, and the ferocious athleticism of DeQuan Jones. The biggest mismatch in this game is the ‘Canes depth. This becomes even more a factor if Reggie Johnson is cleared in time to play.

Key Match-up: Scott Wood VS Trey McKinney Jones/Rion Brown. As we noted earlier, Wood killed UM the last time these two teams played. Something tells me this time around TMJ and RB will stick to Wood like glue, while keeping him busy on the defensive end as both have been shooting the ball very well in the last few games.

Prediction: Miami has come too far to let their NCAA hopes falter. Injuries, suspensions, and a new system have not deterred the resilient ‘Canes. CJ Leslie and Scott Wood are too good to let the Wolfpack roll over, but there’s no way UM shoots just 2-20 again on threes as they did in the first match-up. Kenny Kadji is a force to be reckoned with, and Malcolm Grant continues to return to form. Look for Grant to score in double figures in this one. Miami makes another statement on the road, 77-70.

Durand Scott celebrates with UM fans.

Here is our full Q&A with Akula Wolf of http://www.backingthepack.com/

Please check their site to see our answers to their questions.

C6: If you could pick an all time NC State team who would be the starting five, and who would be the go to player?

BP: Wow, that’s tough. Do I go with the best players in school history regardless of era, or do I try to build a team that could compete in today’s game? David Thompson is a no-brainer, of course, and he’d be the focal point of the offense.
I’d probably go small and take Chris Corchiani and Rodney Monroe as well. Ronnie Shavlik and Tommy Burleson would make up my front court. Julius Hodge is my sixth man. Anthony Grundy. Tom Gugliotta. Thurl Bailey. Todd Fuller. Kenny Carr. Sorry, I accidentally built a whole team.

C6: NC State has struggled of late. What has been their main weakness in the recent losing streak? Has depth been a concern?

BP: I don’t know that there’s any one thing to point to. Well, other than sadness. NC State just couldn’t close out Duke in Durham and it seemed to snowball from there. They were flat against Florida State a couple days later, and then didn’t play that poorly against UNC, but the Heels were really good that night. The Clemson game was a complete choke job in the final minute. It happens.

Depth is always a concern for this team, but I don’t think that’s been any more trouble of late than it has been all season.

C6: In the last match-up Scott Wood played extremely well. Who else on the Wolfpack do you feel will give the ‘Canes problems? Which players on Miami do you feel will give NC State issues?

BP: State has several players that can give most teams problems, it’s just a question of how they’re playing on the night in question. That’s one of State’s issues; it’s hard to know what to expect out of anybody on a game-to-game basis. Calvin Leslie and Lorenzo Brown can be big difference-makers, Scott Wood can hit six threes to change a game, but all of those guys have an ability to fade into the background or shoot their way out of the game.

I was really impressed by Kenny Kadji in the first meeting and I think he’ll create plenty of trouble for State’s frontcourt guys. I think that Scott and Grant have the potential to be tough matchups as well.

C6: What does NC State need to do to get back in the Tournament discussion? Do you feel Miami is worthy of a selection?

BP: State probably needs to win four games in a row, at minimum. It’s always hard to tell, though. I think Miami is definitely worthy of a selection, and the situation could be a lot different for that team had Reggie Johnson been available and in game shape all season.

C6: How do you see the game playing out/what is your prediction for the outcome?

BP: I have no idea how they’re going to respond to the losing streak at this point, so your guess is as good as mine. I’ve had a feeling for a while that Miami would have its revenge, and I still feel that way.

Thanks again to Akula Wolf for working with us.

Go Canes!!!

Reggie ruled ineligible for FSU!!

For those who haven’t heard, at approximately 5PM EST, the University of Miami released this statement:

“In the process of the ongoing joint NCAA-UM inquiry, it was discovered that members of Johnson’s family received impermissible travel benefits from a member of the former basketball coaching staff,” the university’s statement said. “Johnson was unaware of the benefits and his family was told they were permissible by that member of the former basketball coaching staff.”

“The University of Miami … is seeking his immediate reinstatement,”

Long story short, Johnson’s family received what probably amounts to airline tickets. If the Cam Newton incident is any precedent, Reggie should be cleared ASAP. Let’s hope so. In good news the ‘Canes overcame Johnson’s absence to trounce FSU 78-62 in front of a sold out Bank United Center. More details to come when available.

Category 6 ACC Preview: North Carolina (21-4) at Miami (15-8)

(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Matt with http://keepingitheel.com for assisting on this preview and advanced scouting on UNC)

Miami returns to action Wednesday (8PM EST ESPN) with a golden opportunity to enhance their NCAA resume as #7 North Carolina visits the BUC. The Heels rebounded from a stunning last second home loss to Duke, by pummeling Virginia 70-52 on Saturday. The ‘Canes lost a physical battle in Tallahassee 64-59 to FSU, snapping a 5 game ACC winning streak. While UNC needs only enhance their seeding, UM sits squarely on the bubble. A win over Carolina would all but guarantee the ‘Canes a trip to the dance. Earlier in the season Miami was handled 73-56 in Chapel Hill. The ‘Canes will need to be at their very best to defeat a UNC squad that features an NBA front line. If Carolina has one weakness it may be depth. Injuries have knocked guards Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald out of commission, and forward P.J. Hairston is questionable for Wednesday’s game.

The BUC will be the center of the College Basketball Universe Wednesday Night

Projected Starting Lineups:

Miami

C Reggie Johnson 6’10 300 JR

F Kenny Kadji 6’11 260 SO

G Shane Larkin 5’11 160 FR

G Malcolm Grant 6’1 188 SR

G Durand Scott 6’4 198 JR

North Carolina

F Tyler Zeller 7’0 250 SR

F John Henson 6’11 220 JR

F Harrison Barnes 6’8 215 SO

G Reggie Bullock 6’7 205 SO

G Kendall Marshall 6’4 195 SO

Keys to the Game: Pack the BUC. Yes the game will be decided by the players. But there is no doubt in my mind that a frenzied, supportive, and LOUD Bank United Center crowd would give the ‘Canes the energy needed to pull off the upset. South Floridians, your Hurricanes need you! With UM so close to putting its basketball program back on the map, here’s hoping the players get the full house they deserve and need.

Keep Barnes from going off. Even with Kendall Marshall leading the free world in assists, I feel like Miami’s back court can hang with UNC. Reggie Johnson and Kenny Kadji are good enough to stick with John Henson and Tyler Zeller. That’s a great accomplishment, few can. But where UM faces its biggest challenge is with the ultra talented Harrison Barnes. The 6’8 swing man is averaging 17.5 points per game, but easily go over 30 on any given night. Trey McKinney-Jones, Rion Brown, and DeQuan Jones will all need to control his penetration yet not neglect his ability to knock down long-range jumpers. On a team full of McDonald’s All-Americans Barnes is the player with the most skill on the roster. If Miami can not keep him under control, it will be a long, long night.

UNC's Harrison Barnes can put you on a poster.

Best Match-up: Kenny Kadji VS John Henson. Kadji’s ability to shoot from long-range should open up the paint for Miami’s guards to drive to the hoop. If Henson (3.2 blocks per game) is allowed to roam the paint, he’ll swat everything in sight. Kadji has steadily improved all aspects of his game, and even with a top defender like Henson on him, he’ll need to score for Miami to win.

DeQuan Jones has played some of best basketball against UNC.

Prediction: The buzz around this game is palpable. The game is prime time on ESPN. Carolina is an elite program, and ‘Canes fans have been known to make their annual stand when the big boys come to town. The BUC will be rocking. And Miami’s players will feed off the energy in the building to build an early lead. Malcolm Grant showed signs of breaking out of his slump at FSU. Look for that to continue. The Heels won’t go down easy, and Zeller and Barnes will lead the comeback. Look for DeQuan Jones to have a big game off the bench, and Miami’s depth to be the deciding factor. ‘Canes win, ‘Canes win 81-78!!!

Miami is hoping for a scene like this one Wednesday night against UNC.

Here is our full Q&A with Matt from http://keepingitheel.com/ - Please check their site for our answers to their questions.

C6: Is there any update on P.J. Hairston’s injured foot? If he is unable to go, how big of an issue is depth for the Heels?

KIH: PJs foot was examined today and he went through light activity in practice. His status is day-to-day and Roy is keeping a tight lid on any other information. My guess is he will be a game time decision. UNC is extremely thin on the wings without Hairston. The Heels have lost Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland for the season already. Hairston has been struggling on the offensive end of late but gives us another shooter to stretch the defense. His replacement senior Justin Watts gives us nothing on offense but is a much better defender.

C6: Which players on Miami pose the biggest threat to UNC? Which players on Carolina do you expect to have big games against the U?

KIH: After watching Reggie Johnson destroy Duke, you’ve got to worry about that guy. But considering the Heels are stacked with post players, I don’t see him doing the same to UNC. Kenny Kadji is the player I think can do the most damage against UNC. He shoots a high percentage and is decent off the glass. In reality, UNC should easily win every single match up in this game it’s just a matter of executing.

C6: The team rebounded from an awful loss to Duke by beating UVA. Is there any lingering hangover from the Duke loss? Which players on UNC have been hot, and which have been struggling?

KIH: Hangover, sure, you can’t avoid that with a home loss to Duke. Tyler Zeller in particular took it pretty hard. Oh the court, the team seemed to play with an extra sense of urgency to put Virginia away for good. I feel strongly that losses, especially heart breakers like that one build character. UNC has trouble executing in the final moments of tight ball games, sometimes you have to fail before you can succeed. Zeller has been very hot as of late and carried UNC the entire first half against Duke. Z is establishing the fact that he, not Harrison Barnes is the leader of this team. Reggie Bullock and PJ Hairston have been struggling shooting the ball as of late. The Heels are getting nothing from beyond the arc and need Reggie and PJ to turn things around soon.

C6: How many teams do you see making the tournament from the ACC? Which teams do you see making it?

KIH: I think we’re going to see UNC, Duke, FSU, and Virginia getting in for sure. After that it’s tough to see anyone getting in to me. NC State still has UNC, Duke and FSU on their schedule so their out. I don’t see Miami getting in either with eight losses and UNC and FSU on the schedule. After that the rest of the conference has ten or more losses so you can’t seriously consider them right now. Anything can happen in college basketball and all it would take is a better than expected finish by Miami or NC State to earn a bid. If Miami pulls off the upset against Carolina that puts them in save a complete collapse otherwise.

C6: How do you see Wednesday’s game going down? What is your prediction and which players will be key?

KIH: Miami will give UNC trouble in the first because the Heels have a lot of trouble establishing themselves on the road early. Once the Heels take control of the pace of the game, the U doesn’t stand a chance. I see the game blown open by mid second half, 15-20 point Tar Heel victory. Zeller and John Henson should kill Miami inside, the length of these two is just too much for Miami.

Thanks again to Matt with KIH for working with us.

Go Canes!!

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb is laughing at ‘Canes fans

Dear ‘Canes Fam,

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb is laughing. Why? He’s laughing because he figures that the BUC will be half-empty when UNC comes to town this Wednesday. He’s laughing because he thinks the sound of crickets will accompany ‘Canes baskets. He’s laughing because that’s what someone does when faced with such an absurd situation as an unfilled BUC during an incredible first year of the Jim Larranaga era. He’s laughing because he doesn’t believe South Florida deserves to have the University of Miami or the ACC Conference. He’s laughing because sometimes it just doesn’t seem like it’s all about “The U” to outside observers. He’s laughing because the BUC was half-empty for VT coming off the historic win at Duke. He’s laughing because South Florida fans in general have been stereotyped as some of the worst fans in the country.

Doug Gottlieb is still laughing!

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb is laughing at you.

My first reaction to this was to be pissed off at Mr. Gottlieb. Nobody likes to be laughed at, especially on television. To be honest, I don’t even know who Doug Gottlieb is or what he does at ESPN, but I’m guessing he’s involved with college basketball analysis for the titanic sports network. I’ve heard his name before but I’ve resisted looking him up now because it really doesn’t matter. But why should I be pissed off at Mr. Gottlieb? If I was a fan of another ACC team besides Miami I’d be laughing too.

I would laugh at ‘Canes fans because the basketball team has a sweet on-campus arena, is damn good, has a great coach, and if the season ended today, makes the NCAA Tournament. Doug Gottlieb knows these things and it makes him laugh with greater fervor. The problem is that the season does not end today and there are 4 more home games. This means 4 more opportunities for Mr. Gottlieb to laugh at the University of Miami. And when Mr. Gottlieb laughs, the whole world laughs with him.

(note: this clip is not meant to imply that Mr. Gottlieb is a baby; it’s just good laughter and if you can watch it through without laughing even once it would be an accomplishment)

He is laughing because the modestly-sized BUC should be filled. He’s laughing at the lack of passion he believes we have for big time college basketball – and let’s get it straight – the ‘Canes play big time college basketball. He is laughing because he knows how important it is to the team and the program to be supported by the fans. 6 games left. The ‘Canes will battle on the road, but we have to defeat the laughing Mr. Gottlieb at home. We have to make it so that every time Tyler Zeller, Harrison Barnes, or John Henson touches the ball, their brains fill with the collective noise of 8,000 ‘Canes fans or just laughter.

All the past history, the ‘swagger’, and the championships . . . Those are gone. Great memories – sure – but it’s historical data. Gone with the wind. Somewhere over the rainbow. Like that last scene in Aliens when Ripley blows the queen out of the airlock or in Die Hard when Bruce Willis shoots his arch-nemesis played perfectly by Alan Rickman in the forehead and calmly says “Happy trails, Hans”. It’s time to make new memories in basketball and football. New coaches, new regimes and new optimism. Did Hollywood stop making movies after some of the genre-specific classics referenced above?

‘Canes fam . . . this is a call to action; a call for self-respect. This is a call to step up and support the orange, green and white. 4 home games left. 4 opportunities to stop Doug Gottlieb from laughing. To stop comments like this one from ESPN’s Andy Katz from ever seeing the light of day: “The onus is on the Miami fans to turn out. They traditionally are apathetic. Miami needs them to be an extra presence for this upset to occur.”

-Disclaimer: Doug Gottlieb was not harmed in the creation of this post. If your name is Doug Gottlieb and you do not work for ESPN, we apologize for attributing laughter to you. If you pass Doug Gottlieb in an airport or at a restaurant, do not seek confrontation with Doug Gottlieb or you may cause him to laugh at you. All rules that apply to Happy Fun Ball also apply to interactions with Doug Gottlieb.

State of the ‘Canes, Miami set for ACC Basketball

Miami has finished its out of conference schedule at 9-4 and the season so far has been nothing short of intriguing. Today we take a moment to analyze the first half of the year as well as look into what appears to be a very bright future.

The big question is, How far can Coach Larranaga take the 'Canes?

Steadiest Performer: Trey McKinney-Jones. TMJ may not lead the ‘Canes in scoring every night, but he has been their most consistent performer. He makes open shots, handles the ball, rebounds and defends well above average. And no one looks smoother executing a jumper off one dribble. Here’s a little of what TMJ can do:

(special thanks to Ed Schmitt, TMJ’s step dad for the video)

MVP:Reggie Johnson. The entire feel of the team changed when Big Reg

Reggie Johnson could be Miami's most important player.

returned to the lineup. His inside presence has changed everything. Is it any coincidence that UM’s perimeter players (Durand Scott and Rion Brown especially) have improved dramatically since Johnson returned? A close second would have to go to fellow big man Kenny Kadji who is rapidly improving. K2′s last outing against UNC-Greensboro (30 points, 12 rebounds) was dominant.

WINGSPAN: John Salmons would be very proud of UM’s current group of wing players. McKinney-Jones is both explosive and versatile. Rion Brown maybe their best shooter outside of Malcolm Grant. DeQuan Jones is an NBA slam dunk contestant in waiting, and is big enough to play some at the four spot. Garrius Adams has missed some time with injury but could be the best passer of the bunch. Miami’s group of small forwards started the season slow, but right now it looks like the ‘Canes have an embarrassment of riches at the three. TMJ, DQJ, Brown, and Adams are all outstanding options for Coach Larranaga going forward. Getting them all enough PT and touches may be the biggest challenge of all.

A Tale of two teams: In UM’s first 9 games (minus Reggie Johnson/DeQuan Jones) they averaged 67 points a game. In their last 4 they

Kenny Kadji just keeps getting better.

averaging a touch over 88 points a game, including 2 in which Malcolm Grant did not play. Their shooting has been blistering (117-210 55% as a team) since Johnson returned. Clearly the inside presence of Big Reggie along with the dramatic improvement of Kadji has made Miami into a completely different team. The bad news? In the same stretch they gave up 89 to UNC-Greensboro and 90 to FAU. The defense needs to pick up for the ‘Canes to thrive in the ACC.

Slam Dunk Opportunities: Saturday January 7, at Virginia. Tuesday January 10 at UNC. Sunday February 5 at Duke. Wednesday February 15 UNC. The NCAA Tournament Committee has not historically been kind to slow starts due to injuries or suspensions. So Miami needs a “signature” win. When the Tar Heels visit the Bank United Center 2/15, UM will have its best chance to duplicate what they did in 2007 when a win over Duke at home likely vaulted them to their last NCAA Tournament appearance. Hopefully the BUC will be rocking giving the ‘Canes a true home court edge. Miami played Carolina tough twice last year, so a win at home against UNC isn’t too unlikely.

Beating Coach K and Duke on the road is a major challenge.

Key Statistical leaders:

Malcolm Grant 14.5 pts, 36.7% 3pts.

Durand Scott can really fill up a stats sheet

Durand Scott 13.3 pts, 4.5 rebs, 3.5 assts.

Reggie Johnson 10.8 pts 6.5 rebs 2.2 blks 2.2 assts

Kenny Kadji 10.6 pts 5.6 rebs 1.8 blks

Shane Larkin 8.8 pts 2.7 rebs 2.4 assts 1.8 stls

Trey McKinney-Jones 8.5 pts 4.5 rebs 2.0 assts

Dequan Jones 7.0 pts 5.3 rebs

Rion Brown 6.4 pts 40.4% 3 pts

Garrius Adams 5.7 pts 3.3 rebs

Erik Swoope 3.9 pts 2.7 rebs

Prediction: Miami has everything it needs to kick some serious butt in conference play. Any coach in the Conference would love to have the guard play of Malcolm Grant, Shane Larkin, and Durand Scott. Reggie Johnson is a force. His return has made all the difference this year. And Kenny Kadji gives Johnson the protection inside he’s never had. 10-6 (3rd place) in the ACC and an at large bid in the NCAAs is my conservative estimate, knowing the some teams that are struggling now may improve by season’s end. Additionally, this would give UM a first round bye in the ACC Basketball tournament and allow Josh and I an extra day of drinking in Atlanta (like we need it). Then on to the NCAA Tourney, where with Coach Larranaga at the helm, a deep run is very possible.

Miami needs fans to fill the BUC more often.

Miami overcomes tragic news, defeats Charlotte 76-61

With DeQuan Jones returning to the ‘Canes line-up just one game after Reggie

The Hurricanes are a close-knit group

Johnson’s return, Thursday night was to be spectacular night for Miami Men’s Basketball. Tragedy, however, struck. Malcolm Grant left his teammates prior to the tip-off in Charlotte to be with family upon hearing the dreadful news his brother had passed. With Miami being such a close-knit group, the team surely took the court with heavy hearts.

Perhaps playing inspired ball, the Hurricanes shot lights out and rolled to an

The entire UM family's thoughts are with the Grant family

easy road victory 76-61 over Charlotte. Kenny Kadji led the way with 18 points, Durand Scott poured in 14, and Rion Brown and Reggie Johnson chipped in 11 a piece. DeQuan Jones had 7 points in his 2011 debut. Miami shot a sparkling 54% (27-50) from the field. Chris Braswell led Charlotte 12 points but made just 3-15 shots attempted.

The ‘Canes prevailed and maintained focus on a night where more important things then basketball were on their minds. UM’s next game is Friday December 30 against Appalachain State at the Bank United Center.

Miami (FL)

Team Statistics: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Name	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	Pts
R. Johnson	26	3-7	0-0	5-6	2	7	3	4	0	2	2	11
D. Scott	35	7-12	0-3	0-0	2	4	4	1	0	0	1	14
S. Larkin	34	2-7	1-5	3-4	0	2	2	2	1	0	1	8
T. McKinney Jones	33	2-4	2-4	1-2	2	6	2	1	1	0	4	7
K. Kadji	32	7-9	2-2	2-3	1	10	0	1	0	2	1	18
E. Swoope	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0
R. Brown	17	3-5	3-5	2-2	0	2	0	2	0	0	3	11
R. Akpejiori	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
D. Jones	18	3-6	0-0	1-1	2	6	0	1	0	1	4	7
Totals		27-50	8-19	14-18	9	38	11	14	2	5	17	76
Percentages		.540	.421	.778			Team Rebounds: None

Charlotte

Team Statistics: Charlotte 49ers
Name	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	Pts
J. Barnett	29	3-8	1-3	2-2	3	4	1	1	0	0	1	9
D. Green	19	2-7	2-4	0-0	2	3	1	1	0	0	0	6
C. Braswell	32	3-15	2-6	4-4	3	7	0	1	2	0	1	12
D. Mayfield	26	2-6	1-3	1-3	0	3	0	0	1	0	5	6
P. Henry	34	3-7	0-1	2-3	2	3	4	1	3	0	5	8
T. Williams	11	0-1	0-1	1-2	0	2	1	2	0	0	3	1
E. Nickerson	25	2-5	0-0	2-3	2	3	1	0	1	0	2	6
J. Briscoe	16	3-8	1-4	0-0	0	1	2	1	2	0	0	7
K.J. Sherrill	8	0-1	0-0	3-4	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	3
Totals		19-59	8-23	15-21	12	26	10	8	9	1	17	61
Percentages		.322	.348	.714			Team Rebounds: 4

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