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.

Small Consolation: Miami to face Valpo in NIT.

Amidst the disappointment of not being selected to the field of 68 and the continued uncertainty in the status of Durand Scott, Miami’s selection to the NIT feels almost anti-climatic. Adding to the angst is the fact the NIT decided the ‘Canes were only worthy of a #2 seed in the tourney, remarkable considering most pundits had UM as one of their last 4 out for the NCAA’s. But with the conspicuous timing of Scott’s suspension as well as the overwhelming feeling that Miami got screwed by the refs against FSU, unwelcome surprises seem to be a trend for UM. That being said ‘Cane fans can take solace in the face that the season continues and the careers of Malcolm Grant and DeQuan Jones have been extended.

The timing of Scott's ineligibility like his status remains a mystery.

For the full NIT bracket, click below(PDF reader required):

2012 NIT Bracket – 3_11_12

The Road Ahead: Until Scott’s status is settled, its difficult to forecast how well UM will do the NIT. The silver lining is Shane Larkin was spectacular in UM’s 2 ACC Tournament games (14.0 ppg 4.5 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2 stls). The team has faced incredible adversity all year long and responded. A trip to NYC and the NIT final four would be a poetic redemption for Brooklyn native Grant, and fellow NYC guard Scott, should he be cleared to play. Whatever the outcome of Miami’s next few games the team and the coaching staff deserve a ton of credit for remaining classy as they continue to be the most snake bitten team in the country.

After Valparaiso, they would face the winner of LaSalle – Minnesota, with a projected trip to Tennessee should they advance to the quarterfinals.

Wednesday game is at 7:30 PM EST at the BUC (ESPNU). Second round games are TBA.

Malcolm Grant & Miami return to action WED night in the NIT.

‘Canes honor Seniors and obliterate Boston College

After a tough road loss against N.C. State that set the ‘Canes back in their pursuit of a NCAA Tournament bid, Miami came out on Senior Day and did what they were supposed to do: annihilate Boston College.

Miami cruised to a 77-56 win over the young Eagles, who are in a rebuilding process. Look for B.C. to significantly improve over the next couple of years under Coach Steve Donahue.

Miami used a balanced attack – with 4 players in double figures and two players with 9 points. Malcolm Grant (10pts, 2reb, 2ast, 1stl), DeQuan (9pts, 5reb, 1ast, 2blk), and Ryan Quigtar (1pt, 1reb, 1ast) played in their last regular season game.

Miami was hot from 3 throughout much of the first half and into the second. The ‘Canes shooting helped them build a comfortable lead they were able to sustain throughout the contest. Mixed in with the 3-point barrage were a series of impressive dunks by Trey McKinney Jones (9pts, 2reb, 2stl). Reggie Johnson (10pts, 7reb, 4ast, 1stl) also connected on one of his not-so trademarked 3-poiners that brought on loud cheers from the crowd.

Player of the Game: Team effort.

Defensive Player of the Game: DeQuan Jones. The ‘Canes contested most shots and harassed B.C. the whole game, but Jones takes it for his two blocks.

The Good: Lopsided wins are nice.

The Bad: Poor attendance at the BUC – lots of empty seats.

The Ugly: Not much to complain about, but see “The Bad” for more reinforcement.

With a Hurricanes-best 9-7 ACC record, Miami has to focus on the next task: The ACC Tournament. With two wins Miami should be a lock for the Big Dance. Category 6 will be reporting from Atlanta for the 2012 ACC Tournament. Miami will play its first game on Thursday as either the #5 or #6 seed.

Congratulations to the seniors for all they have accomplished.

Boston Coll.

Name	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	Pts
M. Humphrey	36	6-12	3-9	1-2	1	3	3	1	4	0	2	16
R. Anderson	36	2-9	0-2	2-6	3	11	0	2	2	0	2	6
D. Clifford	29	5-7	1-2	0-0	1	3	2	5	1	0	4	11
L. Jackson	28	2-6	1-5	0-0	0	2	1	1	0	0	4	5
J. Daniels	26	3-6	3-6	2-2	0	2	3	6	0	0	2	11
P. Heckmann	12	2-3	0-1	0-1	0	2	1	1	0	0	0	4
J. Cain Carney	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
K. Caudill	13	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0
G. Moton	19	1-4	1-3	0-0	0	1	0	1	0	0	3	3
Totals		21-49	9-29	5-11	6	26	10	17	7	0	19	56
Percentages		.429	.310	.455			Team Rebounds: 4

Miami (FL)

Name	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	Pts
M. Grant	27	4-10	4-8	0-0	0	2	2	3	1	0	1	12
R. Johnson	31	4-5	1-2	1-2	3	7	4	2	1	0	2	10
D. Jones	23	3-6	0-0	3-3	0	5	1	2	0	2	4	9
R. Quigtar	8	0-2	0-1	1-2	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1
D. Scott	24	5-7	2-3	2-3	1	6	2	1	0	0	1	14
S. Larkin	14	1-2	0-1	1-3	0	0	0	1	2	0	1	3
G. Adams	7	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
J. Heller	1	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
R. Brown	20	2-6	1-4	0-1	0	2	1	1	1	0	1	5
E. Swoope	3	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0	1	0
T. McKinney Jones	21	4-5	1-2	0-0	0	2	0	0	2	0	0	9
K. Kadji	21	5-9	3-7	1-1	0	1	2	0	1	0	1	14
Totals		28-56	12-30	9-15	5	28	14	10	8	2	12	77
Percentages		.500	.400	.600			Team Rebounds: None

Game Info

Technical Fouls:: None

Arena:: BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, FL

Attendance:: 3,834

Officials:: James Luckie, Sean Corbin, Tim Kelly

Category 6 ACC Preview: Regular Season Finale BC (9-20) at Miami (17-11)

(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Brian Favat with http://www.bcinterruption.com/ for working on this preview and providing advanced scouting on Boston College.)

Seniors Malcolm Grant, DeQuan Jones, and Ryan Quigtar will be honored during the pregame as Boston College visits the ‘Canes on Saturday (2:30PM EST ESPN3/Raycom). The emotional game will be a must win for Miami and a possible preview of the first round of the ACC Tournament. UM lost a heart breaker to NC State Wednesday night 77-73 and their NCAA Tournament hopes are now extremely uncertain. BC’s very young squad has struggled all year, however they did beat Georgia Tech 56-52 in their last outing. In the first meeting between these two teams, Miami used a strong second half surge to win easily 76-54.

Malcolm Grant looks to finish his home career in style.

Keys to the Game: Keep the emotions in check. Grant will be fired up no doubt, as will Jones. But they need to make sure they don’t get over hyped and let it affect their shot selection. Miami is good enough to put away the young Eagles early, but they must be careful not to make bad choices that allow BC to hang around.

Clean up the defensive boards. One of the ‘Canes biggest problems all season has been defensive rebounding. NC State got a key offensive board off a missed free throw with under a minute to go that cost Miami big. BC’s young big men, Dennis Clifford and Ryan Anderson need to be boxed out.

Best Match-up: Reggie Johnson VS Dennis Clifford. The 7’0 240 pound BC freshman averages about 9 points and 5 rebounds a game, but in the experienced Johnson he finds someone his equal in size. Reggie clearly isn’t 100% now, but if he can help on the boards and get some put backs it makes UM all the more formidable.

Prediction: Malcolm Grant shoots with confidence, and DeQuan Jones finishes with power as the two seniors close out their regular season home careers in style. Miami wins 72-56.

Coach L and DeQuan Jones have worked well together in Jones' senior season.

Here is our full Q&A with Brian at http://www.bcinterruption.com/ Please feel free to check out their site for our answers to their questions.

C6: Has Boston College improved much since the last meeting between the ‘Canes and Eagles? Which players on their very young squad can the program build around in the next 2-3 years?

BCI: BC is just 2-6 since losing to the Canes at home, but that mark does include a win over then 17th ranked Florida State. So any improvement hasn’t really been seen in wins and losses. With such a short time period in question, it’s hard to say just how much BC has improved over than 8 game stretch. BC is shooting better and doing a better job of protecting the ball, but rebounding and points in the paint continue to be an issue that I don’t think this team can solve with the current roster of players. Ryan Anderson is going to be the centerpiece of this year’s freshman class and a guy Donahue can build around over the next 2-3 seasons. He leads all freshmen with six double-doubles and is the Eagles’ most complete player at this point in the season. Dennis Clifford has size and has shown a lot of growth over the year, but still remains somewhat of a work-in-progress. A work-in-progress in the sense of he’s a 7-foot true freshman going up against ACC bigs. Jordan Daniels, Lonnie Jackson and Patrick Heckmann are all complementary players that will definitely give this team a boost over the next few seasons.

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

BCI: Admittedly, there is a certain recent bias in these picks, but I’d have to go with Dana Barros, Troy Bell, Jared Dudley, Craig Smith and Sean Williams. Coming off the bench would be guys like Tyrese Rice, John Bagley, Terry Driscoll and Danya Abrams. That’s a lot of scoring in the starting five and not a lot of defense, except for shot-blocking extraordinaire Sean Williams. The game is tied at the end of the game, I want the ball in Troy Bell’s hands with Craig Smith as the second option.

C6: Is there any chance Boston College upsets Miami at home (please tell us no)? How do you see the game playing out?

BCI: There’s a chance. BC shot really well from three on Wednesday against Georgia Tech, connecting on 10-24 from range (41.7 percent). Typically when BC shoots that well from three they win, particularly in ACC play, where the Eagles notched wins over Georgia Tech, Florida State (10-22 for 45.5%), Clemson (8-21 for 42.1%) and should a won on the road at Virginia Tech (9-22 for 40.9%). Donahue’s goal for this team is to hit 10 threes, limit turnovers to 10 or less and opposing offensive rebounds to 10 or less. It’s the last stat category where BC has struggled the most, as the Eagles regularly get slaughtered on the offensive glass and in the paint. If BC can get hot from range, I think this will be a close game with the Eagles trading easy looks for 2 down low for threes on the other end of the floor. If the Eagles have a poor shooting night, Miami will run away with this game. Cliche, yes? But all comes down to the Eagles making their shots and limiting their mistakes, which they’ve done a good job of recently (limiting their turnovers to 10 in four of their last six games).

C6: How many and which teams from the ACC do you see making the NCAA Tournament?

BCI: We are more college hockey bracketologists than college hoops bracketologists, admittedly, but I think five ACC teams get in. Duke and Carolina are locks for the Tournament, obviously, and so is Florida State. Virginia will also probably get in and earn a 8-10 seed. The fifth team is tricky and likely will come down to Miami and N.C. State. Miami has the better RPI but a worse SOS than N.C. State. Those two losses head-to-head can’t help the U’s chances, either, and neither team has been playing particularly inspired basketball down the stretch. I think it’ll ultimately come down to which team goes further in the ACC Tournament, though I think it’s entirely possible that neither Miami nor N.C. State makes it in and the ACC is left with a disappointing four teams in the tourney field.

C6: A little unrelated to basketball, but Did you know Miami only had 10 men on the field for the Flutie to Phelan hail mary? (Sorry couldn’t resist) Is that the greatest moment in BC sports history? What is the greatest moment in BC history for men’s basketball?

BCI: Certainly the greatest moment in BC football sports history and maybe even college football history. For hockey, BC’s greatest moment has to be Krys Kolanos’ OT winner that gave the school its second NCAA Championship and first since 1949.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr2Ke5hEIqo

BC hoops is famous for having won a large number of NCAA Tournament games without making the Final Four (18), which trails only Missouri (24), Alabama (19) and Tennessee (19) from major conferences. So … slim pickings, but it’s probably BC’s 1994 75-72 upset of top-ranked North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament.

Here’s SI’s recap of the game:

But it was another senior, 6’9″ center Bill Curley, who scored 10 of BC’s final 11 points, spinning to the basket past Eric Montross and Rasheed Wallace. The game ended on a telling note: There was Wallace, a freshman who hadn’t shot a three-pointer all year, trying to make a trey to tie the game against the Eagles, whose senior sharpshooters had wrung from that shot everything they could. Wallace’s effort clanged off the rim.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004988/index.htm

As the 9 seed that year, BC went on to beat Indiana 77-68 before falling to Florida 74-66 in the regional finals. Not sure if this is BC hoops greatest moment, but arguably its biggest win.

Thanks again to Brian Favat with BCI for working with us.

Go ‘Canes!!!

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!!!

Category 6 breaks down UM’s chances at Madness.

Four regular season games to go and Miami (16-9 overall 7-5 ACC) remains a bubble team, albeit one with a strong resume.

Coach L tells Dequan Jones to keep his bags packed for March Madness

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has the ‘Canes in as a #13 seed and one of the last four in, in his latest projection. But how will all that change, based on the ‘Canes last 4 games?!?! No need to wait for ESPN, Category 6 worked all night with our science and math departments to give you this breakdown:

Joe Lunardi has nothing on the Category 6 computer.

Scenario 1: Miami runs the table and finishes 11-5 in the ACC. Our computers returned a result on this scenario faster than a Devin Hester forty. 99.999% chance they get in with a seed anywhere from 7-9. Even a quick exit in the ACC tournament wouldn’t derail the ‘Canes. Only the miniscule chance that Nevin Shapiro is released from prison, and takes over the reigns as AD could leave UM out under this scenario.

Scenario 2: Miami finishes 10-6 in the ACC including a win over FSU. 98.7% chance of getting in, with only the highly unlikely circumstance they upset the committee and replace Jim Larranaga with Seth Greenberg as coach, causing their demise (sorry Virginia Tech). Likely a 9-10 seed, depending on if they do work in the ACC Tourney.

Scenario 3: Miami finishes 10-6 but loses to FSU. 93.3% chance of getting in. In this scenario UM only gets left behind if NC State defeats UNC Tuesday and beats everyone else on their schedule minus the Hurricanes. 10 seed or lower.

Scenario 4: Miami finishes 9-7 and beats FSU. 74.4% chance of getting in. Again the odds go up if NC State fails to beat UNC, as the Wolfpack and Miami appear to be in direct competition for a bid. A win over FSU gives the ‘Canes a huge edge as it would provide a 2nd win over an RPI top 50 (Duke of course being the first).11-13 seed.

Scenario 5: Miami finishes 9-7 and loses to FSU. 44.3% Here is where things get murky. If the ‘Canes split their final four and can not defeat the Seminoles, they are at the committee’s mercy. They can still improve their chances with a strong showing in the ACC Tourney, but this scenario defines “bubble”. 13 seed if they get in.

Scenario 6: Miami finishes 8-8 in the ACC, 21.2 %. Barring a big time run in Atlanta (ACC tournament championship appearance), the ‘Canes are headed to the NIT. Forget seeding, just lucky to be considered at this point.

Durand, we are just as confused as you when it comes to the science of selecting the field of 68.

Note: When we tried to enter data for the ‘Canes losing each of their 4 remaining games, the computer went into power save mode and displayed a screen saver of random fans throwing up a “U”. Our technical department is investigating this anomaly.

Keep an eye out for more from our science and math departments as we fill their glasses with Red Bull and keep them from the light of day.

Go Canes!!

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.