CATEGORY 6

It's all about . . . The U!!!

Tag Archives: Frank Haith

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.

 

Breaking: Mizzou’s starting 5 suspended from 1st NCAA game; Haith pissed

Category 6 breaks this incredible story. It appears that University of Missouri starters Kim English, Marcus Denmon, Ricardo Ratliff, Matt Pressey, and Phil Pressey were all found to have received benefits from assistants on former coach Mike Anderson’s staff.

Coach Frank Haith came out immediately against the 1-game ban and called it “completely unfair” and a “travesty” as he had nothing to do with the sins of the former coach. He lambasted the NCAA’s tradition of not holding coaches accountable for violations and instead punishing the players, the fans and the University of Missouri while running to another job free and clear.

Coach Haith was furious at the NCAA for depriving his team of a chance . . .

Kim English, Mizzou’s leading scorer spoke out against the ruling, stating that he had no idea that his parents received a Ferrari and a small subsistence farm complete with 2 goats, a cow and a bunch of chickens.

“This is really unfair,” said English. “Why am I being punished for something I knew nothing about?”

Marcus Denmon was equally upset and pleaded with the NCAA to review their decision. He noted that his family was assured by a former Missouri coach that taking flights on private Gulfstream jets to away games was perfectly within the rules.

“This guy, what a charlatan,” Denmon said about the unnamed assistant, “he told my family it was kosher, but clearly it wasn’t.”

Ricardo Ratliff, one of Missouri’s big men, was despondent after finding out that the piggyback ride a former coach gave him not only ruptured 2 discs in the coach’s back, but a 1-game ban for the first game in the NCAA Tournament.

Ricardo Ratliff looks like he could use a piggyback ride after learning of his NCAA Tournament suspension.

“I can’t believe it,” Ratliff complained. “He assured me that a piggyback ride didn’t violate any rules. I can’t believe a coach would leave and throw us to the wolves. Only a real selfish kind of person with the character of a radioactive slug would do something like this.”

 

 

 

The Pressey brothers were discovered to be fraternal and conjoined twins after a special NCAA investigation and the NCAA came down on them like a hammer on a molten strip of metal. Phil Pressey was immediately reclassified as a senior. It appears that Missourri illegally provided the operation to separate them while the brothers were in high school because they lacked health insurance.

“You don’t know how hard it was,” Phil Pressey said through teary eyes. “Prom was especially tough because Matt was always better with the ladies.”

“He’s right,” added Matt Pressey. “He didn’t have a chance until we were separated.”

After consoling his players, Haith went to the podium to make his case.

“The NCAA has gone too far this time,” said Haith. “When will this organization [the NCAA] get it’s act together? Don’t they realize that hard-working coaches like me play by the rules and don’t deserve to be punished for the violations committed by previous administrations? What kind of lesson are we teaching our kids? Why were Cam Newton and Terelle Prior cleared to play in bowl games and then go pro and avoid suspension and my guys aren’t? Why aren’t their former coaches being punished? The media really needs to ask these questions. They need to ask why the former staff is allowed to gallop into the sunset while we bear the punishment.”

"I'm melting! I'm melting! What a world! What a world!"

 

After his rant was over a salt truck crashed into the conference room and everyone was covered in NaCl. There was some nervous laughter from the press, and when the dust settled, it was found that Coach Haith had dissolved.

The NCAA was then injected with sodium pentothal (truth serum) and mistakenly released this statement:

 

 

 

 

“The NCAA doesn’t care about its fans, players, or even the universities. Our chief goal is to make money off of amateur sports. It doesn’t bother us at all that we hold an 18-27 (if you’re Bernard James) year-old to much higher standards than highly compensated grown men and women with a lifetime of experience and a get-out-of-trouble-free-card. It doesn’t bother us that we could come up with some kind of stipend program to supplement the athletes who make vast piles of money for us and still make vast sums of money, even as we know athletics can be a full time job in terms of time put in. We just don’t care.”

Note: This is complete snark and we are not seriously implying that any of the stuff above is real. If it offended Coach Anderson, the players on Missouri, the University of Missouri and their fans, we apologize, as that was not the intent (as we’re sure you figured out). NCAA hypocrisy is difficult to withstand sometimes.

To the entire state of Missouri and its worldwide network of fans: as the “show me” state, Miami Hurricanes fans everywhere assure you that Coach Haith will eventually “show you”.

To ‘Canes fans: think about this – if Haith gets suspended, Mizzou might actually win it all. Such a quandry.

Coach Larranaga: Simply The Right Man For The Job

Coach Jim Larranaga started out his pressor last Thursday by telling a neat story regarding a chance encounter on a NJ expressway and how that encounter turned into a great long-term personal relationship.

That short story, along with other interviews by former players and coaches, encapsulated the general feel of being around Coach Larranaga.  People describe Coach L as a genuinely kindhearted,  determined, detail-oriented, passionate, intense, and intelligent man, who also just so happens to be a phenomenal coach.

Here are some quotes to digest.

Coach Derek Kellogg from UMASS, a former Larranaga assistant had this to say: “I have the utmost respect for Coach Larranaga and his program. Some of the things we’re doing I can attribute to when I worked with him at George Mason. He’s been a mentor to me,” Kellogg said. “He’s going to have this program where everyone’s looking for it to go. He’s a great coach and a great mentor.”

and

“I had a great time with him,” said Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who was Larranaga’s co-coach in 2006 (during a Michael Jordan event.) “He’s a really neat guy to be around. He has as good people skills as any coach I’ve seen. Being around him, that was the first thing I noticed, and that is why he’s been successful. He’s able to get the most out of people in a positive way.”

Coach Larranaga’s not your run-of-the-mill coach that solely cares about winning at all costs. He’s in it for the betterment of the student-athletes, and that’s why kids gravitate to him; pleasantly describing their experiences in being coached by him.

Like all great coaches, he is a teacher first. His demeanor is calming, focusing on the process of playing well and knowing that wins are a by-product of having the right kids receiving the right instruction and being put in a position to win. He quotes everyone from Ghandi to Aristotle to the NBA’s Kevin Garnett, usually to prod and motivate his players to achieve more then they think they are capable of.

On the sidelines you can see him interacting with the players, especially the players sitting on the bench. Constantly coaching and instructing them on what to look, and do, should your number be called. His passion and intensity is tangible and players obviously feed off that energy. They sometimes lose, but never quit. Even in two tough games this year (home vs Maryland and @ Duke), when historically they may have floundered, they found a way to win, riding the confidence of their coach.

This is a truly welcomed reversal of the underwhelming experiences “The U” has endured under the Perry Clark and Frank Haith era’s, and this is only his first season with the team.

If nothing else, its the smallest and simplest of details where one can instantly notice the considerable difference in coaching (for some additional color check out his coaching instructional videos on youtube). In previous years, Miami had considerable trouble in-bounding the ball and breaking the press. Today, no such difficulty exists. They get the details right. The players look and feel like a real team, capable of beating anyone.

Coach L is also known for finding kids in the “Money Ball” mold, i.e. he focuses more on statistics than he does on a kid passing some “eye test.” Not only is that used as part of game planning, but it was also a strategy he exploited while recruiting at George Mason and it will unquestionably be used at Miami; although, it should be a bit easier to recruit kids to Miami.

Like virtually all organizations, things are top down oriented. That’s how  culture is created and it must be constantly reinforced over time. Larranaga’s demeanor, passion, caring, and teaching are the bedrock of this new culture. Furthermore, the recruits he brings in will be a reflection of him: hard-working, caring, passionate, intelligent, determined to win, and more than just a number on a jersey. In short, they will be successful.

Here are two video’s that really show you what we are getting in Coach Larranaga.

The kids that attended George Mason – coach Larranaga’s previous school, played their hearts-out, making the NCAA tournament 5 times in 12 years – a enviable record for any coach (for more on that click here.)  On numerous occasions they beat “better” teams (on paper) including GM’s fantastic road to the final four in 2006 in which the commuter school beat titans Michigan State and UCONN. The reason for their success? Its not just talent, its what you do with that talent.

Over his career as a college head coach, Coach L has coached 66 players that have gone on to play professionally (the full list is here.) Consider that for a moment. Here is a coach, that until this current season has only been at 1 mid-major (George Mason) and several smaller programs, and yet his players have gone on to play professionally.

And that’s what should be the norm from here on out. In his first season as head coach at Miami, Coach Larranaga is already proving that he can make guys better. For the first time since joining the ACC, Miami is above .500 in conference wins at 7-5, with 4 to go. Though not a given, the team also has a chance to make it to March Madness, instead of watching it from their couch’s. What a welcomed and exciting possibility that is!

Needless to say, I am proud to be a ‘Canes basketball fan, and this is easily the most excited I’ve been for the future of this program since I started obsessing over it in 1996. I am attending every game I can with a blend of intrigue, hope, and passion, so I can help support Coach L and the players in their quest to make the Tourney. Its vital that you do the same.

How can you not be enthralled with “The U’s” future?

 

Category 6 Basketball Simulation: Miami (1999-2000) vs. Hurricanes (2007-2008)

This is one for the ages. The Category 6 computer scientists went at it again. This time they’ve outdone themselves by pitting one of the best Leonard Hamilton coached ‘Canes teams (Miami) versus Frank Haith’s lone NCAA tournament squad (Hurricanes). Miami defeated the Hurricanes 87-70 in a lopsided contest that saw coach Haith go through 5 or 6 jackets. (No we’re not aiming to get Men’s Warehouse as an advertiser) Note: I only ran the simulation once for the purpose of this article. I think that’s the best strategy to refrain from picking a particular result. Also, subsequent simulations showed a mix of wins and losses with the 1999-2000 squad winning the lion’s share of the contests. (8 out of 10).

 

Johnny Hemsley nails a three and lets the Hurricanes know about it.

Johnny Hemsley 24pts, 6reb, 1ast, 1stl and NBA star John Salmons went ballistic. Hemsley was on fire from behind the arc and at the line.

 

We could have used a 'Cane photo, sure, but these expressions are priceless. Salmons is like "I can't believe it!". Josh Smith is like "Not again!".

Salmons pushed a triple-double with 19pts, 7reb, 6ast. Mario Bland 17pts, 8reb, 3st was a beast on the boards and lured Anthony King away from the hoop while repeatedly nailing his patented jumper. Elton Tyler also made life difficult for Collins as he sent an early layup attempt into the 3rd row. Brian Asbury scored 13pts but the Hurricanes were beaten up on the boards by Miami.

 

Mario Bland (51) gets a rest after abusing Anthony King and Brian Asbury.

Perhaps the most surprising outcome of this simulated game is Jack McClinton’s 11pts on 3-9 shooting. I know Miami’s defense was world-class, but we’ve all seen McClinton go berserk in big spots, I’m inclined to think that he’d score a bit more.

 

Jack McClinton (33) had a sluggish simulated game against Miami.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Graham (00) has turned into quite the NFL TE.

NFL All-Pro TE Jimmy Graham 10pts, 5reb put away the cleats for the game and contributed despite only playing 17 minutes.

 

Vernon Jennings 9pts, 4reb, 5ast, 2stl caused problems for McClinton, James Dews 0pts, 3reb, 2ast and Lance Hurdle 7pts, 3reb, 2ast.

 

The story of this game appeared to be Miami’s suffocating defense, as they forced the Hurricanes into 17 turnovers. Miami’s 14 steals reflected their quick hands and heady play. Brian Asbury 13pts led the Hurricanes’ balanced attack, but there wasn’t enough supporting firepower to pull out the win.

 

FINAL
99-00 Miami (FL) 87
07-08 Miami (FL) 70

 

VISITING TEAM: 99-00 Miami (FL)
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PT M/A FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Johnny Hemsley 33 7/15 4/9 6/6 6 1 0 1 2 1 24
Vernon Jennings 31 2/6 1/2 4/4 4 5 0 2 3 2 9
John Salmons 29 6/12 3/4 4/4 7 6 1 3 2 2 19
Mario Bland 28 6/11 0/0 5/8 8 0 0 3 2 4 17
Elton Tyler 26 3/6 0/0 2/2 4 1 1 1 2 4 8
Joao Paulo Coelho 14 0/3 0/2 1/2 1 1 0 2 2 3 1
James Jones 12 0/4 0/0 2/2 3 0 0 1 0 1 2
Leroy Hurd 12 2/2 0/0 1/2 1 2 0 0 0 2 5
Dwayne Wimbley 12 0/0 0/0 2/2 3 1 0 1 0 0 2
Tarik El-bassiouni 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Orlando Gonzalez 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Simmons 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 200 26/59 8/17 27/32 38 17 2 14 13 19 87
44.1% 47.1% 84.4%
HOME TEAM: 07-08 Miami (FL)
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PT M/A FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Jack McClinton 27 3/9 1/4 4/4 3 3 0 0 3 3 11
James Dews 27 0/4 0/1 3/4 3 2 0 0 1 3 3
Brian Asbury 26 6/9 0/0 1/1 3 2 1 1 1 1 13
Dwayne Collins 22 3/5 0/0 2/2 7 0 2 1 2 1 8
Lance Hurdle 22 3/5 1/2 0/0 3 2 0 0 2 2 7
Anthony King 22 4/8 0/0 2/2 5 1 0 1 2 0 10
Eddie Rios 19 1/8 1/2 1/4 1 0 0 0 3 3 4
Jimmy Graham 17 4/6 0/0 2/5 5 0 0 0 2 2 10
Raymond Hicks 15 1/2 0/0 2/2 2 3 2 2 0 4 4
Landon Glover 1 0/1 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Adrian Thomas 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fabio Nass 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
TOTALS 200 25/57 3/9 17/24 33 13 5 5 17 19 70
43.9% 33.3% 70.8%

Category 6 Basketball Simulation: Miami (2010-2011) vs. FAU (2010-2011)

Miami ventures to Sunrise to take on the FAU Owls in the Orange Bowl Classic. The Orange Bowl, as many of you know, has been demolished and a new structure has been built atop of its foundation. If you recall, this is basically the plot for Poltergeist.

In honor of this match-up the computer scientists at Category 6 have run a computer simulation based on last year’s team stats. The program uses some kind of algorithm to generate a pretty detailed box score.

In this 2010-2011 fantasy match-up, the ‘Canes emerged victorious with an 86-76 victory at a simulated neutral site.

 

*Bolded players are predicted to play in Saturday’s game.

 

Raymond Taylor (2) was on fire in the 1st half.

The Owls got off to a fast start due to the efforts of 5’6 PG Raymond Taylor who paced the Owls to a 41-39 lead at the half with lock-on shooting and dribble penetrations that led to some success on the inside for F Kore White. Taylor was on fire, hitting all 4 of his trifectas in the first half, including one from the corner as the half ended.

 

 

 

It was at this moment that Miami’s coach Frank Haith took of his jacket and slammed it on the floor. Owl star G Greg Gantt was largely kept in check by the ‘Canes. For the ‘Canes, Durand Scott and Reggie Johnson kept the ‘Canes in it, along with some crisp passing by Malcolm Grant.

 

Reggie Johnson (42) isn't just big . . . he's gigantic and he dished out some serious simulation punishment on the FAU Owls.

The Owls may have won the first half, but the ‘Canes came out storming in the latter frame. Adrian Thomas sank a couple of threes early on in the half to give the ‘Canes a lead they would build on by going to Johnson down low and having Scott cut his way to the basket. Grant carved through the defense and delivered a no-look pass to Julian Gamble who delivered an emphatic dunk. The ‘Cane attack proved to be too much for Owl defenders who racked up the fouls and sent the ‘Canes to the line where they converted a whopping 27-31 (87.1%). White fouled out with 5 minutes on the clock, paving the way for Johnson to get some easy buckets to keep the Owls at bay.

 

Durand Scott (1) had a big-time simulated game with 25pts.

Obviously a lot has changed for both teams since last year. The game on Saturday will be a great opportunity for the ‘Canes to get another tick in the win column. Don’t be fooled, the Owls under coach Mike Jarvis will come to play. Without Johnson, Gamble, and DeQuan Jones the ‘Canes lose out on 29 simulated points and 16 simulated rebounds. That production – real or imagined – is going to have to come from other sources. Look for our preview of this game in the next day or two.

 

FINAL
10-11 Miami (FL) 86
10-11 Florida Atlantic 76

 

VISITING TEAM: 10-11 Miami (FL)
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PT M/A FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Durand Scott 35 8/13 2/5 7/8 4 3 0 2 3 3 25
Malcolm Grant 32 2/5 2/5 2/2 3 8 0 2 2 1 8
Adrian Thomas 27 3/6 3/6 4/6 3 3 0 0 2 1 13
Reggie Johnson 26 6/12 0/0 6/6 9 1 1 0 2 3 18
Garrius Adams 25 1/4 0/1 4/4 3 3 0 1 1 1 6
Julian Gamble 19 2/3 0/0 0/0 3 0 1 0 1 3 4
Rion Brown 16 1/4 0/2 1/1 0 1 0 1 1 2 3
DeQuan Jones 15 3/6 0/1 1/2 4 0 0 1 1 0 7
Raphael Akpejiori 5 0/0 0/0 2/2 2 0 0 0 0 1 2
TOTALS 200 26/53 7/20 27/31 31 19 2 7 13 15 86
49.1% 35.0% 87.1%
HOME TEAM: 10-11 Florida Atlantic
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PTM/A FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Raymond Taylor 32 7/13 4/7 3/3 3 9 0 3 4 4 21
Brett Royster 32 6/9 0/0 3/4 7 0 1 0 3 4 15
Alex Tucker 32 4/9 0/0 4/4 3 7 0 1 2 3 12
Kore White 27 5/11 0/0 0/0 6 0 2 2 2 5 10
Greg Gantt 24 3/7 1/3 1/2 3 0 0 0 1 3 8
Dennis Mavin 14 1/3 0/1 2/2 2 1 0 0 1 2 4
Pablo Bertone 10 2/5 0/1 0/1 2 0 1 0 0 0 4
Shavar Richardson 9 0/1 0/1 0/0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0
Jordan McCoy 7 1/1 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2
Justin Davis 7 0/0 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Andre Mattison 6 0/1 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 200 29/60 5/13 13/16 29 19 4 8 14 24 76
48.3% 38.5% 81.3%

Category 6 Breaks down the 2010-11 Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes Basketball Program has long been overshadowed by the football squad. Dissapointing home crowds, some very tough losses, and just one NCAA appearance in seven years marked the Frank Haith era. Nonetheless Haith left UM when Missouri came calling, and the Canes caught perhaps the biggest break of the offseason. When Jim Larranaga was  hired, this team took on a whole new feel. For the first time ever UM will have a coach with Final four experience. Haith did not leave the cupboard bare and Larranaga inherits an experienced squad. Injuries to big men Reggie Johnson and Julian Gamble provide an early challenge. Nonetheless if this team reaches its’ potential by season’s end I expect fans in South Florida to know more about basketball then the “Big Three”.

Projected Starting Lineup:

C – Kenny Kadji   6’11 255 Redshirt Sophmore *****
F – DeQuan Jones  6’7  218 Senior
F – Rion Brown    6’6  194 Sophmore
G – Malcolm Grant 6’2  188 Senior
G – Durant Scott  6’3  198 Junior

Key Reserves

G/F Garrius Adams       6’6  193 Junior
C   Raphael Akpejori    6’10 230 Sophmore
G   Trey McKinney-Jones 6’5  216 Junior
G   Shane Larkin        5’11 160 Sophmore
F   Erik Swoope         6’6  230 Sophmore
G   Bishop Daniels      6’3  180 Freshman
**** C Reggie Johnson 6’10 300 Junior (injured)

Star Watch:

 

There were times last year when Malcolm Grant was the best player on the floor for either team. Grant brings swagger & McClinton-esque range on threes to every game. I’d be very surprised if he isn’t a first team all ACC pick at the end of the year. In addition to improving on last season’s 15 plus points a game and maintaining 42 percent on three pointers, the 6’2 combo guard needs to be the leader of this team in his senior year, and take better care of the ball. But watch any team that makes a deep run in the NCAA’s and they have a guy like Grant,  who is deadly from the line and has a penchant for making big shots in crunch time.

 

If Reggie Johnson comes back healthy and regains his form quickly, he deserves mention here as well. Reggie is already the best offensive rebounder in the ACC. at 6’10 300 pounds, Reggie has the size few in the country can match.  Reggie has NBA hands and touch as well. The only question about the big guy is how well he heals and how his conditioning holds up when he gets back in January.

Break out player:

 

While DeQuan Jones may finally be in the system to utilize his athleticism and Garrius Adams has the versatility to be the guy here,  my break out player for 2011-12 is Rion Brown. Whether in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, I expect to see Brown play major minutes. He is arguably the Canes’ best perimeter defender. By the end of the year I expect he’ll be thier second best outside shooter. At 6’5 Brown has good size. I expect he will fill out some in his upper body and end up getting to the line more frequently. Expect double figures from Rion Brown on most nights.


X-factor:

Durand Scott. In my opinion no one gets the basket in the ACC better then Scott. The problem is the 6’3 guard seems to rarely get the benefit of the doubt from the refs when he makes contact with bigger players. Scott often has the strength to finish plays on his own, and his 39 percent on threes last year was far improved from his freshman season. Miami needs Scott to take care of the ball and become a consistent 2nd scoring option until Reggie gets back. If Durand Scott brings his A game night in and night out, UM may have the best backcourt in the conference if not the country.

Biggest shoes to fill (literally):

 

Kenny Kadji. With Julian Gamble out for the season and until Big Reg gets back, Kadji is the man down low. Kadji sees himself as a Lamar Odom type with versatility to do it all. But early on the Canes need him to do the dirty work, set good screens, rebound, and block shots. Kadji may end up being one of the most talented guys on the roster, but with UM short handed up front, they need him to maximize all of his 6’11 frame.

 

Outlook/Prediction:

The bad news:
Playing in the ACC is never easy, and the out of conference schedule is daunting. A four game stretch in late November and early December that includes bookend trips to Purdue and West Virginia, and home slates against UMass and Memphis, will be telling. Miami get preseason #1 UNC twice and their lone match-up with Duke is in on the road. Reggie Johnson is out until January.

The good news:
Despite the tough road ahead, I think the Canes have a chance to do something special. Jim Larranaga and his coaching staff bring final four experience and endless energy to the equation. The back court is talented and experienced. The wings players are versatile and athletic. Reggie Johnson should be back in time for the conference schedule. These factors usually lead to special seasons.

I expect Miami to lose a few of the early season out of conference games, but finish strong. 20-9 overall and 10-6 & third place in the ACC seems very reasonable with this squad. From there I’d expect about a #5 seed in the NCAA tournament and a sweet 16 run, maybe more if this team clicks.