Rion Brown lead the way with 18 points as Miami overcame a slow start to dispose of Valparaiso 66-50 in the first round of the NIT. Ryan Broekhoff lead the way for Valpo with 18 points but on just 6-15 shooting. Reggie Johnson contributed 9 points 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the ‘Canes, and Shane Larkin continued his strong play with 12 points as well as an outstanding defensive game. Miami looked lethargic at times, building just a 24-23 first half lead. But the second half was all UM, as the ‘Canes used outstanding defense and hot shooting to cruise to the victory.
Rion Brown gave Valpo fits Wednesday night.
Player of the Game: Brown. When Rion Brown is at his best, the only way to describe him is “smooth.” Brown busted the Crusaders zone to the tune of 4-7 from downtown. At one point Brown displayed his superior athleticism by saving an offensive rebound to Trey McKinney Jones, who immediately kicked it right back to Brown. Before RB released the ball TMJ back pedaled down court arms raised with out a shadow of doubt the ball was going in. It was the kind of night for Rion Brown.
The Bad News: Durand Scott was re-instated by the NCAA, but must first serve a 6 game suspension. Counting tonight’s game he has served two, so the suspension effectively ends the season of arguably UM’s best player. The silver lining is that Larkin and Brown in particular have raised their games. But with out the NYC native Scott, Miami’s chances to reach the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden are significantly reduced.
What’s Next: Miami will face Minnesota (20-14) at the BUC, TBA. The Golden Gophers upset LaSalle 70-61 in their first round NIT match-up.
Still stung from the previous night when it appeared Miami got the very short end of the officiating stick against FSU, I watched in shock today as NC State was completely victimized against UNC, After the game I decided to take a walk down Peachtree street and as it turns out my timing was impeccable. NC State’s buses had just pulled into the Hyatt. I made my way through the storm of red and consoled anyone who would listen. A medium size group of what appeared to be players’ families hung their head in disbelief and consoled each other.
Kendall Marshall scores on the non call heard round the world!
“You guys got shafted,” I said.
“Thanks, hopefully we still get in,” offered a middle age man clad in NC State gear.
Feeling their pain and perhaps wanting to commiserate some over UM’s loss, I worked my way outside to the bus area. Most of the players were wearing headphones or hanging their heads. One gentleman with slicked-back hair and NC State colored attire, who appeared to be either an Assistant Coach or with the Athletic Department stood on the sidewalk with a somber look on his face.
“They really cheated you guys,” I offered.
“Thanks,” he mumbled somberly.
“I hope you guys get in the NCAA anyway, you guys deserved to win today by 15,” I continued.
He nodded.
“Why does it have to be this way? UNC and Duke need no help,”
As we continued chatting, this unidentified NC State guy hit me with some wisdom.
“This has been going on for years, we’re used to it. The Commissioner won’t do anything about it, he’s a Carolina guy.”
Folks, I make no qualms about it. I bleed Orange and Green. But today I think we all need to share in the Wolfpack’s misery. They probably played their best game of the season, and were so close to that oh so evasive “signature win.”
The non-call on Kendall Marshall’s game winning drive was hard to ignore. But what made it so blatantly inconsistent was the number of touch fouls that crew called on NC State’s big men leading up to that moment. Tyler Zeller got away with at least 2 or 3 flops. NC State’s entire front line was in foul trouble the whole second half.
Let’s turn back a second to Miami’s stunning loss the night before. I won’t offer much in the way of particulars as unlike UNC-NC State I am far from impartial. Miami in my opinion has faced incredible adversity all year long. They have had a few games where the officiating has been questionable (UNC at home in particular) and not once have I seen a player or coach on UM show up an official. Last night I counted three times in which Coach Larranaga openly disputed a questionable call or non call. Kenny Kadji is about as polite a young man as you can find in college sports. After the third time he was called for a charge that wiped out an and one in which the defensive player appeared to be moving, he threw his hands up in disgust and protested on deaf ears. Shane Larkin too, seemed stunned on a few non calls in which he finished the play on the floor wiped out, or checking his teeth.
Coach L rarely protests, but last night's headache causing non calls got the best of even him.
So what is the answer? How do we get back to point where ACC basketball is about great basketball and not poorly officiated games? Well that my friends falls on the very broad shoulders of Commissioner John Swofford.
In either case if the ACC expects hard working folks to continue spending small fortunes of money on its tournament, it needs to address the problem. After all if ACC fans wanted to watch pro wrestling, they could.
The 59th Annual ACC Tournament kicks off this Thursday in Atlanta, and the biggest question other than how many “OOOOO’s and ARE YOU KIDDING ME’s??” Dick Vitale will scream out, is which bubble teams can help their chances? In addition, if anyone can unseat powerhouses UNC and Duke, it will be the first time since 2004 when Maryland took home the crown. In any event it promises to be a fun week filled with high drama and terrific hoops action.
Dickie V loves the ACC Tournament.
Teams with the most on the line:Miami, Virginia, NC State. The ‘Canes and Wolfpack are clearly on the bubble, but do not overlook the importance to winning at least one game on the slumping Hoos. A second round match-up between NC State and UVA just might be an NCAA Tournament elimination game. Miami likely needs to defeat both Georgia Tech and FSU to assure a trip to the tourney.
Reggie Johnson and Miami have some work to do in Atlanta.
Sleeper Alert:Clemson, Maryland. Clemson comes in on a hot streak, winning a 5 of their last 7. The Terps might have the most explosive individual player in the conference in Terrell Stoglin. Unfortunately Clemson stares at a possible second round meeting with Duke, and Maryland, UNC. But amongst the middle to lower echelon teams, these two are the most dangerous.
Which players will shine brightest?Harrison Barnes can carry UNC to the title should he get hot. Malcolm Grant finally emerged from a season long shooting slump going 12-25 from downtown in his last 4. Mike Scott is my pick for ACC player of the year. He simply can not afford a bad game or UVA loses. Scott carried Virginia in its season finale with 35 points in their OT win over Maryland which clinched a 4 seed. If NC State makes a run it will no doubt be on the back of Calvin Leslie. Leslie has really raised the level of his play down the stretch, averaging 20.2 points and 10.1 rebounds over his last 5.
Harrison Barnes might just take over in ATL.
Predictions:
1st round: Maryland over Wake Forest, NC State over BC, Clemson over Va Tech, Miami over Ga Tech.
Quarterfinals: UNC over Maryland, Virginia over NC State, Duke over Clemson, Miami over FSU.
Semifinals: Miami over Duke, UNC over Virginia.
Final: UNC defeats Miami.
MOP: Harrison Barnes, UNC.
ALL ACC Tournament Team: Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, Mike Scott, Malcolm Grant, Kenny Kadji.
With an NCAA Tournament so close they could taste it, Miami suffered a major setback losing 77-73 to NC State last night in Raleigh. UM now desperately needs to beat BC at home on Saturday and possibly a game or two in next week’s ACC Tournament to improve their chances at an at large bid. The ‘Canes played well in spurts, but gave the Wolfpack far too many easy buckets and wasted too many opportunities to win. Miami finished just 8-29 on threes, and gave up a key offensive rebound on a missed free throw with under a minute to go, down just one. Miami had several chances to tie or take the lead in the final moments, but it just wasn’t to be. CJ Leslie lead NC State with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Rion Brown was strong off the bench with 15 for UM.
NC State got the ball inside far too often last night.
What’s next: Senior Day, with BC at home on Saturday at 2:30 PM EST (ESPN3/Raycom).
Its come to this. What better way for Miami (16-10 7-6 ACC) to salvage its hopes for an NCAA birth then a visit from bitter rival FSU (AP # 15 19-8 10-3 ACC)? The ‘Canes can still avoid the NIT by making a run in the ACC Tournament, or beating NC State on the road. However the most direct route to the NCAA Tournament is beating FSU. The Seminoles come in still having an outside shot at the ACC regular season title, and have dominated Miami in recent history, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings. All the more reason Miami should be fired up on Sunday (6pm EST ESPNU). With just one win over an RPI top 50 (Duke) Miami’s resume needs some work. If the ‘Canes do get in, watch out!
What’s at Stake? Miami proved a lot with the win over Duke. But some of the luster has been lost by recent performances, especially at Maryland. The manner in which the ‘Canes lost may have created skepticism in the selection committee’s mind. NCAA worthy teams typically play their best basketball at the end of games and at the end of seasons. In a word, a win over FSU would provide redemption. For FSU, their ticket is punched. Another win would continue to improve their seeding, plus they are bound to be cranky after losing at home to Duke on Thursday night.
Can the 'Canes put it together against FSU?
Keys to Victory: Play fast, loose, and physical!! Half court slug-fests are FSU’s calling card. If UM can get out on the break and get some easy looks, it takes away a lot of pressure. When they do get in half court sets they need to be strong with the basketball and match Florida State’s physical nature. I’d rather see UM pick up an offensive foul or two with a hard screen, then get man handled by the Seminoles. Attitude will be everything. On the defensive end, they need to make FSU a perimeter team. In the first game the Seminoles got far too many easy inside looks, particularly in the second half. Again I wouldn’t mind seeing Miami pick up a few clean hard fouls to send a message that they will not be bullied. Reggie Johnson, while not 100 percent, needs to make his presence felt for whatever time he is on the floor Sunday night. Shane Larkin needs to return to his early season form. Malcolm Grant needs to knock down some jumpers. The ‘Canes really need all of their top players to show up at the same time if they hope to come out victorious.
Earlier this week President Obama visited the U.
Will the fans show up?? The consistently sparse crowds at the Bank United Center continue to be a problem. On Sunday night we hope a decent crowd shows up. The traditionally under supported basketball program remains just that. At this late stage of the season, the extra energy of a raucous home crowd could really help the team out in its biggest game of the season. After all if we can get the Commander-in-Chief on campus, can we not pack an 8,000 seat arena?
Prediction: Some bounces, some calls are destined to finally go UM’s way. FSU will bring the heat with Bernard James on the inside and Michael Snaer on the outside, but Kenny Kadji and Malcolm Grant are equal to the task. Trey McKinney Jones will come off the bench and continue his hot shooting, and the ‘Canes will edge FSU 59-57.
With the NFL Combine slated to begin on Feb. 22, I have decided to make a list of players from Miami that have declared for the 2012 NFL draft. We have added our two cents and also included the rankings and write-ups from WalterFootball.com.
Our thoughts:
Though some of the players are joining the draft for the right reasons, some others’ decisions are questionable. Personally, I come from the mind-set that you only leave early if you are projected to be drafted in the first or second round (there are some exceptions to this but this is my general principle.) This is especially true if you are a RB, since the wear-and-tear (i.e. number of carries) and risk of injury is so great. For all others, they should enjoy the benefits of staying in school for another year, finish getting their degree, and put together another strong year of play, thereby increasing the chances they get drafted higher, which results in a bigger payday and a larger commitment level from the NFL front office and coaching staff.
I understand the logic of some coaches and agents: players, especially with the new NFL rookie contracts, are really playing to get a second contract in which they receive their payday. It not an irrational or flawed decision, but I believe the added experience of staying all four years has more positives than leaving early does.
That being said, the NFL Combine will give some UM players the opportunity to display their talents – especially their speed and athleticism – which can make a considerable difference come draft day. This was especially true for the Raiders Organization (loved speed, just ask DVD) pre-Al Davis. Now it may be slightly less significant. Regardless, this is a great opportunity for many “day 2ers” to showcase themselves. Many ‘Canes have a lot to gain from this event.
Currently, 7 of the 10 players who declared for the draft have been invited to attend the event. They are: Brandon Washington, Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon, Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin, Lamar Miller, and Jacory Harris.
Lamar Miller is projected as a late first, early second round pick (#2 RB overall), so his decision is a total no brainer.
Tommy Streeters’ decision on the other hand, being a red-shirt Sophomore, and only 1 real season of game tape, is a bit questionable. Yes, he’s ranked as the #8 WR, but with another year of film, he could have gone much much higher. Although, I’m sure the uncertainty of who was going to throw him the ball, and that many of his buddies are leaving probably factored into his decision. Overall, I don’t totally disagree with Streeter.
Spence, as a senior, had no choice, but he is highly ranked anyway, being the #7 overall LB prospect (may have improved after senior bowl). J12, Ojomo, Benjamin, Byrd, and Regis are also all seniors, so no questions here. Unfortunately though, Regis, Ojomo, Benjamin, Byrd and Jacory will all be lucky to get drafted (per the draftniks), but as usual, will likely get a Free Agent contract considering the number of players over the past several years that have underwhelmed at Miami and have gone on to have success at the NFL level (thanks again Coker and Shannon!!!!!!!).
The other players choosing to depart early leave me a bit confounded. Vernon has played few games over his three year career. Talented? Unquestionable. Proven? No chance. So why not return as the dominant favorite to start and potentially zoom up the draft board? No idea. Projected as a 4-5rd pick is nothing to laugh at, but little downside and huge upside exists if he returned in my opinion. Overall, don’t love the decision.
I view Forston exactly the same as Vernon. See above. Only thing I can add here is that all his childhood buddies from Northwestern are leaving, so he probably had little interest in staying behind. Probably part of their master plan hatched in High School.
Guard Brandon Washington is similar to Vernon and Forston with one major exception, he would have likely been a lock as a day 1 pick if he stayed one more year. He has the size, speed, aggression, and talent to be a top pick. Last year he played tackle, but his natural position is guard (projected at guard in NFL.) Another year in the system would have made a huge difference stock-wise. This is especially true if Seantrel Henderson moved to left tackle and the coaches allowed Washington to return to his natural position.
Though I have stated my case above its hard to really come down on a guy for wanting to leave early and reach his dream. All these guys have a chance to make a difference at the next level. I wish good luck to all the ‘Canes on their quest for success in the NFL!!!!!!
(So, I have included this tangential highlight reel of monster UM hits. I literally couldn’t help myself. See it in your heart if you can forgive me.)
Personal note: Dear Coach Golden, please show this video before each game next season. I think each and every current and future ‘Cane needs to know what we expect from players at “The U.” This is what our former glory looks like. Teams were literally afraid of playing Miami. Like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson in their heyday, the game was half over before it even started…….. Man am I excited for football season already!!
Here are the individual rankings and write-ups by WalterFootball.
DEFENSE
Olivier Vernon*, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Position Rank #21
Projected Round (2012): 4-5. 12/21/11: Vernon was suspended for the first six games of the season by the NCAA. In six games, he had 18 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Vernon played well against Boston College in the season finale. He is a good athlete who should test well before the draft. Vernon has decided to skip his senior season, which looks like a questionable decision.
Adewale Ojomo, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Position Rank #26
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA. 12/21/11: Ojomo was suspended for the first game of the season by the NCAA. He had 19 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Ojomo tried to return for another season but was denied a sixth year by the NCAA.
Marcus Forston*, DT, Miami
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.97.
Position Rank #17
Projected Round (2012): 3-4. 12/16/11: Forston was suspended for the first contest of the season. He recorded five tackles in three games before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Ohio State center Mike Brewster had a good game against Forston. Forston declared for the draft and signed with Drew Rosenhaus, so he cannot change his mind and return to school. Forston is a good athlete with potential but has legitimate durability concerns entering the NFL.
Micanor Regis, DT, Miami
Height: 6-2. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
Position Rank #29
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. 12/16/11: Regis had 41 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks this season. He did not look good going against Ohio State center Mike Brewster.
Sean Spence, OLB, Miami
Height: 6-0. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Position Rank #7
Projected Round (2012): 2-3. 12/26/11: This season, Spence was all over the field, yet constantly around the football, for Miami. He is a good tackler who rarely gets caught out of position. For 2011, Spence had 106 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble. He played very well against Georgia Tech, Miami and in many other games. The only thing that holds him back from being ranked higher is a lack of size. Getting off blocks could be an issue for Spence at the next level
OFFENSE
Jacory Harris, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Position Rank #22
Projected Round (2012): FA. 1/9/12: After showing some improvement throughout the season, Harris ended the year with a four interception game at home against Boston College. He was suspended for the Hurricanes’ first game of the season for his role in the Miami scandal. Harris completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,486 yards for 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Lamar Miller**, RB, Miami
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Position Rank #2
Projected Round (2012): 1-2. 1/16/12: Miller was a dynamic playmaker in 2011. He ran for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns rushing while averaging 5.46 yards per carry this year. Miller showed the speed to break off long touchdown runs, and is a threat to score with any touch. He also has the size and strength to handle a large amount of carries. The redshirt sophomore was one of the most dynamic backs in college football.
Tommy Streeter*, WR, Miami
Height: 6-5. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Position Rank #8
Projected Round (2012): 2-3. 12/12/11: In his first season of playing time, the junior Streeter was a source of big plays. He is a tall, lanky wide receiver who has the speed to stretch the field. In 2011, Streeter caught 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. He is an excellent red-zone weapon due to his height and leaping ability. Streeter is raw and needs a lot of work as a route-runner. His draft stock probably could have been enhanced if he returned to Miami for his senior season before going pro, but Streeter declared and hired an agent, so there is no turning back.
Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami
Height: 5-10. Weight: 175.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Position Rank #33
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. 12/12/11: Benjamin was suspended to start the season. He ended up catching 41 receptions for 609 yards and three scores. Benjamin needed to be more productive than that, and he also could have been more aggressive on some balls thrown to him deep downfield.
Brandon Washington*, G, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
Position Rank #7
Projected Round (2012): 3-4. 1/16/12: After being a 2010 All-ACC pick at guard, Miami moved Washington to left tackle after Seantrel Henderson was injured. Washington had a mixed season at left tackle. He did a quality job of run blocking for Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller. Washington has a nice combination of power and mobility, but belongs on the inside.
Head coach Al Golden was openly critical of Washington after he struggled against North Carolina and defensive end Quinton Coples. Washington took offense at his coach’s criticism, but remained the starter at left tackle. He has some talent, and his situation at Miami led him to entering the draft. In the NFL, Washington definitely has to move back inside.
(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Chicagomaroon of www.gobblercountry.com/ for working on this preview with us and providing advanced scouting on Virginia Tech)
Coming off of one of the most exhilarating victories in school history at Duke, The Miami Hurricanes return to action Thursday (9pm EST TBA/ESPN3) against struggling Virginia Tech at the BUC. Reggie Johnson out muscled the Blue Devils all day long on his way to a career high 27 points and 12 boards on Sunday. Fellow big man Kenny Kadji chipped in with 15 and 8, as Duke had no answers for the ‘Canes inside players. In the Hokies, UM will face a perimeter oriented team that is better than its 2-6 conference mark. Virginia Tech has lost 5 of its 6 ACC battles by 4 points or less. Much like last year’s UM team they have struggled to close out close games, but have been ultra competitive. If Miami hopes to avoid a letdown they will need to keep guards Erick Green (15.7 ppg) and Dorenzo Hudson (11.4 ppg) under control.
Reggie Johnson played with passion on Sunday against Duke.
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
Virginia Tech
F Victor Davila 6’8 245 SR
F Dorian Finney-Smith 6’8 192 FR
F Jarell Eddie 6’7 209 SO
G Marquis Rankin 6’1 165 FR
G Erick Green 6’4 185 JR
Keys to the Game: Do not bask in the glory of conquering Duke. Nothing will get you beaten quicker in this league then not showing up to play. Virginia Tech may be struggling but if Hudson and Green go off, it can be a long night for Miami. Additionally Finney-Smith is a big time talent who has had a rough freshman year. It would not be inconceivable for him to have a big game. Ever since the loss to NC State, Jim Larranaga has had the full attention of the team, so we do not expect a letdown, but anything is possible on any given night in the ACC.
Keep getting the ball inside. The Hokies would like nothing more then to watch UM launch a series of ill-advised threes. And while the ‘Canes are capable of shooting the ball well, the most efficient way for them to win is via Kadji and Johnson. Like most of the conference, the Hokies do not have the size or skill upfront to match-up with the ‘Canes big men.
Trying to guard Big Reg can be a hazardous chore.
Best Match-up:Victor Davila VS Reggie Johnson. Big Reg has a definite size advantage here, but the 6’8 245 Davila too likes to bang inside. With Va Tech loaded with small forward types, it would appear as if he will draw the unenviable assignment of checking big # 42. We wish him luck.
Va Tech's Victor Davila finishes with power.
Prediction: When the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” US Olympic Hockey team defeated the Russians they had one game left for the gold. In that game they fell behind early 2-0 to Finland before fiery Coach Herb Brooks fired them up by saying “ if you [mess] up here, it will be with you for the rest of your life.”
Well for the sake of Miami Men’s basketball Virginia Tech is Finland. Like the Americans in Lake Placid, Miami will follow-up their biggest win ever with another win. The prize may not be a gold medal, but it will take them one step closer to the NCAA Tournament. The ‘Canes roll 74-68.
Here is our full Q&A with Chicagomaroon of Gobbler Country:
C6: Virginia Tech is similar to the Miami team of last year in that they’ve lost a lot of close games. What are the reasons that VT hasn’t been able to close out some of those games? Do you think VT is improving?
GC: Looking back at the 2010-11 Miami team, I realized there were a LOT of similarities. In fact at this point of the season their records are almost identical. Both teams were shown some love in the pre-season (I know Miami was picked 8th, but analysts from around the country mentioned them as a sleeper team), especially considering the ‘Canes finished 12th in 2009-10 and the Hokies lost their top-3 players from 2010-11. I equate that to getting love a year too early. The ‘Canes played their way into that recognition with their performance at the 2010 ACC Tournament and the Hokies got it because of their 2011 recruiting class. Now look at the ‘Canes THIS year. That’s where the Hokies want to be next year.
However, back to this year: There are several reasons they are losing the close games. They don’t take care of the ball throughout the game. They don’t box out on the defensive end. They are too reliant on the 3-point shot (often bad ones). They don’t have any flow on offense and they seem to be running isolation instead of sets. These are all things that can be attributed to why Tech has struggled to win close games. But the thing I think is reason numero uno is the holes they put themselves into early in games. We’ve only held leads at half in three games in 2012. We have started the game off slow in almost every game in recent memory except against Clemson. For instance we started 0-17 against BYU at home (not kidding). When you have that big of a hole to climb out of it’s hard to win against anyone. While I think the Hokies are improving, it’s hard to tell. Every time you think they turn the corner they revert to their old habits and do something that calls that into doubt. So I really don’t have a definite answer on that one yet. Get back to me in a few games.
C6:We know that Dorenzo Hudson and Erick Green can score in bunches, what other players should ‘Canes fans worry about and who has been disappointing this year?
GC: Two players the ‘Canes should be worried about are Jarell Eddie and Victor Davila. Eddie is among the leaders in the ACC in 3-point percentage. He can be invisible at times, but when he is getting shots he can get all kinds of en fuego. That said, his shot selection is an issue and he can also be the guy who goes 0-5 from deep (I think he had that line against Duke). As for Davila, I’m going to go ahead and tell you he’s the answer to both parts of this question. He has been a bit of a disappointment this year because as our most senior post player, we thought he would be a HUGE impact player on this team. However, he has once again been just a role player. His average isn’t really up and his rebounding is down despite being the only true post player on the floor when he’s out there. BUT, to his defense, he NEVER gets fed in the post. He’s only a back-to-the-basket type of player. He has no mid-range game. So if you don’t give him touches, he’s not going to get any points. The games in which he’s done well (BC, Maryland, Duke) he’s gotten touches. But in the games this year where he does not have 5 shot attempts, he hasn’t scored in double figures. He’s incredibly efficient down low with his hook shot, so if he’s on Tech should feed him.
C6: You mentioned that VT is weak inside. With Miami’s strength being inside play in mammoth-center Reggie Johnson and do-it-all PF Kenny Kadji, how do you see VT’s front court matching-up?
GC: This may come back to bite me but I think Tech may have the most success defending Kadji of any of the ACC schools. Tech employs two tweeners (oh who am I kidding? They’re 3′s not 4′s) at the PF position in Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarell Eddie. While they will bring Cadarian Raines and Barksdale off the bench, Raines is almost exclusively a center and Barksdale doesn’t average much more than 10 mins a game. So unless Kadji decides to go to the low block all game then he won’t be taking advantage of his biggest asset against Tech: his size. If I were Larranaga I would demand both players to post on every possession. If Kadji goes to the perimeter, he may find getting good shots a bit more difficult. As for Johnson, he’s going to get his against the Hokies and I’m really worried. I love his game.
C6:What do you think Miami has to do to make the NCAA tournament? Also, what are your expectations going forward for the Hokies? Many fans, including ‘Canes fans think that VT got jobbed by the NCAA selection committee over the last 3-4 years. One year when VT was 11-5 in the ACC and didn’t make it was particularly horrific. As a VT fan, how do you deal with such disappointment based on factors outside of actual basketball? Do you think Miami is headed for a similar Titanic-like disaster come Selection Sunday?
GC: I think the ‘Canes are looking good right now, but as you mentioned cracking the Selection Committee’s formula for the last few years has been difficult. I DO think the ‘Canes need 10 wins in conference. I could see them getting in with 9 if one of those wins was over UNC, but that would also probably require getting to the ACC semi’s. The RPI is good, but a lot of things can happen still. If the ‘Canes win 11 they should be feeling pretty good, but as you mentioned, Tech was 23-7 (10-6) in 2009-10 entering the ACC tournament and got left at the altar, so that tells you how they feel about the ACC. As for the continual letdowns of the NCAA Selection Committee I try not to worry about it too much. I actually laughed with my friends a year ago as we watched the show because we knew it was going to happen. What else can you do? We were a sure-fire tournament team in 2007-08 and 2009-10 and a fringe team in 08-09 and last year. I can accept that we weren’t tournament worthy a year ago, but I can’t stomach an argument for UAB or VCU’s inclusion a year ago (even with VCU’s run, the selection process is supposed to be what qualifies you to be there, not what you CAN do if you’re admitted and everyone doubts you) OVER the Hokies. As long as the majority of people know what the truth is and the media clamors for Selection Committee reform and rips them for not including teams that deserve to go I can’t ask for much more. In one way, experiencing those letdowns on multiple occasions makes it a little easier to cope with, but that pill is bitter no matter how many times you have to swallow it. I’m hoping you guys never have to go through that.
Prediction: 75-66 Miami
Thanks again to Chicagomaroon with Gobbler Country, Please check out our answers to his questions here:
Valparaiso
Miami (FL)
