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‘Canes to get visit from Sparty in November.

The 2012 ACC/Big Ten Challenge schedule was announced yesterday, and Miami will be hosting a potential top 10 team in Michigan State. The defending Big Ten regular season champs will be heading to Coral Gables Wednesday November 28 (TBA) and should provide UM with a rugged early season test. Tom Izzo coached teams are notorious for their intense style and dominant inside play. Miami’s front court. returning Seniors Kenny Kadji and Reggie Johnson in particular,  will need to be at their best to pull out a victory over the Spartans. Fortunately for the Hurricanes all world forward Draymond Green will be playing in the NBA when this game tips off.

Michigan State will be a huge challenge.

Tuesday, November 27
No. 13 North Carolina at No. 1 Indiana
No. 6 NC State at No. 5 Michigan
No. 25 Minnesota at Florida State
Maryland at Northwestern
Iowa at Virginia Tech
Nebraska at Wake Forest

Wednesday, November 28
No. 8 Ohio State at No. 15 Duke
Virginia at No. 22 Wisconsin
No. 9 Michigan State at Miami
Purdue at Clemson
Georgia Tech at Illinois
Boston College at Penn State

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.

 

The “What If” Miami made the NCAA Tournament Sim

After the disappointment of Selection Sunday and the terrible Tuesday of watching Iona blow a 25pt 2nd-half lead, we called on our Category 6 computer programmers to run a simulation. At first they resisted, despondent over What if Miami had been put in the play-in game instead of Iona? We also reverse simulated Durand Scott’s ridiculous suspension.

In the simulated play-in game, Miami took on BYU and came away with a virtually hard-fought 64-60 victory over the Cougars. The ‘Canes balanced attack was spearheaded by Trey McKinney Jones (12pts, 5reb, 1ast, 1stl).

After being cleared by the BSNCAA, Durand Scott (10pts, 7reb, 5ast, 1stl) struggled from the field but came up big on the glass and finding teammates for open looks. Scott drilled some big FT’s down the stretch to maintain Miami’s slim lead.

Kenny Kadji (11pts, 6reb, 1stl, 1blk) drilled his lone attempt from 3 and pinned Noah Hartsock against the glass on a big defensive possession. Malcolm Grant (9pts, 2reb, 2ast, 1stl) hit both his 3′s and DeQuan Jones (9pts, 5reb, 1) had a steal that led to a breakaway dunk.

Shane Larkin (5pts, 5reb, 4ast, 6stl) created chaos for BYU’s ball-handlers. Larkin picked Matt Carlino 3 times and finished one of those steals off with a spectacular lob to Rion Brown (6pts, 2reb, 1ast). Reggie Johnson (2pts, 6reb, 3ast) was double and triple-teamed when the ‘Canes tried to get it to him in the post. The attention paid to Reggie seemed to open up the deep ball for the ‘Canes. As a team Miami shot a sterling 9-17 (52.9%) from beyond the arc.

Next Up: Miami takes on 3-seed Marquette.

11-12 Brigham Young
MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Noah Hartsock* 30 5-8 0-1 0-0 4 0 0 0 1 2 10
Brandon Davies* 30 5-11 0-0 4-5 8 0 1 2 2 3 14
Brock Zylstra* 29 3-10 1-6 1-2 3 0 0 4 2 2 8
Matt Carlino* 28 6-11 3-5 2-2 4 5 0 0 4 3 17
Charles Abouo* 27 1-9 1-4 0-0 6 4 0 0 1 2 3
Craig Cusick 19 1-3 1-2 0-0 2 4 0 1 2 0 3
Anson Winder 14 1-3 0-1 0-0 0 1 0 2 1 0 2
Nate Austin 12 1-3 0-1 0-0 6 0 1 0 1 2 2
Josh Sharp 11 0-0 0-0 1-2 2 1 0 0 1 1 1
TOTALS 200 23-58 6-20 8-11 35 15 2 9 15 15 60
39.7% 30.0% 72.7%

* – denotes game starter

11-12 Miami (FL)
MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Durand Scott* 35 3-10 1-2 3-4 7 5 0 1 3 2 10
Kenny Kadji* 30 5-9 1-1 0-2 6 0 1 1 3 2 11
Reggie Johnson* 28 1-5 0-0 0-0 6 3 0 0 1 3 2
Malcolm Grant* 27 3-6 2-2 1-2 2 2 0 1 2 1 9
Shane Larkin* 25 2-3 1-1 0-0 5 4 0 6 1 2 5
Trey McKinney Jones 21 4-8 2-5 2-2 5 1 0 1 2 3 12
DeQuan Jones 18 4-10 1-3 0-0 5 0 0 1 2 0 9
Rion Brown 11 2-7 1-3 1-2 2 1 0 0 1 0 6
Garrius Adams 5 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
TOTALS 200 24-58 9-17 7-12 39 16 1 11 16 14 64
41.4% 52.9% 58.3%

* – denotes game starter

Miami opens up a can on Valpo 66-50.

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.

 

Valparaiso Crusaders Valparaiso

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
E. Buggs 40 1-4 0-2 2-2 1 3 2 3 1 0 2 4
W. Bogan 40 2-10 2-8 0-0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 6
R. Broekhoff 38 6-15 2-9 4-4 2 7 3 2 4 0 2 18
B. Boggs 26 0-2 0-1 0-0 2 4 1 2 0 0 2 0
K. Van Wijk 24 3-8 0-0 0-1 3 10 2 0 0 0 3 6
R. Edwards 32 7-14 1-7 1-2 1 4 1 1 0 0 2 16
Totals 19-53 5-27 7-9 10 29 9 11 5 0 12 50
Percentages .358 .185 .778 Team Rebounds: 3

Miami (FL) Hurricanes Miami (FL)

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
M. Grant 24 2-4 2-4 0-0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 6
R. Johnson 33 4-8 0-0 1-2 2 11 4 1 0 3 1 9
K. Kadji 14 1-4 0-0 0-0 2 3 1 0 0 0 3 2
R. Brown 37 6-11 4-7 2-2 1 6 1 1 1 0 2 18
S. Larkin 36 5-10 2-5 0-0 0 5 1 0 1 0 0 12
T. McKinney Jones 26 4-7 2-4 0-0 0 3 3 0 1 0 2 10
G. Adams 26 4-8 0-2 0-0 2 2 3 1 1 0 0 8
D. Jones 4 0-1 0-0 1-2 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 1
Totals 26-53 10-22 4-6 7 31 16 8 5 3 9 66
Percentages .491 .455 .667 Team Rebounds: 1

Game Info

Technical Fouls:
None
Arena:
BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, FL
Attendance:
1,229
Officials:
Doug Sirmons, Wally Rutecki, Forrest Sigler

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.
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.
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!!!

Big Reg reinstated by NCAA!!!!!

Big Reggie Johnson, Miami’s talented 6’10 280 pound center and the nightmare match-up for every Plumlee in the ACC,  was reinstated today by the NCAA.

The NCAA told Miami that Johnson “must repay the value of benefits that were unknowingly received from a member of the former coaching staff” and sit out one game. Johnson satisfied the second of those requirements by missing Miami’s win over then-No. 15 Florida State on Sunday night.

Johnson is expected to play Wednesday night against NC State.

 

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!!!