It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
Miami Hurricanes
2020-21 Season:
Record: 10-17 (4-15)
Points per game: 66.4
Rebounds per game: 35.0
Assists per game: 11.3
Points allowed: 71.0
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Isaiah Wong (17.1)
Rebounds per game: Nysier Brooks (5.8)
Assists per game: Isaiah Wong (2.4)
Field goal percentage: Nysier Brooks (51.7)
Another season of Isaiah Wong
Wong has been strong since the start of his career at Miami, averaging 7.7 points as a freshman, and is now coming off a sophomore season in which he started 26 games and posted averages of 35.6 minutes, 17.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. With what he showed, it helped him earn third-team All-ACC team. Now, with some key losses like Chris Lykes, Elijah Olaniyi, and Earl Timberlake, will the Hurricanes need Wong to step up even more' That leads us to our next point.
Strong guard play stepping up; new names also helping out
Wong was incredibly strong and helped lead the way last year. Now, with the losses that were mentioned, it seems that Coach Larranaga will have multiple options this season that should help offensively at the guard position. Kameron McGusty, a 6'5 guard, started 18 games last year, and averaged 13 points, and shot 44.5 percent from the floor. Harlond Beverly is another player that saw a ton of minutes but will need to step up his production offensively and showcase to be a better shooter (shot 14.9 percent from three last year). The Hurricanes also bring in a few new names that should help and bring in some firepower. Sixth-year senior Charlie Moore comes in from DePaul, in which he averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also has a ton of experience under his belt. Miami also brings in George Mason transfer Jordan Miller who was third-team All-Atlantic 10, played in 20 games last year, led the team in scoring at 15.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. That doesn't even mention the incoming freshmen in Bensley Joseph, Jakai Robinson, and Nisine Poplar as well.
Who leads the way in the frontcourt' Will Miami have to play small ball'
With the number of guards Miami has, I think it will be hard for the Hurricanes to not play small ball especially with the amount of firepower they bring to the court. So, spreading the floor and weapons on the outside might be the way to go but they will have players that can bring size. 6'9 Anthony Walker is the first one to look at, as he saw significant minutes last year and came on strong towards the end. Also, keep an eye on 6'11 Deng Gak and 7'0 Rodney Miller Jr. Gak played in 25 games last year and brings good length, while Miller hopes to get back on the court after missing much of the season last year. Senior 6'10 big man Sam Waardenburg will also be one to watch, as he missed last year but averaged six points and six rebounds the year before.
Key Stat to Watch:
With the amount of talent they have at the guard position, it will be interesting to see what steps they take offensively in several categories. Miami only averaged 66.5 points per game, shot 42.3 percent from the floor, and only 29.5 percent from three, all of which ranked near the bottom of the ACC.