Jumping out to an impressive start at 6-0 to start the season, along with winning the Puerto Rice Tip Off a few weeks ago, the program is looking its best since Frank Haith took over. The Hurricanes improved to 6-0 for just the fifth time in history with the a victory over Alabama State last night, 83-74.
The biggest key for the Hurricanes will be to stay healthy, because the depth of this year's team is the key to success. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes will be without redshirt Sophomore Adrian Thomas for the second year in a row because of a torn ligament in his knee. Last year the Hurricanes front court was plagued with injuries, with King, Thomas, and other players missing significant time.
The front court has been a pleasant surprise so far, with King returning to dominant form and strong play from Brian Asbury and Dwayne Collins. They are doing a great job of scoring lots of points, and dominating the boards. Combo that with James Dews and Jack McClinton being serious threats from behind the arc, and you've got a team that will gave the ACC a run for its money. Last year the Hurricanes upset four teams in the top 25. Expect much of the same this season. Considering the Hurricanes finished dead last in the ACC last season, the only way to go is up.
Frank Haith has also been doing a great job on the recruiting trail, by signing two standout players already, DeQuan Jones and Reginald Johnson. Small forward Jones is ranked 8th nationally at that position by ESPN, and Johnson is ranked 38th among centers by scout.comThe biggest question is whether the Hurricanes can stay in close games with ACC foes, which they have failed to do in years past. The Hurricanes have always been within striking distance, but fold as the game is winding down.
If they can keep the depth they have now, we may be able to forget about these recent tradgedies with a trip to the big dance.
3 comments:
The basketball team is playing great, but who have they played? Don't get me wrong, I love what Haith has done with the team and the improvement is evident by their record, but this weekends game against St. Johns will be the first real test for the 'Canes. If they can continue their strong play, this team could easily crack the Top 25. We have already received some votes in days past, and that is a giant step itself. Let's hope that we have the KU effect, only in the opposite direction. We're a football school with an underachieving football team. That must mean our basketball team will exceed expectations this year.
Good post. I agree with what you're saying about the only way to go is up, since we did finish dead last in the ACC last year. However, as you mentioned, the Canes need to steer clear of its injury-prone tendencies which have already begun to arise. Julian Gamble is out with an ankle injury (and is an air cast) and jack McClinton, perhaps our most valuable asset from the perimeter is aleady gone for a prolonged period of time with a broken left wrist. Doesn't seem like much is going the Hurricane's way right now and the tides dont seem to be changing... the only positive i can take away from all this, is the quality of the prospects UM has been pursuing but other than that, i don't what
to say, its just a sad year for the Hurricanes all around.
-Ara Basmajian
I have to disagree with both previous comments. I have taken many positives out of these first few games. Yes, they haven't played anyone great but, but they have beaten every team that has come there way. Yes, Jack is hurt, but still the Canes have managed to win 2 games without one of the top ACC scorers. The first test was the Rican torny, where UM swept up. Now, they face a team in St. Johns who used to be great, but not so much anymore. Still, with the injuries and the schedule, as miami wins they will continue to move up in the rankings, as they already have. They now have some votes in both the AP and Coaches poll, near the top 25.
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