Miami Basketball on the Rise

While it was disappointing for the Miami Hurricanes football program this past fall, a loosing record of 5-7 and ineligible for a bowl, there is still hope. The mens basketball team has been off to an incredible start. Behind stars Anthony King at center and shooting guard Jack McClinton, they currently hold a record of 6-0 and having been receiving some good attention in the media. The Men's Basketball program is definitely gaining the strength that is needed to become a tournament team. With commits from top recruits and the current lineup, Miami Basketball is on the rise.
The Hurricanes have had several impressive victories this season. They entered the first Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic and came out beating a solid Providence team, 64 to 58. Along the way they defeated Marist, a bubble team last year that nearly missed the NCAA Tournament, and Virginia Commonwealth University, a Sweet Sixteen team last year who upset Duke University in the opening round.
Most recently the Hurricanes beat Alabama State University out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference 83 to 74, this past Wednesday, November 28. Behind a 16 point performance by Dwayne Collins and a good effort from Anthony King, the Canes had 5 players in double digits.
The amazing start has allowed the Miami basketball program to gain much more attention from the media, bloggers, the general public, as well as several top recruits. The basketball program is feeling the effects in its recruiting.
Miami currently has three freshman commits for the 2008-2009 season, 6-6 small forward DeQuan Jones, from Georgia, 6-8 power forward Reggie Johnson, from North Carolina, and is looking at a commitment from 6-5 forward Quincy Roberts, from Pennsylvania. Jones is ranked as the number 11 small forward in his class. All three could definitely have a major impact on the roster and on the team's performance next season.
The Hurricanes were projected to finish at the bottom of the ACC this year. With their hot start, they have found their way up to the third spot. The top recruits that have been signed and committed is another added bonus. Miami needs to keep it up. Right now, many sport analysts see the Canes as a definite tournament team and must continue on this path, making their name known as a threat in the ACC and in all of college basketball. Miami Basketball is definitely on the rise.