Miami Basketball: Five things to look forward to heading into 2017-18

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) works around Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Ja’Quan Newton (0) goes up for a shot ahead of Michigan State Spartans defense during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ja’Quan Newton

Despite receiving a three-game suspension late in the year for a violation of team rules, Ja’Quan Newton was one of the top players on Miami’s roster in 2016-17. He was the team’s second-leading scorer (13.5 points), leading assist man (3.4 dimes) and was fourth in steals (1.1).

Newton will not only be the point guard of next year’s team, but he will be the leader and the most experienced player on the roster.

He holds the keys to Miami’s success.

Bruce Brown might be the most talented player, but if Newton gets into trouble off the court, that won’t go over well with Jim Larranaga and more importantly, the guys in the locker room. If Newton doesn’t improve his three-point percentage (28% in 2016-17), his turnovers (3.3 per game) or even his free throw percentage (70 percent), the Hurricanes won’t reach their ceiling.

This could be a boom-or-bust season for Newton (as it always is), but if he’s on target, he is going to be one of the most exciting players in the country to watch. His blazing speed and ability to change the game in a heartbeat is something that Miami will always covet as long as he is in a Hurricane uniform.

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