Starting Lineup
SR JaQuan Newton
As the only senior of the main rotation, he’ll be relied upon to provide the veteran leadership. It won’t just be on the court going through the grind of conference play but dealing with potential distractions on the outside depending on what news comes about.
His 13.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 3.4 assists make him the all-around most important player for the team. If he can improve on his 28% long distance shooting, then he can take his game yet another level.
FR Lonnie Walker
Ranked No. 12 in ESPN’s top 100, Walker is a guy who can just get buckets. The 6’4 shooting guard chose Miami over top programs such as Villanova, Arizona, and Kentucky. He played on the same AAU team with now-teammate Newton and former Hurricane Davon Reed.
SO Bruce Brown
A highly rated player a year ago, Brown performed to expectations with 11.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg. The team highlight of the season was his and the school’s first triple-double performance against South Carolina State. With Walker likely to slide into the two spot, Brown will have to guard bigger players at the wing positions.
JR Anthony Lawrence
Speaking of sliding down to another position, Lawrence will probably spend some time at the “four” spot. Miami has a ton of talent on the perimeter, so having a physical player who has the size to guard players even a little bigger than him will benefit the team, and his minutes.
SO Dewan Huell
He might not be the best, but Huell will determine both the ceiling and floor for the team. As the replacement for Murphy, the 6’11, 230-pound former McDonald’s All-American will be responsible for the paint.
He started 15 games, and, in just 17 minutes a game, he averaged 5.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and a block a game. If the five-star big man can score efficiently as well, things could get dangerous for opponents.