NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Scottie Barnes’ final eight

Miami Hurricanes

In similar fashion to Florida State, Miami has a geographical advantage in this recruitment. The Hurricanes’ campus is also quite close to home for Barnes and that might play a factor. In addition, head coach Jim Larranaga and his program have been quite successful over the past few years. Of course, they have not quite been on the same level as some of the other programs in this final eight but they can certainly compete. Miami has been quite successful on the recruiting trail in the past and it seems as though they will have a strong pitch in this case as well.

"“[Jim] Larranaga just talks about stuff all the time with basketball but also about how life is going. He talks to me just like what is really going on in college and in the NBA. Staying close to home, I love the hot weather and I really don’t like the cold. To have my mom watch me play every game, I feel like that would be very special.” -Barnes speaking with Rivals about Miami."

Miami has been involved in this recruitment for a while and that might pay off in the long run. Barnes has also already visited campus and that may play a role in where the ‘Canes currently stand in his final list. Although it seems as though another cut to his list will not be coming for a few months, Miami is certainly in consideration due to their strong coaching staff and proximity to home.

It might also be important to mention that Miami is building a bright future. As of right now, Coach Larranaga has landed the No. 24 overall 2019 recruiting class. And while this might not be the “best of the best”, the expectation is that all three of his commits will spend their fair share of time at the college level. Their commits are ranked at No. 68, 77, and 154 overall, respectively, and could be major pieces of the rotation for years to come.

They might not be in the same class at Barnes but they would definitely be a strong supporting cast that seems to already be set.