Miami Basketball: 3 reasons why Hurricanes will improve for 2020-21 season
By Ian Mumm
3. Why Miami Basketball will improve next season – Improved Roster Depth
The Canes have possessed a modest offense and have managed to eek out games here and there the last several seasons, but they have too many inconsistencies to put forth a strong product. A lot of their problems (i.e., rebounding, playmaking, shooting conversion) have largely come from a general lack of depth.
During Larranaga’s tenure at Miami, shot attempts have heavily landed in the laps of the top-3 players as a direct result of minimal scoring options. However, the potential for a balanced offensive attack and the talent to spread the ball around is there in 2020. The addition of Earl Timberlake Jr. gives this team a monstrous downhill presence to account for and the improving shots of Harlond Beverly and Isaiah Wong help to fill the backcourt.
Fellow 2020 signee, Matt Cross, was also an incredibly productive player on last year’s Nike EYBL circuit posting a stat line of 23.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His addition is a huge safety net for this team to operate should shooting slumps occur. He will be a bigger part of the rotation this year and can play positions 2-4. His ability as a strong rebounder adds a lot of frontcourt support to the team as well.
Cincinnati transfer Nysier Brooks will be eligible this season and instantly provides a physical center in the middle of the Canes defense. He isn’t likely to be a dominant scoring threat on this team, but he will vastly help to improve the rebounding margin Miami plays with and will be a productive shot blocker. He will rotate with returning bigs Sam Waardenburg and Rodney Miller, giving Larranaga more to work with this season.
In seasons when Larranaga had two players average at least one block per game, the Canes finished top-4 in the ACC. While finishing that high next season is unlikely, considering the talent influx at Virginia, UNC, Duke, and Florida State, this team will compete for a finish in the top half of the conference.
Next. Early ACC power rankings for 2020-21. dark
This year’s team certainly has the options on the floor to spread the ball around and find the best shot. An improved defense should keep them competitive and in many games as well. An NCAA-tournament birth is not out of the question for this team in 2020.