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Miami Basketball: 2023-24 season preview and outlook for Hurricanes

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 26: Head coach Jim Larrañaga of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with players after defeating the Texas Longhorns 88-81 in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 26, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 26: Head coach Jim Larrañaga of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with players after defeating the Texas Longhorns 88-81 in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 26, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Miami Basketball (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Miami Basketball (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Key reserves

Guard – Jakai Robinson (Sophomore)

As a redshirt freshman wing on a team with a loaded backcourt, Jakai Robinson never really saw the court last year, but with minutes now available, he may finally have a chance to shine. The former four-star prospect could be one of the first subs off the bench when Pack or Poplar need a rest.

Forward – Kyshawn George (Freshman)

Jim Larranaga expanded his recruiting footprint with the addition of Kyshawn George. The 6’6″ guard hails from Switzerland, and he has been impressive during the Hurricanes’ exhibition tour of France, and in practices leading up to the season. With Bensley Joseph projected to be making the jump to the starting lineup, plus the transfers of Harlond Beverly and Anthony Walker to Wichita State and Indiana, respectively, George could actually see the court early and often.

Forward – AJ Casey (Sophomore)

The frontcourt is once again the thinnest part of the Hurricanes’ roster. Norchad Omier will soak up minutes, but as an undersized center, he’s going to need help handling the rigors of the ACC. AJ Casey appeared in 29 games and averaged just over six minutes per game last year, which doesn’t sound like much, but actually led all Hurricane freshmen. He averaged over 11 points per game during the team’s three-game tour of France, showing that he could see the floor not only to sub in for Omier, but to play alongside him at times.

Center – Michael Nwoko (Freshman)

One doesn’t often think of freshmen as the kinds of players that will do the dirty work, but Nwoko fills that role for the Hurricanes. He shined in the Nike Hoops Summit earlier in the year, impressing teammates and spectators alike with his physical playing style, ability to crash the boards, and knack for finishing in the paint.