NCAA Basketball: Duke, Michigan State fall in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
19. Miami FL (2-0)
The Hurricanes marched to their first ever Final Four last season, continuing Jim Larranaga’s incredible run as leader of the Hurricanes. While a few of those vital pieces from previous years are gone, Miami did bring back significant pieces in Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier and used the Transfer Portal to reload this roster. Could Miami be in for a third straight incredible season?
We’re not going to know the answers to that question based on the opening week, but Miami did start the season with a nice 101-60 win over NJIT. Woogla Poplar led all scorers with 21 points while Omier was impressive with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Hurricanes faced a slighter tougher challenge later in the week but came away with the same result, scoring an 88-72 home win against UCF. All five starters were in double figures, led by Poplar’s 23 points on a great shooting night for the team.
Things are a bit different without Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller, but it’s clear that Miami still has the talent to compete for the ACC title, especially if Poplar has the step forward that many are expecting this season. Next week sees the Hurricanes facing off with Florida International, a third-straight winnable home date, and then a neutral-site contest against Georgia.