Usually, when you win 20 games in a season, there's a good chance of postseason play. But in the case of Miami, that didn't happen. Miami started 15-1 before finishing the season losing 12 of 17, and finishing 20-13, but 4-12 in the ACC. But despite that, a start has been born for Miami.
Backcourt
Over the last nine games of the season, Durand Scott averaged over 16 points per game, and blew up in the ACC Tournament, as he helped Miami make a deep run in the ACC Tournament. He comes in as the go to guy, and the lone returner who averaged double digit points per game. But he won't have to do it alone. Malcolm Grant has shot 43% from three point range over the last two seasons. Garrius Adams is a 6-6 combo player who can play shooting guard and small forward, and can score when needed. Rion Brown is a freshman that head coach Frank Haith is really high on.
Frontcourt
Despite the loss of Dwayne Collins, there is a plethora of options to fill in his departed shoes. Reggie Johnson picked up his game late in the year, and at 6-10 and 295 pounds, is a big option down low. Julian Gamble became a starter late in the year, and became a solid rebounder, averaging seven rebounds a game over the final month of the season. Adrian Thomas is a sixth year senior who can shoot the three, and shoots it very well. DeQuan Jones is a very athletic player, but is still a bit of a work in progress. In terms of freshmen, Donovan Kirk is a redshirt who has a large wing span. Erik Swoope is counted on as a defensive presence off the bench.
Schedule
There are a few noteworthy games in the nonconference schedule. The Hurricanes have home games against Mississippi and West Virginia, and travel to Memphis. Miami is the lone team not in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge this year. In conference play, Miami gets UNC at home, but doesn't have to travel to Chapel Hill. They get home and home games with North Carolina, but have to travel to Virginia Tech.
Prediction
If the Miami team that played so well at the end of the year shows up, this could be a juicy sleeper team. Frank Haith has a lot of depth, and could easily play 10 players if he chose to. The biggest concern is point guard. While Malcolm Grant handles the duties, he is more of a shooting point guard. This is also a younger team, with only one senior expected to see playing time. With the core of this team a year older, Miami will escape the ACC cellar and move up the standings this season.
by Will Ojanen
Fantasy Player to Watch
Durand Scott finished strong last season and the sophomore should be in for a big year. Scott is a playmaker, creating for others, and able to finish at the basket. Best case has Scott scoring close to 15 points per game with 3-5 assists and rebounds per game.
