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2009-10 Miami NCAA Basketball Predictions

Written November 5, 2009 by Rock Henderson

Head coach Frank Haithe has done a nice job building a basketball program at the U, but with arguably his most talented team last year Haithe was only able to lead Miami to the NIT. Things won’t get any easier for the Canes has three starters are gone from last season’s 19 win team and a key reserve has also departed. Miami did have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, but relying on a bunch of true freshman to carry the load is not a sign that the Hurricanes will improve on their win total this year. The current NCAA basketball odds to win the tournament agree with that assessment, listing Miami as a 200-to-1 shots to win it all.

G Jack McClinton was the straw that stirred the drink on last year’s squad. His 19.3 ppg ranked near the top of the ACC conference and the San Antonio Spurs saw enough promise in him to make him their second round selection in the Draft. F Jimmy Graham opted to finish out his career at Miami on the football field and F Brian Asbury is now playing professionally overseas. G Lance Hurdle is the 4th Cane to depart the program and saw considerable action last year.

Freshman Durand Scott is the headliner of a strong recruiting class. The departure of two guards leaves an opening for Scott to step directly into a starting role. G Malcolm Grant might be the biggest addition for this team though. After sitting out a year due to transferring from Villanova, Grant made nice contributions as a freshman for the Wildcats and should start at the point for Miami. Blessed with a nice shooting touch from beyond the arc, Grant should make an immediate impact and fill the role that McClinton played. Joining the Canes program also are players expected to contribute off the bench in Antoine Allen and Garrius Adams.

F Dwayne Collins is the team’s leading returning scorer. He averaged a respectable 10.6 ppg and 7.3 rpg as he was their main threat in the post. Standing a 6-8, he provides some length in the frontcourt for the Canes. F Cyrus McGowan is the other returning starter. Known mostly for his rebounding and shot blocking skills, McGowan will be relied upon to be a much bigger part of the offense this season. Adrian Thomas is the team’s main three point threat even though he has the size to bang down low. Along with Grant, G/F DeQuan Jones is a player that needs to play big time ball if the Canes want to make the postseason. He only averaged 11 mpg as a freshman, but has all the skills required to make a major impact at the Division 1 level. Senior James Dews will most likely get the starting position at the 2 guard, but don’t be surprised to see Durand Scott take his place at some point this season. Pick up a $500 match bonus from BetUS that you can use to bet on college basketball this season.

Expectations are low at Miami. They set a goal of making the Big Dance last year, but a 7-9 run in the ACC wasn’t good enough to get in even though they had quite a few quality wins. This team is young and sometimes that can work out as these 18 or 19 year old kids play with reckless abandon. I just don’t see how they duplicate last year’s effort and wouldn’t be surprised if they missed postseason play all together.

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Filed Under: NCAA Basketball
Tags: college basketball predictions, miami hurricanes

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