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#40 Miami Hurricanes
Atlantic Coast
Conference
2004-05: 16-13, 7-9, 6th
2004-05 postseason:
NIT
By
Joel Welser
Miami competed very well during
their first campaign in the ACC under Coach Frank Haith. That
squad pretty much went just six deep and, with five of those
players returning, plus a great group of freshmen to fill in off
the bench, the Hurricanes are poised for big things during year
two in the ACC.
Who’s Out:
William Frisby started 23 contests during his final campaign for
the Hurricanes. The forward averaged 8.7 points and 6.4
rebounds. Brandon Okpalobi averaged only 0.5 points and 0.9
assists as a senior. Glenn Batemon was released from his
scholarship after only seeing action in 11 games last year.
Antoine Mayhand, who opted to transfer after his freshman
campaign, only yielded 5.6 minutes per game.
Who’s In:
Denis Clemente is a great point
guard who will be ready to contribute immediately. The 5-11
Bayamon, Puerto Rico native is a scorer first, averaging 33.5
points per game last year at Miami Calusa Prep and is able to
play at either guard spot. Brian Asbury has nice size for a two
guard and is extremely athletic, but might need a little time
before he develops into a big time contributor. Small forward
Adrian Thomas can play on the inside and outside. His long range
shooting isn’t great, but he’ll stretch out the defense on
occasion. Jimmy Graham is a competitive big man. The 6-8, 245
pound Goldsboro, North Carolina product will always work hard
and continues to develop. He’ll see some minutes this year off
the bench.
Who to Watch:
The backcourt trio of Guillermo
Diaz, Anthony Harris and Robert Hite are extremely explosive and
experienced. Diaz, a second-team All-ACC selection a year ago,
is the big time scorer. As a sophomore last season, the 6-2
guard from San Juan, Puerto Rico averaged 18.6 points per game.
This year he’ll continue to light up the scoreboard and compete
for ACC player of year honors.
Projected
Conference Rank:
The absence of William Frisby hurts
the frontcourt. Anthony King started all 29 games last year and
Gary Hamilton has starting experience, but after that the bench
is slim. Raymond Hicks showed some promise playing in 23 games
as a freshman, but the incoming big guys won’t have much
adjustment time before they will be expected to earn some
quality minutes. Nobody in the frontcourt will be dominant
scorers, but that isn’t necessary with Diaz, Harris and Hite on
the floor. King averaged 3.0 blocks per game last year and that
will keep the opposition from having their way with Miami under
the basket. Considering the expectations a year ago, a 6th
place finish in the ACC is very good for the Hurricanes and will
send Miami to the NCAAs.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Anthony Harris,
Junior, Guard, 12.4 points per game
Guillermo Diaz,
Junior, Guard, 18.6 points per game
Robert Hite, Senior,
Guard, 17.3 points per game
Anthony King, Junior,
Forward, 6.3 points per game
Gary Hamilton, Senior,
Forward, 4.1 points per game
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