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July 13th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Miami
Hurricanes
Overall Rank:
#121
Conference
Rank: #11 ACC
2005-06:
18-16, 7-9, 7th (t)
2005-06
postseason: NIT
 The
early departure of Guillermo Diaz to the NBA has left
Miami with a lack of a
go-to scorer. Returning point guard Anthony Harris is the
logical choice to fill that role, averaging 9.5 points per game
last year. Coming off of a successful freshman campaign, Denis
Clemente should become a double digit scorer; however, somebody
else needs to step up so Harris can feel less pressure to put up
big scoring numbers and spend his time setting up others.
Who’s Out:
The backcourt duo of Diaz and Robert Hite will be greatly
missed. The two combined to average 33.6 points, 4.3 assists
and 8.7 rebounds. That is some major perimeter production to
replace. Seldom used backcourt mates Lee Butler and Eric
Wilkins have also wrapped up their basketball careers at Miami.
Big man Gary Hamilton started 22 contests, averaging 3.8 points
and 5.4 boards during his senior campaign.
Who’s In:
It might
lack the big name, but Coach Frank Haith has brought in a very
good class. The frontcourt will bring in Dwayne Collins and
Fabio Nass. Collins is an intimidating power forward who will
add a much needed rebounding presence on both ends of the
floor. Collins won’t be starting in November, but he might be
by March. With his experience at the junior college level, Nass
can find some minutes backing up the big men. The 6-10 forward
can hit the outside jumper and help on the glass. Swingman
Lawrence Gilbert can do a little bit of everything and a lot of
some things. Gilbert has great ball control skills considering
his 6-7 frame. There will be some fun fast breaks in Miami with
Gilbert on the floor. Shooting guard James Dews is a candidate
to fill in for some of the departed scoring, especially from
behind the arc where the Hurricanes suddenly lack a threat. Two
years ago Jack McClinton averaged 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and
2.7 assists as a freshman at Siena. Now the 6-1 guard is
eligible to play at Miami and will certainly continue his
quality game in Coral Gables.
Who to Watch:
The
backcourt has a surprisingly amount of talent despite the loss
of Diaz and Hite. The key to this season will be getting more
production out of the frontcourt. Anthony King knows a thing or
two about production, averaging 8.8 points and a team high 6.9
rebounds per game. It is the other two forward spots that have
questions. Raymond Hicks started two games last year and showed
some potential when he was given the opportunity, but might have
some trouble if he is asked to move to three. Jimmy Graham made
ten starts as a freshman. He didn’t put up big numbers by any
stretch of the imagination, but the potential is there for a
breakout season.
Final
Projection:
There is more
talent here than most people are giving Miami credit for, but it
is still a major accomplishment for a .500 team to lose over
half of its scoring and improve…at least without a ‘Thad Five’
type recruiting class. There will be struggles early, but don’t
be surprised if Miami pulls off a big upset or two in the ACC.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected
Starting Five:
Anthony Harris,
Senior, Guard, 9.5 points per game
Denis Clemente,
Sophomore, Guard, 5.5 points per game
Raymond Hicks,
Junior, Forward, 4.7 points per game
Jimmy Graham,
Sophomore, Forward, 1.8 points per game
Anthony King,
Senior, Center, 8.8 points per game
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