Written by Anthony Abruzzo
College Hoops is just right around the corner for the University of Miami. Even with their football team being ranked seventh right now, fans can’t wait for UM basketball to get back on the floor to start the season.
There is a lot to look forward to for UM this season including competing in the ACC and trying to get back into the NCAA Tournament. With that said, here are five things to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Lonnie Walker Will Change the Dynamic of the team.
Incoming freshman Lonnie Walker is a unique talent that is going to make a major impact in his first year as a hurricane.
Walker, a five-star recruit coming out high school in Pennsylvania, was ranked as 14th in the 2017 class by ESPN.com. Walker is known for his athleticism and the ability to run the fast break and create highlight reels in an instant second. His ability to dunk is a thing to see.
However, Walker’s season had a scare when he tore his meniscus in July. But, he was recently cleared to return to practice after surgery and rehab a couple of weeks ago and is slowly getting back into things.
If everything clears up, Walker has a chance to one of Miami’s best recruits of all time and will be a top lottery pick in next year’s NBA draft if he chooses to enter. Watch out for Lonnie Walker.
JaQuan Newton Needs to Lead this team
JaQuan Newton will need to be one of the focal points if not the focal point of the team. He’s the only senior that will be in the rotation, meaning that he needs to provide that veteran leadership that every young team needs.
Last year, Newton averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. Those stats will have to go up a little bit and one way of doing so, improve his three-point percentage. He only shot about 28% behind the three-point line last season. If he can get that percentage up, he could easily average between 16-18 points a night and could make him a candidate for the Wooden of the year award.
Bruce Brown’s Move to Two Guard
Bruce Brown is another important piece to Miami’s puzzle if they want to accomplish all their goals this season.
Brown played well last season averaging almost 12 points and six rebounds per game. He was very good on the defensive side of the ball as well. Brown will have to start at the two guard spot this year and therefore will need to guard players who are bigger than he’s used to guarding as well as being guarded by bigger wing players. Let’s see how he makes that transition.
Getting the Bitter Taste Out
Last season, Miami made it to the NCAA tournament but made a quick exit at the doors after losing in the first round against Michigan State.
The revenge factor will be there to get that bad taste out of their mouth and make it a learning experience so that they can get better this season.
Season Expectations
This year’s team has a chance to be something special and will be one of the most watched teams in the nation.
They are in a great conference in the ACC so, the competition will be very stiff with teams like Duke, UNC, Notre Dame and Florida State just to name a few.
The Hurricanes are currently ranked 13th in the AP Poll. Expect the Hurricanes to be either around that spot or in the top ten by the end of the season. Also, expect the Hurricanes to finish second or third in the ACC tournament and they could easily be one of those teams that can make it all the way to the final four.
There is a lot to look forward to for UM this season including competing in the ACC and trying to get back into the NCAA Tournament. With that said, here are five things to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Lonnie Walker Will Change the Dynamic of the team.
Incoming freshman Lonnie Walker is a unique talent that is going to make a major impact in his first year as a hurricane.
Walker, a five-star recruit coming out high school in Pennsylvania, was ranked as 14th in the 2017 class by ESPN.com. Walker is known for his athleticism and the ability to run the fast break and create highlight reels in an instant second. His ability to dunk is a thing to see.
However, Walker’s season had a scare when he tore his meniscus in July. But, he was recently cleared to return to practice after surgery and rehab a couple of weeks ago and is slowly getting back into things.
If everything clears up, Walker has a chance to one of Miami’s best recruits of all time and will be a top lottery pick in next year’s NBA draft if he chooses to enter. Watch out for Lonnie Walker.
JaQuan Newton Needs to Lead this team
JaQuan Newton will need to be one of the focal points if not the focal point of the team. He’s the only senior that will be in the rotation, meaning that he needs to provide that veteran leadership that every young team needs.
Last year, Newton averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. Those stats will have to go up a little bit and one way of doing so, improve his three-point percentage. He only shot about 28% behind the three-point line last season. If he can get that percentage up, he could easily average between 16-18 points a night and could make him a candidate for the Wooden of the year award.
Bruce Brown’s Move to Two Guard
Bruce Brown is another important piece to Miami’s puzzle if they want to accomplish all their goals this season.
Brown played well last season averaging almost 12 points and six rebounds per game. He was very good on the defensive side of the ball as well. Brown will have to start at the two guard spot this year and therefore will need to guard players who are bigger than he’s used to guarding as well as being guarded by bigger wing players. Let’s see how he makes that transition.
Getting the Bitter Taste Out
Last season, Miami made it to the NCAA tournament but made a quick exit at the doors after losing in the first round against Michigan State.
The revenge factor will be there to get that bad taste out of their mouth and make it a learning experience so that they can get better this season.
Season Expectations
This year’s team has a chance to be something special and will be one of the most watched teams in the nation.
They are in a great conference in the ACC so, the competition will be very stiff with teams like Duke, UNC, Notre Dame and Florida State just to name a few.
The Hurricanes are currently ranked 13th in the AP Poll. Expect the Hurricanes to be either around that spot or in the top ten by the end of the season. Also, expect the Hurricanes to finish second or third in the ACC tournament and they could easily be one of those teams that can make it all the way to the final four.