Miami
Last season: 21-12, lost in first round of NCAA tournament.
Nickname: Hurricanes.
Coach: Jim Larranaga.
Conference: Atlantic Coast.
Who’s gone: G Davon Reed, F Kamari Murphy.
Who’s back: G Bruce Brown. The 6-5 sophomore averaged 11.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season, and is widely expected to turn pro after this season; G Ja’Quan Newton. Miami’s lone senior averaged 13.5 points last season; G Dejan Vasiljevic. The sophomore from Australia wins raves for his shooting range, but he made only 36 percent of his field goal tries last season. F Dewan Huell. The 6-11 sophomore is expected to be Miami’s best front-court player. C Ebuka Izundu. The 6-10 junior from Nigeria has gained nearly 30 pounds since his freshman year.
Who’s new: G Lonnie Walker IV. The 6-4 freshman from Reading, Pennsylvania, is Larranaga’s most highly touted recruit at Miami; G Chris Lykes. The 5-7 freshman is expected to see considerable playing time.
The Skinny: The season begins under the cloud of the FBI investigation into college basketball, with Larranaga saying he was named in court documents but has done nothing wrong. On the court the outlook is bright. Larranaga’s goal is for the Hurricanes to rank in the top 25 in offensive and defensive efficiency, which shows his expectations are high. Brown and Walker IV are considered potential NBA first-round draft picks next year and are projected to be part of a balanced, potent attack, but defense could be shaky early in the season.
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