When look at the NCAA Men’s Basketball latest AP Poll, you
see the usual suspects in the top 10 with Indiana being #1, Duke #2, and
Syracuse #6. But has anyone noticed that #3 team is Miami (FL), a team that
destroyed Duke 90-63 and beat Michigan St. 67-59.
The
Hurricanes are flying under the radar right now as nobody is really talking
about the success of this team, who was projected to finish in the middle of
their conference at the beginning of the season.
Miami is
known for being a football powerhouse but basketball has never been a success
for the Hurricanes. Miami has made the NCAA Tournament five times and only once
made it to the Sweet-16, back in 2000. Off to the best start in school history
and currently the highest the school has ever been in an AP Poll, the
Hurricanes are not a team that flashes you with star players as their leading
scorer, Senior guard Durand Scott, only averages 14.0 points per game. The
Hurricanes are currently 105th in the nation in scoring at 70.4
points per game. No that is not a typo… the team that is currently ranked #3 in
the nation is 105th in scoring.
A huge
reason why the Hurricanes are #3 is their defense. They allow only 59 points
per game but their most important stat is that they hold opposing teams to 37%
from the field, which is 13th in the nation. We all know head coach
Jim Larranaga’s name because of his 2005-06 season with George Mason, when he
led the Patriots to the final four. But Larranaga should be in the running for
national coach of the year for the job that he has done at Miami. In 1.5
seasons with the Canes, he is 39-16 and will most likely make the tournament for
the first time since 2008.
When you
watch the Hurricanes play, you won’t see flashy plays because they are so
successful at playing traditional basketball in which they play team basketball
and thrive on the mindset that defenses win championships.
Currently
in 1st place in the ACC, the Hurricanes, whom are undefeated in ACC
play, return to action Sunday against the Clemson Tigers.
image was used from miamiherald.com
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