Miami would have played in the NCAA Tournament if it was healthy for all of this past season. But, Reggie Johnson missed the Hurricanes’ first 10 games and took another five to seven contests to get into decent game shape.
By that time, the Canes had six losses, including at Ole Miss in overtime, at West Virginia, at home to Memphis and at Purdue. You have to like Miami’s chances against the Rebels and Mountaineers with Johnson, and that would have been enough -- with everything else the way it played out -- to get into the big dance.
But it didn’t happen and, if everyone returns, the Canes will definitely get in next year. But here’s a quick look back at this season.
Miami finished 20-13 overall, including 9-7 in the ACC. Here is the Hurricanes’ report card for their performance this season:
Miami offense: Jim Larranaga’s approach to scoring the ball was quite different from when Frank Haith was at the helm in Coral Gables. Miami played much faster this season, but, too often, there was too much dribbling, questionable shot selection, and a seeming disconnect on the floor. But quality talent took over and, on good days, the Canes appeared to better grasp their new coach’s system. Miami finished 4th in the ACC in scoring (70.7), 7th in field goal percentage (43.1), 5th in 3-point shooting (35 percent), and 7th in assists.
Grade: C.
Miami defense: Like on offense, Miami changed when it didn’t have the ball from how it played under the previous regime. Quite frankly, the Canes were worse on defense. They took more chances and didn’t communicate as well. In time, though, expect more pressing and traps to be added. Miami was 6th in scoring defense (66.1), 7th in field goal percentage defense (42.1), 6th in 3-point defense (32.6 percent), 10th in rebounding defense, and 9th in blocked shots.
Grade: C.
Miami intangibles: A late road loss to a Maryland team that was tumbling ultimately cost the Canes from getting into the NCAAs. They played pretty well down the stretch, otherwise, and were a bit sharper on both ends of the floor. The kids appeared to enjoy playing for Larranaga, so the immediate future is rather bright.
Grade: B.
Miami final grade: Miami fans can ask “What if?” all offseason, but next year’s team might be better as a result of this season’s issues. Overall, it was a solid first year for Larranaga -- 20 wins, a win at Duke and a win over FSU made this a solid season.
Grade: C+.
