Miami basketball enters this season with real expectations. After a 26-win first year under Jai Lucas, the Hurricanes return important contributors and have added talent throughout the roster. I believe this is Miami's most talented team ever, with the deepest bench in school history. Perimeter shooting is still my biggest concern, but the size, experience, and options available give this team a chance to take another step forward.
Jai Lucas Has Raised the Standard at Miami
Jai Lucas has exceeded any expectations I could have had for him. In his first season, Miami tied the school record with 24 regular-season wins, finished 26-9 overall, and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He has since assembled what I believe is the most talented roster to ever wear Miami Hurricanes uniforms. There is a lot to be excited about, and the expectations should reflect that.
Assistant coach and director of player development Andrew Moran brings strong Miami ties from his time leading Christopher Columbus High School, where he coached Cameron and Cayden Boozer. His relationships throughout South Florida and experience developing young talent are valuable assets for this program.
Associate coach Charlton “C.Y.” Young brings nearly three decades of Division I coaching experience. I have liked what he's brought to the programs he's worked with, and his veteran presence gives Lucas an experienced voice to lean on. Lucas has already shown how quickly he can turn a team around. Now I want to see this staff build on that first season and turn this roster’s talent into another step forward.
The Projected Starting Five
#55 Acaden Lewis (PG) - Sophomore
Lewis comes from Villanova after averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game as a freshman and earning Second Team All-Big East honors. With the talent around him at Miami, I want him to get everyone involved while still looking for his own opportunities. His shooting is the biggest area to watch, after shooting 27.0% from 3 and 58.3% at the free-throw line last season. From the interviews and reports I have followed, the staff believes confidence played a role in those struggles, with his stronger high school three-point numbers giving them reason to believe he can improve. If that confidence translates into better shooting as he builds on his playmaking, Miami could have one of the country's better point guards.
#35 Dante Allen (SG) - Sophomore
Allen returns after averaging 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, starting Miami’s final 16 games. He has already excelled as a scrappy perimeter defender, and I want to see him continue bringing that energy against opposing guards. My biggest concern about this roster is perimeter shooting, which makes his development there especially important. If Allen becomes a more consistent outside shooter, he could be a real complementary piece alongside Lewis, Henderson, and Miami’s talented frontcourt. He does not need to carry the offense, but he needs to make defenses respect him from outside and capitalize on the opportunities his teammates create.
#7 Shelton Henderson (SF) - Sophomore
Henderson returns after starting all 35 games as a freshman, averaging 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field. He was named to the Preseason All-ACC First Team, showing the expectations for his sophomore season. His strength and finishing ability already make him dangerous at the rim, but the reported changes to shorten his shooting motion are worth watching. More consistent outside shooting would give defenders another thing to account for and help Miami’s spacing. In the exhibition against Vanderbilt, he also looked much more comfortable putting the ball on the ground and facilitating for teammates. That stood out to me because his next step should be about more than scoring. If he becomes a more dependable shooter and creator while keeping what he already does around the basket, he could take a big jump this season.
#5 Malik Reneau (PF) - Year 5
Getting Reneau back for a fifth year is huge for Miami. He earned First Team All-ACC honors last season, led the team with 18.9 points per game, added 6.5 rebounds, and shot 54.0% from the field. He enters this season as a Preseason All-ACC Second Team selection. Reneau delivered throughout last year, including 28 points against Pitt and 24 against Louisville in the ACC Tournament. With Lewis creating opportunities and Cyril inside with him, I want to see Reneau remain the dependable scoring option Miami can turn to when it needs a basket. His experience matters on a team with several young players in important roles. Miami already knows what he can produce, and having that proven scorer back raises the expectations for this offense.
#2 Somto Cyril (C) - Junior
Cyril arrives from Georgia after averaging 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors. I expect him to fill Ernest Udeh's role last season: setting screens, finishing around the basket, and anchoring the paint. However, I think Cyril upgrades Miami's rim protection. My biggest concern is his motor and whether he brings consistent effort every night. Miami needs him running the floor, competing on the glass, and staying active beyond the plays where he can block a shot. If he does that consistently, he could make a major difference for this defense.
The Deepest Bench in Miami History
This is the deepest bench in school history. Lucas has legitimate options behind this starting five, with players who can compete for bigger roles and give Miami different ways to attack a matchup. That competition should push everyone and help the team withstand foul trouble, injuries, or an off night from a starter.
#11 Caleb Gaskins (F) - Freshman
Gaskins arrives from Christopher Columbus as a McDonald’s All-American and the second-highest-rated recruit in Miami history in the 247Sports Composite. With Reneau out, he stepped into the starting lineup against Vanderbilt and delivered 20 points, shooting 4/5 from the 3-point line. It was an exhibition, but it was an encouraging introduction, especially since perimeter shooting is my biggest concern for this roster. He's also familiar with Andrew Moran, who coached him during Columbus’ 2025 national championship season. Having a player with Gaskins’ talent projected to come off the bench shows how deep this team is. I expect him to contribute immediately and push for a bigger role as the season progresses.
#0 DeSean Goode (F) - Junior
Goode arrives from Robert Morris after earning Horizon League Player of the Year honors, averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 62.9% from the field. To me, he is the ultimate glue guy for this roster. He brings physicality, rebounding, and the ability to contribute without needing the offense built around him. He also showed he can stretch the floor, shooting 57.1% from 3, though on limited volume. I want him competing on the glass, finishing opportunities, and doing the little things that help Miami’s more featured players succeed. The ACC is a step up in competition, but having a conference player of the year in this complementary role says plenty about how deep this team is.
#1 Brent Bland (G) - Year 6
Bland comes over from Saint Peter’s after earning First Team All-MAAC honors, averaging 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. His perimeter shooting is especially valuable for this roster, as he shot 79/214 from 3 (36.9%) last season. That came with meaningful volume, giving Miami a proven bench option from deep. He also brings defensive activity and experience, and I want him to provide dependable minutes when Lewis or Allen needs a break. He scored 10 points against Vanderbilt in the exhibition and shot 3/4 from 3 (75%), giving us an early look at how he can contribute. Miami doesn't need him to carry the offense, but his shooting and turnover-creation could help him earn an important role.
#3 Nick Dorn (F) - Senior
Dorn arrives from Indiana after averaging 8.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, shooting 60/158 from 3 (38.0%). With perimeter shooting being my biggest concern about this roster, he has an important role to play. At 6-foot-7, he gives Miami size on the wing and a proven outside threat who can create more room for Lewis, Henderson, and Reneau to operate. He will be ready to shoot when opportunities come instead of passing up the looks this offense creates. If he provides dependable bench shooting, he could become one of Miami’s most important complementary players.
#6 Robert Miller III (F/C) - Junior
Miller arrives from LSU after averaging 6.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 65.7% from the field. He gives Miami another athletic frontcourt option who can protect the rim and finish around the basket. Against Vanderbilt in the exhibition, he scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds, and his playmaking from the free-throw line also stood out to me. He did a good job finding teammates from that spot, and that could open up another part of Miami’s offense by giving cutters and shooters another player to work through. I also want him to bring energy, compete on the glass, and keep the interior defense strong when Cyril comes out. A big who can contribute defensively and help connect the offense gives Lucas another useful bench option.
#10 Egor Ryzhov (C) - Senior
Ryzhov brings international experience, averaging 11.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 55.5% from the field for BC Enisey in Russia's top league, the VTB United League. Miami lists him as a senior despite this being his first season playing college basketball. At 6-foot-11, he gives Miami another sizable option inside, with experience competing against professionals. I want him to provide dependable minutes, finish around the basket, and help control the glass. Frontcourt depth was an issue last season, and Miami has completely addressed it. With Reneau, Cyril, Miller, and Ryzhov, Lucas has options to handle foul trouble, adjust to matchups, and keep fresh bodies on the floor.
#13 L.J. Cason (G) - Junior (WILL NOT PLAY)
Cason is expected to sit out this season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered at Michigan, but he deserves mention when discussing what Lucas is building. Before the injury, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 assists per game as a sophomore, shooting 33/82 from 3 (40.2%). He gave Michigan productive minutes off the bench during its national championship season. His scoring, shooting, and ability to create for others make him an exciting piece for Miami’s future backcourt. This year is about getting healthy and becoming comfortable in the program, with the hope that he can take on an important role in 2027–28.
Key Nonconference Games
Miami will get tested well before ACC play. With my expectations for this roster, these are chances to show the talent can translate against strong competition.
Florida - November 2, Tampa
Miami opens against preseason No. 1 Florida on a neutral floor in Tampa. There will be no easing into the season. I want to see how Lewis handles this offense against that level of competition and how Miami’s rebuilt frontcourt holds up against what I consider the best frontcourt in the country over the past two years. One game will not define the season, but this is an immediate opportunity to show how good this team can be.
Players Era - November 24-28, Las Vegas
Miami opens against TCU on November 24, followed by Michigan or Creighton on November 26. Another game follows on November 27, with a potential championship appearance on November 28. This stretch should tell us plenty about the rotations and whether Miami’s depth becomes the advantage I expect. Facing different opponents in a short window will also test how quickly this group can adjust.
Alabama - December 2, Watsco Center
Hosting Alabama in the SEC/ACC Challenge gives Miami a major opportunity in front of its own fans. These are the games where I want the Watsco Center packed and involved. Coming shortly after Players Era, it will also test how well Miami carries what it learns in Las Vegas into another important matchup.
Texas - December 12, Houston
Miami faces preseason No. 7 Texas at the Toyota Center in Houston. It is officially a neutral-site game, but playing in Texas should feel different from Tampa or Las Vegas. By this point, I want to see more settled rotations and a clearer offensive identity. This is another opportunity to earn a meaningful win before conference play.
My Expectations
With this roster, I expect us to make the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Anything short of a Sweet 16 appearance would disappoint me. Lucas has proven scoring, talented young players, and the deepest bench Miami has ever had. After reaching the second round last year, I expect this team to take another step.
Perimeter shooting is still my biggest concern, and Lucas will have to find the combinations that work best. But with this much talent and depth, it's fair to expect them to compete near the top of the ACC and reach the second weekend. I am excited about what this team can become, and I want the results to match the roster.
Miami basketball enters this season with real expectations. After a 26-win first year under Jai Lucas, the Hurricanes return important contributors and have added talent throughout the roster. I believe this is Miami's most talented team ever, with the deepest bench in school history. Perimeter shooting is still my biggest concern, but the size, experience, and options available give this team a chance to take another step forward.
Jai Lucas Has Raised the Standard at Miami
Jai Lucas has exceeded any expectations I could have had for him. In his first season, Miami tied the school record with 24 regular-season wins, finished 26-9 overall, and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He has since assembled what I believe is the most talented roster to ever wear Miami Hurricanes uniforms. There is a lot to be excited about, and the expectations should reflect that.
Assistant coach and director of player development Andrew Moran brings strong Miami ties from his time leading Christopher Columbus High School, where he coached Cameron and Cayden Boozer. His relationships throughout South Florida and experience developing young talent are valuable assets for this program.
Associate coach Charlton “C.Y.” Young brings nearly three decades of Division I coaching experience. I have liked what he's brought to the programs he's worked with, and his veteran presence gives Lucas an experienced voice to lean on. Lucas has already shown how quickly he can turn a team around. Now I want to see this staff build on that first season and turn this roster’s talent into another step forward.
The Projected Starting Five
#55 Acaden Lewis (PG) - Sophomore
Lewis comes from Villanova after averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game as a freshman and earning Second Team All-Big East honors. With the talent around him at Miami, I want him to get everyone involved while still looking for his own opportunities. His shooting is the biggest area to watch, after shooting 27.0% from 3 and 58.3% at the free-throw line last season. From the interviews and reports I have followed, the staff believes confidence played a role in those struggles, with his stronger high school three-point numbers giving them reason to believe he can improve. If that confidence translates into better shooting as he builds on his playmaking, Miami could have one of the country's better point guards.
#35 Dante Allen (SG) - Sophomore
Allen returns after averaging 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, starting Miami’s final 16 games. He has already excelled as a scrappy perimeter defender, and I want to see him continue bringing that energy against opposing guards. My biggest concern about this roster is perimeter shooting, which makes his development there especially important. If Allen becomes a more consistent outside shooter, he could be a real complementary piece alongside Lewis, Henderson, and Miami’s talented frontcourt. He does not need to carry the offense, but he needs to make defenses respect him from outside and capitalize on the opportunities his teammates create.
#7 Shelton Henderson (SF) - Sophomore
Henderson returns after starting all 35 games as a freshman, averaging 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field. He was named to the Preseason All-ACC First Team, showing the expectations for his sophomore season. His strength and finishing ability already make him dangerous at the rim, but the reported changes to shorten his shooting motion are worth watching. More consistent outside shooting would give defenders another thing to account for and help Miami’s spacing. In the exhibition against Vanderbilt, he also looked much more comfortable putting the ball on the ground and facilitating for teammates. That stood out to me because his next step should be about more than scoring. If he becomes a more dependable shooter and creator while keeping what he already does around the basket, he could take a big jump this season.
#5 Malik Reneau (PF) - Year 5
Getting Reneau back for a fifth year is huge for Miami. He earned First Team All-ACC honors last season, led the team with 18.9 points per game, added 6.5 rebounds, and shot 54.0% from the field. He enters this season as a Preseason All-ACC Second Team selection. Reneau delivered throughout last year, including 28 points against Pitt and 24 against Louisville in the ACC Tournament. With Lewis creating opportunities and Cyril inside with him, I want to see Reneau remain the dependable scoring option Miami can turn to when it needs a basket. His experience matters on a team with several young players in important roles. Miami already knows what he can produce, and having that proven scorer back raises the expectations for this offense.
#2 Somto Cyril (C) - Junior
Cyril arrives from Georgia after averaging 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors. I expect him to fill Ernest Udeh's role last season: setting screens, finishing around the basket, and anchoring the paint. However, I think Cyril upgrades Miami's rim protection. My biggest concern is his motor and whether he brings consistent effort every night. Miami needs him running the floor, competing on the glass, and staying active beyond the plays where he can block a shot. If he does that consistently, he could make a major difference for this defense.
The Deepest Bench in Miami History
This is the deepest bench in school history. Lucas has legitimate options behind this starting five, with players who can compete for bigger roles and give Miami different ways to attack a matchup. That competition should push everyone and help the team withstand foul trouble, injuries, or an off night from a starter.
#11 Caleb Gaskins (F) - Freshman
Gaskins arrives from Christopher Columbus as a McDonald’s All-American and the second-highest-rated recruit in Miami history in the 247Sports Composite. With Reneau out, he stepped into the starting lineup against Vanderbilt and delivered 20 points, shooting 4/5 from the 3-point line. It was an exhibition, but it was an encouraging introduction, especially since perimeter shooting is my biggest concern for this roster. He's also familiar with Andrew Moran, who coached him during Columbus’ 2025 national championship season. Having a player with Gaskins’ talent projected to come off the bench shows how deep this team is. I expect him to contribute immediately and push for a bigger role as the season progresses.
#0 DeSean Goode (F) - Junior
Goode arrives from Robert Morris after earning Horizon League Player of the Year honors, averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 62.9% from the field. To me, he is the ultimate glue guy for this roster. He brings physicality, rebounding, and the ability to contribute without needing the offense built around him. He also showed he can stretch the floor, shooting 57.1% from 3, though on limited volume. I want him competing on the glass, finishing opportunities, and doing the little things that help Miami’s more featured players succeed. The ACC is a step up in competition, but having a conference player of the year in this complementary role says plenty about how deep this team is.
#1 Brent Bland (G) - Year 6
Bland comes over from Saint Peter’s after earning First Team All-MAAC honors, averaging 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. His perimeter shooting is especially valuable for this roster, as he shot 79/214 from 3 (36.9%) last season. That came with meaningful volume, giving Miami a proven bench option from deep. He also brings defensive activity and experience, and I want him to provide dependable minutes when Lewis or Allen needs a break. He scored 10 points against Vanderbilt in the exhibition and shot 3/4 from 3 (75%), giving us an early look at how he can contribute. Miami doesn't need him to carry the offense, but his shooting and turnover-creation could help him earn an important role.
#3 Nick Dorn (F) - Senior
Dorn arrives from Indiana after averaging 8.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, shooting 60/158 from 3 (38.0%). With perimeter shooting being my biggest concern about this roster, he has an important role to play. At 6-foot-7, he gives Miami size on the wing and a proven outside threat who can create more room for Lewis, Henderson, and Reneau to operate. He will be ready to shoot when opportunities come instead of passing up the looks this offense creates. If he provides dependable bench shooting, he could become one of Miami’s most important complementary players.
#6 Robert Miller III (F/C) - Junior
Miller arrives from LSU after averaging 6.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 65.7% from the field. He gives Miami another athletic frontcourt option who can protect the rim and finish around the basket. Against Vanderbilt in the exhibition, he scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds, and his playmaking from the free-throw line also stood out to me. He did a good job finding teammates from that spot, and that could open up another part of Miami’s offense by giving cutters and shooters another player to work through. I also want him to bring energy, compete on the glass, and keep the interior defense strong when Cyril comes out. A big who can contribute defensively and help connect the offense gives Lucas another useful bench option.
#10 Egor Ryzhov (C) - Senior
Ryzhov brings international experience, averaging 11.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 55.5% from the field for BC Enisey in Russia's top league, the VTB United League. Miami lists him as a senior despite this being his first season playing college basketball. At 6-foot-11, he gives Miami another sizable option inside, with experience competing against professionals. I want him to provide dependable minutes, finish around the basket, and help control the glass. Frontcourt depth was an issue last season, and Miami has completely addressed it. With Reneau, Cyril, Miller, and Ryzhov, Lucas has options to handle foul trouble, adjust to matchups, and keep fresh bodies on the floor.
#13 L.J. Cason (G) - Junior (WILL NOT PLAY)
Cason is expected to sit out this season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered at Michigan, but he deserves mention when discussing what Lucas is building. Before the injury, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 assists per game as a sophomore, shooting 33/82 from 3 (40.2%). He gave Michigan productive minutes off the bench during its national championship season. His scoring, shooting, and ability to create for others make him an exciting piece for Miami’s future backcourt. This year is about getting healthy and becoming comfortable in the program, with the hope that he can take on an important role in 2027–28.
Key Nonconference Games
Miami will get tested well before ACC play. With my expectations for this roster, these are chances to show the talent can translate against strong competition.
Florida - November 2, Tampa
Miami opens against preseason No. 1 Florida on a neutral floor in Tampa. There will be no easing into the season. I want to see how Lewis handles this offense against that level of competition and how Miami’s rebuilt frontcourt holds up against what I consider the best frontcourt in the country over the past two years. One game will not define the season, but this is an immediate opportunity to show how good this team can be.
Players Era - November 24-28, Las Vegas
Miami opens against TCU on November 24, followed by Michigan or Creighton on November 26. Another game follows on November 27, with a potential championship appearance on November 28. This stretch should tell us plenty about the rotations and whether Miami’s depth becomes the advantage I expect. Facing different opponents in a short window will also test how quickly this group can adjust.
Alabama - December 2, Watsco Center
Hosting Alabama in the SEC/ACC Challenge gives Miami a major opportunity in front of its own fans. These are the games where I want the Watsco Center packed and involved. Coming shortly after Players Era, it will also test how well Miami carries what it learns in Las Vegas into another important matchup.
Texas - December 12, Houston
Miami faces preseason No. 7 Texas at the Toyota Center in Houston. It is officially a neutral-site game, but playing in Texas should feel different from Tampa or Las Vegas. By this point, I want to see more settled rotations and a clearer offensive identity. This is another opportunity to earn a meaningful win before conference play.
My Expectations
With this roster, I expect us to make the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Anything short of a Sweet 16 appearance would disappoint me. Lucas has proven scoring, talented young players, and the deepest bench Miami has ever had. After reaching the second round last year, I expect this team to take another step.
Perimeter shooting is still my biggest concern, and Lucas will have to find the combinations that work best. But with this much talent and depth, it's fair to expect them to compete near the top of the ACC and reach the second weekend. I am excited about what this team can become, and I want the results to match the roster.
