Lance Hurdle could play in Paradise Jam

The University of Miami men's basketball team started the season Saturday without point guard Lance Hurdle. Tuesday, coach Frank Haith sounded optimistic Hurdle -- who practiced for the first time in weeks Monday -- will play some when the Hurricanes travel to the Virgin Islands Friday to play in the Paradise Jam.

"Lance practiced yesterday and based on what I saw in practice -- knock on wood -- he'll have an opportunity to play some," Haith said. "I don't know how effective he'll be coming off the box. But I think he'll have a chance to give us something."

Consider it good news for the Canes, who obviously are at their best when Jack McClinton doesn't need to tote the rock and is free to run off screens and knock down threes. In the meantime, expect sophomore Eddie Rios to continue to start in Hurdle's place. Haith said Saturday night after UM's season-opening win over Division II Florida Southern it could be awhile before you see the old Lance.

One thing is for sure, the Canes are hoping 2007-08 is the last they'll see of the first-year Eddie. Rios lost eight pounds (he's down to about 186) and looked a lot Saturday like the star point guard Miami thought it was getting when they received an oral commitment from him in the 11th grade. He was 3-for-3 from three point range, scored a career-high 17 points and got to the rim with the speed and quickness we all once heard about.

Southern Miss won't be a cakewalk for the Canes when the teams hook up at 2 p.m. Friday. Larry Eustachy's team (yes that Eustachy) went 19-14 last year and brings back All-Conference USA Second Team guard Jeremy Wise, a player Haith said will be as good a guard as his team faces all year. Look for James Dews to draw the assignment. I'll be there to provide a live Courtside Blog.

> Don't forget Wednesday is supposed to be Durand Scott's decision day. I'm not going to be in New York for it, but I'll be by the phone hoping to hear something in the morning.

> Here's the link the video from CBS 4 of Tuesday's basketball press conference.

> OK, I'll now leave you to your regularly scheduled football programming (THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE GEORGIA TECH TRIPLE OPTION) and our Mollie Rose with UM kicker Matt Bosher.

> OK, one more link... to my feature on freshman defensive end Marcus Robinson.

Comments

[86Cane]

Manny...how many blogs U got in U???

[404Canes404]

First, Uno, Jorts, Bumble Bee Killa!!!!!

[86Cane]

Canes hoops preview:

http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/18/fanhouse-ncaa-hoops-blogpoll-no-13-miami-fl-hurricanes/

[404Canes404]

or 2nd...

[86Cane]

404...U are tardy!

[Ronny]

VOTE FOR THE 2001 MIAMI HURRICANES TEAM AS THE GREATEST TEAM OF ALL-TIME:

http://www.thescore.com/gofar/

We've made it to the Elite 8.

Thanks.

[norm]

Manny, nice article about Marcus Robinson. Really enjoyed it. Have to admire the guy, and of course, the people that care about him.

[E11523]

Important that Hurdle plays against UConn, Rios scares me.

[Herbal Minded aka HM]

GOOD LINK TO THE TECH O MANNY... THANX

[Hurricane Moe]

Manny

Do you have a link to the announcement by Scott

[Cat5 Cane]

Take the stinger out of a bee and all you hear is Buzzzzzzzzz... and the Pack without a leader is nothing but a few wild dogs yipping... We are ACC bound and nobody including FSU will stop us once we get there!

[PinoyCane]

Triple Option, whatever. Don't you ever wonder why their qb's are all nicked? Cause ther qbs take a pounding. Our D has gotta take their best shot at the qb everytime they have a chance on that option. You pound that qb enough and soon the fumbles will come.

[canesstudent]

great article on marcus, manny. never knew that about him