Tales from Tulsa: Ja'Quan Newton hopes to shine in Oklahoma like his dad did

By Michelle Kaufman

TULSA, Okla. -- University of Miami guard Ja'Quan Newton will have extra motivation to play well against Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night.

His father, Joe Newton, plans to be in the stands at the BOK Center, and he is somewhat of a legend in parts of Oklahoma. Joe Newton was a star guard at Central Oklahoma University and was named the 1998 Division II National Player of the Year. He averaged 26.1 points, 5.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game.

Newton he is looking forward to facing the Spartans -- especially with his father in the audience.

"I love this building, love the court," Newton said after the Canes' first practice on Thursday. "Court has an extra bounce to it, the rims are soft, basketballs are perfect, I like it. We're all really excited to play. Everybody's loose. Watching all these other games on T.V. .. I can't wait to get out there."

Familiar Face: When Baylor walked onto the BOK Center floor for practice at the end of UM's practice session, one player stood out to Hurricane players -- former UM guard Manu Lecomte, who transferred after his sophomore season. The Belgian guard wanted more playing time, didn't want to sit behind Angel Rodriguez, so he left to play for the Bears. He sat out last season, and has been a key player this season, as the Bears went 25-7, tying a school record for wins in a season. Lecomte averaged 12.4 points per game and ranked fifth in the Big 12 in three-point shooting percentage (42.2) and eighth in assists (3.9).

Lecomte missed out on UM's Sweet 16 run last season, so he is eager to play on Friday against New Mexico.

"This is my first NCAA Tournament game," he said. "I know there's a lot of motivation even though this is the team's fourth straight time. It's all new to me, so we're all really hungry."

Winning Starts: Miami has won its opening NCAA Tournament game in each of its last three appearances, and advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2013 and 2016.

Perfect attendance: Michigan State is making its 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Tim Izzo, the nation's third-longest active streak. The only two teams that have made more Dances in a row are Kansas (28) and Duke (22).

Scouting Report: UM coach Jim Larranaga said some of the Michgan State players remind him of players in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

"When we showed our players videotape of Lourawls Nairn, Jr., and told them his nickname is TumTum, we showed a tape of him and then compared him to John Gillon of Syracuse because the first time we played Syracuse, Gillon torched us with his speed and quickness and ability to score in the open court.

"Then we talked about Miles Bridges and the great player he is and compared him to a Jason Tatum of Duke, of how well he can score from three-point range but what a great athlete he is and how he can score in a variety of ways.

"And then we compared Nick Ward to a Kennedy Meeks, a premier low-post player, a tremendous offensive rebounder, tremendous jump hook shooter. Kennedy is right-handed. Nick Ward is left-handed. But there's a lot of similarities."

Izzo on UM: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo compared Miami to Wisconsin.

"I compare them a little bit to Wisconsin of old days, but Miami will run and is more athletic. But they have the ability to control tempo, and we'd like the tempo to be high. Tum brings that. We're going to try to push it."

3 Points to Ponder after UM's 25-point loss to UNC

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article137484788.html

Double scoop of UM hoops today...

By Michelle Kaufman

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Hurricane basketball fans get a double-header today with a morning women's game and an evening men's game. Here are the details...

 

No. 14 UM women vs. Loyola Chicago

When: Tuesday, 11 a.m.

Where: Watsco Center

Records: UM (7-1), Loyola Chicago (0-7)

Scouting Report: A crowd of 4,100 schoolchildren will attend the game for Elementary School Day. The Hurricanes have won seven games in a row, including a 66-56 win over Old Dominion on Sunday. Jessica Thomas scored 21 points, and Keyona Hayes added 18.

 

UM men vs. South Carolina State

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Watsco Center

Records: UM (6-2), SC State (2-5)

Radio: 1360KAT-AM

Scouting report: The Hurricanes are coming off back-to-back wins over Rutgers (73-61) and Wofford (74-57). The last time these two teams played, in 2009, Miami made 15 three-pointers in a 91-54 victory. South Carolina State's JJ Richardson scored 25 points in his last outing.

 

 

UM men's hoops sold out again

By Michelle Kaufman

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For the second year in a row, the University of Miami men's basketball team is sold out. If you were planning to go buy tickets, you're too late.

According to a release:

For two straight years, fans have bought over 5,500 season tickets, more than doubling the total number of season tickets sold in Larrañaga’s first season in Coral Gables. When Coach L began his reign in Miami, fans bought 2,251 season tickets for the 2011-12 campaign. After a record-breaking season on the court in 2012-13, season tickets peaked at 3,674 for 2013-14, prior to this year’s 5,750 mark.

Season Tickets Sold per Year

2016-17: 5,750

2015-16: 5,500 

2014-15: 3,427 

2013-14: 3,674 

2012-13: 2,372 

2011-12: 2,251

UM hoops: Canes vs. Barry tonight, Exhibition game

Hoops season officially begins tonight!

Here's a quick primer for the game:

Wednesday: UM men vs. Barry

When/where: Exhibition game, 7 p.m. at Watsco Center on UM campus.

Records (last season): UM 27-8 (NCAA Sweet 16), Barry 26-7 (Division II Elite 8).

Scouting report: The Hurricanes’ top returning players are Davon Reed (11.1 ppg), Kamari Murphy (6 rpg), point guard Jaquan Newton, forward Anthony Lawrence and center Ebuka Izundu. Fans will get their first look at highly rated freshmen Dewan Huell, Bruce Brown, Dejan “DJ” Vasiljevic and Rodney Miller. Also, San Jose St. transfer Rashad Muhammad makes his debut. Barry is led by 6-5 senior forward Adrian Gonzalez (Hialeah Gardens High), and Iceland guard Elvar Fredriksson, who led the nation last season with 8.1 assists per game.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/article111929702.html#storylink=cpy

 

UM women ranked No. 14 in preseason AP poll

By Michelle Kaufman

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The University of Miami women's basketball team begins the 2016-17 season with high expectations after being ranked No. 14 in the preseason Associated Press poll, released Tuesday. The Canes are tied with reigning NCAA runner-up Syracuse.

Five ACC schools are in the top 15, including top-ranked Notre Dame, and UM will play seven games against Top-20 opponents.

The Hurricanes were 24-9 (10-6 ACC) last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in six years. Ten players are back from that team, plus four new players.

The Hurricanes open the season Nov. 11 at the Kentucky Classic in Lexington, Ky., facing No. 19 Kentucky.

McClellan makes Wizards' roster; Larranaga, former teammates thrilled

By Michelle Kaufman

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University of Miami men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga beamed with pride Monday as he reacted to the news that former Hurricane Sheldon McClellan, who went undrafted, made the Washington Wizards' 15-man roster over the weekend.

McClellan, 23, helped his chances by scoring 20 points in 32 minutes in a double-overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers last week. He also had four assists, three rebounds and a steal.

“One of the happiest moments of 2016 was to get a text from Tommy Sheppard (Sr. Vice President of the Wizards), and it said, `You have a wall with your NBA players listed and you can now include one more – Sheldon McClellan will be a Washington Wizard this year.’'' Larranaga said. "I’m so happy for him. Deeply deserving of that acknowledgement of his ability to play basketball. He’s such a wonderful kid. I texted him, his mother, his agent.

"He has all the attributes they look for in the NBA. I think he is on his way to a long NBA career."

McClellan posted on Twitter: "Blessed!!! Dream come true was made tonight!!! Excited for my first year and the team."

UM seniors Davon Reed and Kamari Murphy, who played with McClellan last season on the Sweet 16 team, were thrilled with the news.

"I'm extremely happy for him," Reed said. "That's the end goal at the end of the day, and to have somebody you played with be there. That's where we all want to be...It's good for the younger guys to see a former player in the NBA and people have heard about his work ethic, what it takes and that will definitely inspires some of our players."

Murphy added: "It's good to have somebody that close to us in that environment to give us feedback on what to expect, things we need to do to get to that level."

 

 

UM hoops facility to get $1.7 million makeover

By Michelle Kaufman

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The University of Miami men's and women's basketball teams will be working and lounging in fancier digs after a $1.7 million makeover this month that will include upgrades to the weight room, locker rooms, practice facility hallways, and athlete lounges.

The first part of the project is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 2, at the start of the exhibition season.

The coaches’ offices and hallways will feature highlights from Miami basketball history and high-profile alumni. The players' lounge will get new couches, T.V.s and a gaming center.

“I’ve always thought that we had great facilities here with our offices and locker rooms and practice facility being in our game venue, but I am so excited for the impact these renovations will bring,” women’s coach Katie Meier said. “We compete for ACC championships every year and these improvements will greatly enhance our current student-athletes’ experiences, as well as give us a huge advantage in recruiting. When we bring recruits in, they will see the state-of-the-art, modern technology and awesome ‘U’ branding throughout. We are extremely grateful for the donations and hard work that has made these renovations possible.”

“It really started in year two after Director of Athletics Blake James took over and we sat down and talked about the direction of the programs,” men’s coach Jim Larrañaga said. “Due to certain limited university budgets that can go to projects like this, we had to go out and raise the money. We were able to reach out to a lot of friends and a lot of them were very understanding and very generous in their contributions. We can’t be any more thankful to the people who have made this possible.”

 

Dewan Huell will not be suspended for last week's arrest

By Michelle Kaufman

Here's an update on last week's arrest of UM star freshman Dewan Huell. Turns out he will not be suspended. Coach L explains why here.

Catching up with Angel Rodriguez in France

By Michelle Kaufman

Wondering how Angel Rodriguez is doing? So was I. So, I contacted him in France, where he is playing in the First Division.

One of his biggest challenges is finding pancake mix!

Here's the story...

 

Breaking News: UM hoops star recruit Dewan Huell arrested

By Michelle Kaufman

[email protected]

Dewan Huell of Norland High, the most celebrated University of Miami basketball recruit in recent years, was arrested for battery on Tuesday.

“I am aware of the reported incident involving Dewan Huell last night and we are still gathering information,” said UM athletic director Blake James. “I have very high expectations for all of our student-athletes, as I know Coach Larrañaga does for his team, and any misconduct will be addressed.”

Larranaga, reached by phone, said he just returned to town from recruiting and had not yet met with Huell.

"I just got back, and am planning to meet with Dewan and find out what happened," Larranaga said. "Dewan is a terrific kid and we will deal with this once we have all the information."

According to a police report obtained by Andy Slater of WINZ, Huell, 19, walked into his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room at FIU, found her in the closet with another man and attacked the man. Police say he grabbed the man by his shirt and dragged him out of the room, leaving him with scratches on his neck and chest.

Huell, who is 6-11 and 220 pounds, was to begin his freshman season with the Hurricanes next month. He was rated the nation’s No. 21 recruit by ESPN and played on three state championship teams with Norland. He averaged 19.2 points and 9.1 rebounds last season and was the Miami Herald 8A-6A Player of the Year.

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Hot off the Press: UM Hoops Schedule!

By Michelle Kaufman

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Yes, yes, we know it's still early in the football season, so nobody's really thinking basketball yet.

But the ACC released the men's basketball schedule on Monday afternoon, so stop gushing over Mark Richt for just one moment and mark your calendars!

Miami will play at Virginia on Feb. 20 as part of ESPN's Big Monday schedule, and will also play four other games on ESPN/ESPN2: vs. Notre Dame (Jan. 12), at Duke (Jan. 21), at Louisville (Feb. 11), and at Virginia Tech (Feb. 27).

The Canes also have two CBS games: Jan. 28 against North Carolina and Feb. 25 against Duke.

Among Miami's home opponents are NCAA runner-up North Carolina, Notre Dame (Elite 8), and Duke (Sweet 16).  The Hurricanes play road games at Syracuse, Virginia, Duke, Pitt, FSU, and Virginia Tech.

UM's first exhibition game is vs. Barry at the BUC on Nov. 2. The first conference home game is Dec. 31 against NC State -- yes, New Year's Eve, but 4:30 p.m., so plenty of time to party afterward.

"We need to defend our home court again this season," said UM coach Jim Larranaga. "Our fans helped create an electric atmosphere and we are looking forward to having that home court advantage again this year."

The full schedule:

Nov. 2 vs. Barry (exhibition), 7 p.m.

Nov. 11 vs. Western Carolina, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 at UNF, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 vs. Penn, 4 p.m.

Nov. 24 vs. Stanford, 2:30 p.m. in Orlando

Nov. 25 vs. Indiana State/Iowa State in Orlando

Nov. 27 vs. Florida/Gonzaga/Quinnipiac/Seton Hall in Orlando

Nov. 30 vs. Rutgers 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 vs. Wofford

Dec. 6 vs. South Carolina St, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. FAU, 7 p.m.

Dec. 22 vs. George Washington, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs. Columbia, 7 p.m.

Dec. 31 vs. NC State, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Syracuse, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Pitt, noon

Jan. 18 at Wake Forest, 8 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Duke, TBA

Jan. 25 vs. Boston College, 9 p.m.

Jan. 28 vs. North Carolina, 1 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. FSU, 8 p.m.

Feb. 4 at NC State, 3 p.m.

Feb. 8 Virginia Tech, 9 p.m.

Feb. 11 at Louisville, TBA

Feb. 15 vs. Georgia Tech, 8 p.m.

Feb. 18 vs. Clemson, noon

Feb. 20 at Virginia, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. Duke, 4 p.m.

Feb. 27 at Va Tech, 9 p.m.

March 4 at FSU, 4 p.m.

March 7-11: ACC Tournament, Brooklyn, NY

UM coaches on Pat Summitt's death

By Michelle Kaufman

Like all college basketball fans, University of Miami coaches Katie Meier and Jim Larranaga were deeply saddened to wake up Tuesday to the news that legendary University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt had died at age 64.

"I didn't know her personally. I viewed her and her career from afar," said Larranaga. "I thought of her as the Dr. James Naismith of women's college basketball. She put women's basketball on the map. She was the dominant coach for the first 20 years after Title IX."

Meier did know Summitt well, and had this to say:

"Pat Summitt was such an iconic figure in our sport. She just elevated every conversation, clinic or recruiting event. She always reminded the younger coaches to `act right' and to lead with strength and compassion. She inspired a generation of female competitors who will continue to give back."

Back in 2011, when the then-No. 7 Hurricanes played No. 3 Tennessee, Meier was asked about Summitt.

She said: "I could spend two hours on that. She is obviously the best at her profession. When Pat wins, women's basketball's happy. They (Summitt and her staff) have been so helpful. They're cheering for you, supporting you. If you want to come to a practice, they let you. They're all about women's basketball, especially Coach Summitt.

"I've been lucky enough to have exposure to them and how they operate. I hope everyone in our profession appreciates it. I have a ton of respect and owe a lot of my career to Tennessee, their generosity. If I needed an out of bounds play, I could call (then-assistant) Holly (Warwick) or Coach Summitt right now and they’d give me an out of bounds play to make me a better coach. That’s what they’re in it for, opportunity for young players, and coaches. I wish I’d see more of it in the sport. It is rare and a wonderful thing that they’ve been headliners this whole time for women’s basketball.’’

McClellan to Wizards, Rodriguez to Spurs

By Michelle Kaufman

Former University of Miami guard Sheldon McClellan confirmed Friday that he has a partial contract offer from the Washington Wizards that he will sign when he reports to camp on July 1.

McClellan, 6-6, was not selected in the NBA Draft on Thursday night, but had interest from several teams.

Hurricane teammate Angel Rodriguez also got good news on Friday. He was invited by the San Antonio Spurs to Summer League.

"All I need is an opportunity, I'll take care of the rest," Rodriguez said. "I'm always going to bet on myself, that's for sure!"

Tonye Jekiri was still weighing his options.

McClellan awaiting offer, possibly from Wizards

By Michelle Kaufman

Former University of Miami guard Sheldon McClellan watched the NBA draft from his home in Houston, and like so many talented college basketball players, was not among the players chosen Thursday night.

But, reached at 1 a.m., he said he was awaiting word from his agent about a contract, possibly with the Washington Wizards, one of the 11 teams he worked out for in the past month. The Wizards had shown a lot of interest, and let it be known they'd be interested in signing him if he went undrafted. He would join the team for the summer league, which begins the second week of July.

Asked if it was a nerve-wracking night, McClellan replied: "No, not at all. I'm excited about the opportunity and blessed to even be considered. I have several options in front of me right now, so I'm in great shape."

McClellan, 6-6, was projected on some mock drafts as a late second-round pick. He did well at he NBA draft combine. One of the only knocks on him is his age. He will turn 24 in December, and the trend is for NBA teams to go with younger players.

McClellan's UM teammates Angel Rodriguez and Tonye Jekiri also were undrafted. Both also got looks from many NBA clubs and could land in the summer league or overseas.

Dejan "DJ" Vasiljevic on his first week at UM

Incoming freshman guard Dejan "DJ" Vasiljevic arrived at UM for Summer School from his native Australia last week.

Asked his first impressions, this was his response: "At the moment the whole experience appears surreal – so many things have happened over the past few days that I feel as if I am still on the plane and everything is flying by. Seems like I am getting over the jet lag and feel refreshed. I have managed to finalize my enrollment, start classes and obtain the medical clearance so basically it has been full on several days. Between classes, assignments and workouts there has not been much time for anything else. I did get a chance to meet several football recruits and share experience with them, went to a baseball game which reminded me why I chose an indoor sport – it was too hot outside, at least for me, so I think those players deserve lots of praises for their commitment. Literally everyone has been so supportive and encouraging helping me with the transition. I am really excited to be part of this program."

-- Michelle Kaufman.

Canyon Barry chooses UF over UM

By Michelle Kaufman

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If only the University of Miami had a nuclear training reactor. Maybe then the Hurricanes basketball program could have signed College of Charleston transfer Canyon Barry, son of the former UM and NBA legend, Rick Barry.

Instead, the sharpshooter chose to pass up his father's alma mater and play his final year of college basketball at the University of Florida. Barry, the youngest of Rick's sons, is a two-time Academic All-American and graduating this summer with a degree in Physics. He plans to pursue a Master's Degree in nuclear engineering.

"These past few months have been pretty crazy since I made the decision to graduate and transfer," Barry said in a statement. "I have been contacted by numerous coaches from some of the top teams in the country.  I feel blessed and honored that they were interested in having me be a part of their programs...Ultimately, however, after much prayerful consideration, I have made my decision to attend the University of Florida next season and play for Coach Mike White as a Florida Gator.

"The University of Florida is a great fit for me for several reasons.  First, they have an exceptional Nuclear Engineering program and actually have one of the only nuclear training reactors in the southeast.  Secondly, I really like Coach White, his integrity, his honesty with me, and his style of play.  He and I both feel that I can make an immediate contribution... I met the players on my official visit and felt right at home in Gainesville. Lastly, I have family on both my mom and dad’s sides who live in Florida. My grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my cousins will all be able to see me play and cheer on our team."

Barry averaged 19.7 points per game his junior season, but was limited to 13 games because of a shoulder injury.

 

UM hoops No. 9 in CBS poll

The UM men's basketball team made a major statement with nationally-televised back-to-back double-digit victories over preseason Top 25 teams at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament.

The Hurricanes won the tournament title after crushing Mississippi St. 105-79 and then knocking off No. 16 Utah 90-66 and No. 22 Butler 85-75. Miami improved to 5-0 and surely will break into the AP Top 25 -- possibly the Top 15 -- on Monday afternoon.

UM is ranked No. 9 in the latest CBSSports poll.

ESPN college hoops guru Andy Katz said during the UM-Butler broadcast: "If they hold on here, they're not just going to be in the Top 25, they could be in the Top 10. Right now, it's how you look, and they look great.''

ESPN commentator LaPhonso Ellis, who was working the game, said: "I think they're a Top 10 team. I've seen almost all the Top 10 teams in action, and Miami is deeper and more balanced and has so many scoring threats. How many teams can go to their bench and not have any drop-off?''

Where will the Canes land in the latest AP poll? We'll find out soon.

This could be a very interesting year for UM basketball (women are 4-0 and also receiving votes). Wonder if those 5,400 season-ticket holders will show up Friday at 4 for the game against Northeastern?

See you at the BUC  -- Michelle Kaufman.

Huell expected to sign with UM

Wednesday could be a huge day for UM men's basketball. While the Hurricanes are in Puerto Rico preparing for Thursday's opener of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, 5-star recruit Dewan Huell of Miami Norland High is expected to announce his college of choice. And word from a few sources is that the 6-9, 220-pound power forward will pick Miami over South Carolina. FSU was also in the mix, but he apparently eliminated the Seminoles from his list in the past few days.

Huell had a big summer impressing scouts, and is rated anywhere from No. 20 to No. 25 nationally depending on the recruiting site.

If you've never seen him play, here's a preview...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2FdcpPEvcs

 

posted by Michelle Kaufman. See you at the BUC.

Kamari Murphy suspended

By Michelle Kaufman

[email protected]

The University of Miami men’s basketball season got started with bad news two hours before tipoff Friday.

Junior forward Kamari Murphy, an Oklahoma State transfer expected to be a major contributor, was suspended for the first three games for a violation of team rules, the school announced as the Hurricanes prepared to host University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley at the BankUnited Center.

Murphy will return to the team Nov. 20 for the second-round game of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Murphy sat out last season per transfer rules, and entered this year with high expectations. He is a tenacious rebounder and defender, and a vocal leader. Teammates and coaches raved about him in the past few weeks.

Teammate Sheldon McClellan called Murphy “a junkyard dog,’’ a tireless worker and among the team’s most respected leaders.

“Love him,’’ UM coach Jim Larranaga said of Murphy a few weeks ago. “Last year, I thought there were two areas we needed to improve and give attention to. Kamari Murphy does both very well. He is an outstanding defender and rebounder. He can guard one through five. That’s how quick he is…Once he’s settled in, maybe 10 games in, he’s going to be really, really good.’’

Added Angel Rodriguez: “Kamari brings what this team needed – somebody else to be very vocal, what I call a dog. He not only gets himself going, he gets everybody going.’’