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| 2014 Charleston Classic Champions!(Photo Credit: NBC Sports) |
Canes Rising Contributor
It's been a great week for the 'Canes, winning the Charleston Classic and defeating Charlotte twice in the span of three days. The week concluded with a closer than expected win over South Alabama, but this Miami team is undefeated, ranked and heading into a big game against Illinois.
Player of the Week:
Tonye Jekiri--Miami needs someone to step up and be a rebounder and defensive stalwart. Tonye was that man this week, dominating the glass in all three games. Jekiri averaged 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. The junior center also showed some ability as a passer, dishing out 8 assists against South Alabama. It was a great week for the man in the middle, who has struggled with inconsistency at times this season.
Honorable Mention--Sheldon McClellan
Best Individual Performance This Week:
Sheldon McClellan--Coming into the season, Sheldon was labelled a rare athlete that couldn't shoot from the perimeter. It may be early in the season, but it can be noted that McClellan isn't the awful shooter he once was. The progress was never more evident than during the Charlotte game Tuesday night. McClellan was 5/7 from deep, made all 4 of his free throws, and slashed to the rim at will. Sheldon's 31 point performance was a work of art.
Best Team Performance This Week:
Charlotte(Sunday)--The 49ers aren't a mediocre midmajor program, they are a likely bubble team that is projected to near the top of Conference USA. The 'Canes dominated the 49ers in the Charleston Classic final, winning 79-58. It was a total team effort as five players scored in double figures, led by Sheldon McClellan's 19. Miami pulled away from Charlotte, going on a 31-12 run to put the game out of reach.
Worst Team Performance This Week:
South Alabama(Friday)--Miami looked unfocused and mediocre against a outclassed opponent. One can say that the 'Canes were looking ahead to Illinois, but this team doesn't have the talent to take any team lightly. Miami allowed far too many offensive rebounds and was awful defensively. This game should have been a nice tuneup for Tuesday, but almost turned into a ballgame late. It wasn't a good effort, but a performance like this gives Jim Larranaga a reason to push the team in practice.
What's Ahead
Tuesday vs. Illinois
This game will be the first major test since Florida, and will tell us a lot about this team. The Fighting Illni will come to the BUC ranked, and is a likely NCAA Tournament participant. Illinois is led by Rayvonte Rice, a former Drake Bulldog. Rice is a talented scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game last season. Defensively, Illinois is led by Nnanna Egwu, the 2nd best shot blocker in the Big Ten. John Groce's team has finally stabilized after being a revolving door of players the last couple of seasons.
Saturday vs. UW-Green Bay
Green Bay will make the long trek to Miami, but the Phoenix aren't lambs being led to slaughter. The Phoenix are the favorites to win the Horizon League, and won 24 games last season. They are led by Keifer Sykes, the preseason player of the year in the Horizon. Sykes is at his best in big games, averaging over 25 points against NCAA tournament participants. Green Bay lost Alec Brown who was selected in the NBA draft, but Jordan Fouse and Greg Mays should be able to fill his shoes.
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