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| Tonye Jekiri attempts a shot(Photo Credit:Getty Images) |
Canes Rising Contributor
Tell me if you've heard this story before: Miami narrowly misses out on NCAA Tournament bid, makes it to the NIT, young players emerge late. This season may have ended in a frustrating loss, but this team is on the verge of something special. The 2014-2015 Miami Hurricanes showed us what they could be by defeating Duke and competing against elite teams like Notre Dame and Louisville, but lacked consistency. The expectations will be raised next season, and for good reason.
Final Grades
Tonye Jekiri
(8.6PPG/9.9RPG/1.4BPG)
Growth Opportunities--Tonye still doesn't finish around the rim as well as someone of his talent should, he needs to learn how to be aggressive around the rim. The difference between Tonye scoring ten points per game, and scoring fifteen is a couple of failed point blank attempts.
Season Summary--Tonye Jekiri came into the season a player who was expected to be a big body that could occasionally feast on smaller opponents. It's safe to say that everyone undersold the big man, as Tonye emerged as one of the most improved players in the ACC. He led the conference in rebounding, improved in every major statistical category, and looks like a player with a future after he leaves Miami. Jekiri's development is a tribute to Jim Larranaga and his staff, and he hasn't reached his full potential yet. Grade: B+
Omar Sherman
(4.8PPG/2.3RPG/30.4 3P%)
Growth Opportunities--Omar is a true freshman, who obviously never had to play defense at the high school level. His defensive positioning, and inability to successfully box out opposing players limited his playing time. His conditioning was spotty, and he lacks the low post moves that a player of his build should have.
Season Summary--Omar Sherman wasn't expected to be an immediate impact player, but he was a decent rotation player for Jim Larranaga. Sherman can stretch opposing defenses with his perimeter shooting, and did show some low post skill late in the season. He is a young player, but a player who can become a valuable offensive weapon. Grade: C
Ivan Cruz-Uceda
(5.2PPG/3.5RPG/33.9 3P%)
Growth Opportunities--Cruz-Uceda doesn't rebound particularly well, and isn't anywhere near an ACC quality defender. Some of that is due to inferior footwork and positioning, and some of it is due to a lack of athletic ability. ICU also struggles in the low post, where he has a tendency to rely on a dizzying array of moves, most of which are poorly executed. He also struggles to finish around the rim, due to his lack of vertical explosion.
Season Summary--ICU was forced to miss half of the season due to some issues with the NCAA, and that really hurt his development. While we saw flashes of a player who could be a good offensive player, his lack of athletic ability limits his effectiveness. Unlike Sherman, who is a freshman, and has plenty of time to improve, ICU is a junior who may be the odd man out when Kamari Murphy is eligible next season. Grade: C-
Joe Thomas
(1.3PPG/2.1RPG/0.3APG)
Growth Opportunities--Joe is an explosive athlete who can finish around the rim, but his lack of polish in the offensive game limits him. He also tends to be overly physical in the post, leading to a ton of fouls being called against him.
Season Summary--Joe Thomas was a bit player, but had some outstanding moments, especially during the NIT. He started the season as a rebounder and spark plug, but once Ivan Cruz-Uceda was cleared to play, Thomas' playing time decreased dramatically. He performed his role admirably, and served as a good example for younger players. Grade: C
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