Gameday Report: Stanford

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                 Canes Rising Contributor


Opponent/Conference: Leland Stanford Junior University (Pacific 12)
Location: New York City/ Madison Square Garden (Capacity: 19,812)
Date/Time: April 2nd/9 PM ET
TV/Radio: ESPN/WVUM (90.5 FM)

Game Notes

Stanford's Best Scorer--Chasson Randle (19.4 PPG)
Stanford's Best Rebounder--Anthony Brown (6.8 RPG)
Stanford's Best Distributor--Chasson Randle (3.0 APG)
Stanford's Best Perimeter Shooter--Anthony Brown (44.3%)
Stanford's Best Free Throw Shooter--Chasson Randle (87.8%)

Team Notes

Stanford's Record--23-13 (9-9)
NIT Seed--2
Stanford's Best Wins--@Texas(74-71), Connecticut(72-59)

Players to Watch

Coming into the season, Stanford was a team that was projected to be a major factor in March. Johnny Dawkins' team underachieved terribly, failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, and looking nothing like the team that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen last season. Stanford has a ton of firepower, especially at the guard position.  Chasson Randle is Stanford's all time leading scorer, averaging over nineteen points per game this season.  He can score any way he chooses, he can shoot from the perimeter, he can slash to the rim, and he's one of the best free throw shooters in the country.  While Randle is an outstanding talent, he isn't the only Cardinal that fans should be watching, Stefan Nastic is a talented, skilled big that possesses outstanding size, and uncommon athleticism. The 6'11 center averages 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.   Nastic isn't your typical large, lumbering oaf, he has good feet, and is deadly in the low post.  Another player to watch is Anthony Brown, a long, athletic wing that averages 14.9 points per game.

Keys to Victory

Be Sharp--Stanford has a ton of offensive weapons, Miami has to avoid giving points away.  That means that mental errors can't happen.  The Cardinal can't be given easy layups, or cheap putbacks. When the 'Canes double Nastic in the post, the rotations have to be timely and sure.  If players don't rotate correctly, open shots will result, and the Cardinal can and will make open shots from beyond the arc.  In Stanford's last game, the Old Dominion Monarchs allowed Stanford to have a ton of cheap baskets early, which proved to be too much to overcome.  Make Stanford work for every basket, make them use every second of the shot clock.

Move the Ball--When ODU made their move in the second half, they moved the basketball around very well.  Miami has to do the same, because Stanford does struggle defensively. The offense can't be isolation based, the ball has to move from side to side.  When Stanford is forced to move, they make mistakes, and those mistakes can lead to easy scoring opportunities.  Moving the ball also keeps Stanford from conserving their energy on the defensive end, they aren't an overly deep team, with six players playing a lion's share of the minutes.

Team Rebounding--Tonye Jekiri has been ruled out for this game, due to a concussion suffered during the NIT Semifinal.  The 'Canes will be hard pressed to replace Jekiri, but can match his production in the aggregate. Sheldon McClellan, Davon Reed and Ivan Cruz-Uceda have to be active on the boards, and they must have help from their teammates.  This team has to work together to overcome their lack of bulk on the frontline.  Miami has to find a way to stay close on the boards, if Stanford can overwhelm the 'Canes on the glass, this game will be a rout.

Gameday Report: Temple

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor

Opponent/Conference: Temple University (American Athletic)
Location: New York City/ Madison Square Garden (Capacity: 19,812)
Date/Time: March 31st/ 7PM ET
TV/Radio: ESPN/WVUM (90.5 FM)

Game Notes

Temple's Best Scorer-- Will Cummings (14.9 PPG)
Temple's Best Rebounder--Jaylen Bond (8.0 RPG)
Temple's Best Distributor--Will Cummings (4.2 APG)
Temple's Best Perimeter Shooter--Quenton DeCosey (36.0%)
Temple's Best Free Throw Shooter--Will Cummings (80.7%)

Team Notes

Temple's Record--26-10 (13-5)
Temple's NIT Seed--1
Temple's Biggest Wins--Kansas(77-52), Cincinnati(75-59)

Players to Watch

Temple has a proud basketball program, a program that is as tough and unforgiving as the city the University calls home . Former Temple coach, and Hall of Famer John Chaney took tough, scrappy Philadelphia athletes and molded them into outstanding teams, teams that made regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Current coach Fran Dunphy hasn't deviated from that winning formula, Temple is still a tough, scrappy team that plays good defense, and looks to get to the rim.  Will Cummings is Temple's leading scorer, he's a guard that can slash to the rim, and finishes well around the basket.  He isn't alone in the backcourt as Quenton DeCosey is another talented guard that can score, averaging over twelve points per game. Decosey is a rangy, athletic player in the mold of former Owl Eddie Jones.  Temple's interior players aren't as talented as they were during the Chaney era, but they do rebound, and set screens.  The best frontcourt player is Jaylen Bond, the team's leading rebounder.  This frontcourt isn't overly large, with only two players standing over 6'10'', and neither of those player being major contributors. 

Keys to Victory

1. Pack the Lane--Temple is a team that looks to get to the rim, this team doesn't shoot well at all.  Only two players on the entire roster shoot better than 35% from deep, and the Owls rank 341st in overall field goal percentage.  Therefore, it's imperative that Miami force the Owls to settle for perimeter jumpers, that's best accomplished by packing the lane.  The 'Canes would be best served going to an active matchup zone, and forcing the Owls to shoot contested jumpers. Rebounding is difficult in a zone configuration, however the 'Canes have played zone enough to understand key rebounding concepts.

2. Play Big--The Owls aren't an overly large team, but are very athletic in the frontcourt. It's their athleticism that allows Temple to be a factor on the glass.  Miami has some big bodies who aren't as athletic, but are significantly larger which means the 'Canes should be able to challenge the Owls on the glass.  Richmond had a similar lineup, and the 'Canes' size advantage eventually wore down the Spiders.  Miami should be able to do the same thing to the Owls, provided Miami's bigs are physical throughout . Tonye Jekiri and Joe Thomas should be crashing the boards, and Jekiri should be able to get any shot he wants. The key for Tonye is to FINISH around the rim, missed layups accomplish nothing.  If Miami's halfcourt offense becomes stagnant, dumping the ball inside to Jekiri will be a viable option. 

3. Start Fast--Miami hasn't been sharp early in games all season, that has to end.  Temple isn't a team that will collapse coming down the stretch, they are too tough.  The 'Canes will have to match Temple's intensity early, and then wear them down as the game goes on.  Temple's fans will outnumber Miami supporters, so the 'Canes will have to approach this like a road game: start fast, take the crowd out of the equation.  If Miami doesn't come out and play well from the opening tip, this game may get out of hand, and unlike the Richmond game, will stay that way. 

Gameday Report: Iowa (Tournament Edition)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                 Canes Rising Contributor

Opponent/Conference: University of Iowa (B1G)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa/ Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Capacity: 15,400)
Date/Time: March 22/ 12PM ET
TV/Radio:  ESPN2

Game Notes

Iowa's Best Scorer--Holly Disterhoft (15.2 PPG)
Iowa's Best Rebounder--Samantha Logic (6.9 RPG)
Iowa's Best Distributor--Samantha Logic (8.0 APG)
Iowa's Best Perimeter Shooter--Melissa Dixon (45.8%)
Iowa's Best Free Throw Shooter--Melissa Dixon (88.7%)

Team Notes

Iowa's Record--25-7 (14-4)
Iowa's NCAA Seed--3
Iowa's Biggest Wins--Ohio State(73-65), @Northwestern(102-99), @Rutgers(79-72)

Players To Watch

Head Coach Lisa Bluder must have a hard time setting her starting lineups, because she has an embarrassment of riches.  Iowa has some of the best guards in the country, and they can all bomb away from deep.  The best of the bunch is point guard Samantha Logic, the active NCAA leader in assists.  Samantha isn't just a passer, she's the team leader in rebounds as well, averaging almost seven boards per game.  Logic is a player who can get to her preferred spots on the floor and find Iowa's shooters, especially Melissa Dixon.  Dixon is a gunner who shoots an impressive 45.8% from long distance.  If Dixon is covered, Logic can find Holly Disterhoft, a dynamic guard who leads the Hawkeyes in scoring, averaging 15.2 points per game.  Disterhoft is a physical player who can slash to the basket and finish at the rim.  Dixon, Disterhoft, and Logic aren't the only Hawkeyes opponents should worry about, Bethany Doolittle is a handful in the paint.  Doolittle is the lone big in the starting lineup and she uses her size well, averaging 13.8 points per game. The senior center is also a solid defensive player, as evidenced by her selection to the 2014 B1G All-Defensive Team.

Keys To Victory

No Open Threes--Iowa is the third best perimeter team in the country, shooting 39% from beyond the arc.  That means that practically every player on their roster can jack, especially the rotation players.  Miami has to make sure the Hawkeyes aren't allowed to bomb away.  Defensive rotations must be sure,close outs have to be under control, and timely.  The best thing a Miami defender can do is run players like Melissa Dixon off of the three point line.

Get to the Rack--American University was able to get to the rim on the Hawkeyes, that's a flaw that should be exploited by the 'Canes.  Adrienne Motley, Jessica Thomas and Suriya McGuire should be able to do the same.  Eventually, when Iowa adjusts and packs the paint, that will create opportunities on the perimeter for players like Necole Sterling, and Michelle Woods.  Miami has to use their superior team speed to create scoring chances. 

No Logic--Samantha Logic is a very good player, it's imperative that Miami finds a way to limit her.  Forcing the ball out of her hands before she's ready will be important, and may lead to some turnovers.  While Logic can't be totally eliminated, she should be forced to work and not allowed to roam free.

Protect the Rock--Miami has to take care of the basketball, giving Iowa chances to score in transition is a frightening proposition, due to their ability on the perimeter.  While the typical team is happy to take a transition layup, Iowa's shooters will run to the corners.  Miami has to communicate on the defensive end, and prevent those cheap shots. 

Gameday Report: Washington (Tournament Edition)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                Canes Rising Contributor

Opponent/Conference: University of Washington (Pac-12)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa/ Carver-Hawkeye Arena(Capacity:15,400)
Date/Time: March 20th/12PM ET
TV: ESPN2

Game Notes*

Washington's Best Scorer--Kelsey Plum (22.9 PPG)
Washington's Best Rebounder--Aminah Williams  (9.3 RPG)
Washington's Best Distributor--Jazmine Davis (4.2 APG)
Washington's Best Perimeter Shooter--Kelsey Plum (39.8%)
Washington's Best Free Throw Shooter--Kelsey Plum (89.4%)

Team Notes

Washington's Record--23-9 (11-7)
Washington's NCAA Seed--6
Washington's Biggest Wins-- Florida State(80-68), Oregon State(76-67)


Players To Watch

These Huskies pack a lot of bite, especially Kelsey Plum.  Plum, a sophomore guard from California,  leads U-Dub in scoring with a 22.9 average, she's also an assassin from the perimeter, shooting an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc.  Washington isn't a one woman show, the Huskies have two other players who average double figures in scoring: Jazmine Davis and Talia Walton.  Davis was the Huskies leading scorer before Plum emerged, she's now the second leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game.  Walton averages 12.9 points per game and is the best post player on the roster.  She's extremely physical and isn't afraid to throw her weight around in the post.  While the Huskies can score at will, they are also a good rebounding team, with three players averaging at least five rebounds per game.  Aminah Williams is a beast on the glass, averaging a team high 9.3 boards per game. 

Keys To Victory

Make Plum Glum--Kelsey Plum can score any way she wants, the key is for the 'Canes to make the star guard work.  That means forcing her off of the three point line with efficient close outs, forcing her to her weak hand with good defensive positioning, and not sending her to the free throw line. It's likely that even if Miami does all of these things, Plum will score. What can't happen is Plum scoring easily.  No open shots, no easy baskets, every point should come with a price.
  
Win on the Glass--Washington has bulk on their front line, something Miami lacks.  Therefore, the 'Canes have to rebound as a team, the rebounding gap can't be overwhelming.  It's hard enough to beat the Huskies, giving up offensive rebounds would make the task almost impossible. Jassany Williams will need to be active on the boards, she is Miami's best rebounder.

Money Mot--Adrienne Motley is Miami's best player, and she has to have a big game if the 'Canes are to pull off the upset. Motley can score in bunches, as evidenced by her 32 point performance in Miami's big win over Notre Dame earlier this season.  Washington knows that Motley is Miami's best player, and will look to eliminate her from the offense.  Katie Meier may have to scheme some opportunities for Motley, especially if Washington takes control early. 


* UW statistics are for regular season only, Pac-12 Tournament statistics are not included. 

Gameday Report: North Carolina

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                 Canes Rising Contributor


Opponent: #15 University of North Carolina
Location: BankUnited Center (Capacity: 7,942)
Date/Time: February 28/ 2PM
TV/Radio: CBS/WVUM(90.5 FM)

Game Notes*

UNC's Best Scorer--Marcus Paige(13.6 PPG)
UNC's Best Rebounder--Brice Johnson(7.9 RPG)
UNC's Best Distributor--Marcus Paige(4.4 APG)
UNC's Best Perimeter Shooter--Marcus Paige(38.1%)
UNC's Best Free Throw Shooter--Marcus Paige(82.9%)

North Carolina's Team Rankings**

Points Per Game--14th (79.5 PPG)
Assists Per Game--1st (18 APG)
Rebounds Per Game--2nd (42.4 RPG)
Field Goal Percentage--30th (47.5%)
Points Allowed--250th (68.9 PPG)
Blocks Per Game--65th (4.5 BPG)
Steals Per Game--108th (6.9 SPG)

Who to Watch For

The 'Heels are coming to the BUC, and they represent the last opportunity for the 'Canes to make a major impression on the selection committee.  Roy Williams hasn't done too well against the 'Canes in recent years with his last win over Miami coming in 2012.  While UNC has a plethora of talented athletes, they are still a team that struggles to shoot from the perimeter, with only Marcus Paige being a legitimate threat.  Paige is more than just a gunner from the perimeter, he's a talented point guard who can get to the rim, and can also create for his teammates.  Kennedy Meeks is one of those teammates, he's a wide body forward who is similar to former 'Cane Reggie Johnson.  Meeks averages 12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, he's come a long way from what he was earlier in his career.  Meeks will clog the lane, and depend on his outstanding footwork to create space in the post.  While Meeks works down low, J.P. Tokoto will spread the floor, and slash to open areas.  Tokoto is an explosive forward who is extremely rangy, and has improved his jump shot.  He's also a player who will crash the boards as evidenced by his five rebounds per game average.  The 'Heels are a team that relies on an extensive rotation, with players like Nate Britt and Brice Johnson contributing.  Johnson is another athletic, rangy player who gets his points in the paint, and in transition.

Keys To Victory

1. Contain Paige--Marcus Paige is the one player who can really hurt the 'Canes.  Kennedy Meeks is a talented big, but Paige can create off the dribble, and he can get other people involved.  It's imperative that Miami gets Davon Reed on Paige, and deny him the basketball.  Paige is too long, and too athletic for Angel Rodriguez, and Manu Lecomte, Miami's point guards.  He needs to be defended by a rangy defender who can work through screens and force Paige into errant passes.  Reed and Sheldon McClellan are the two players who can fill that role.

2. Fight on the Boards--North Carolina is full of long, athletic players who feast on the glass.  They get a lot of their points from putbacks.  While Miami may not have the size to compete with UNC, they can pay attention to detail, and not give the 'Heels easy opportunities.  That means players like Tonye Jekiri, Omar Sherman, and Ivan Cruz-Uceda have to box out, they have to make sure that Carolina's bigs aren't allowed to feast on garbage around the rim.

3. Pack The Paint--UNC isn't a team that can win if forced to shoot a ton of jumpers.  While we may see some zone from the 'Canes, Miami may feel that rebounding out of the zone is too complicated, and may stick to man to man defense.  If that happens, the 'Canes have to be willing to pack the lane, and force the 'Heels to win from the perimeter.  Packing the lane also helps Tonye Jekiri, who will be battling Kennedy Meeks all game.  Meeks is a tough matchup for Jekiri, because of his width.  Tonye is taller than Meeks, but Meeks likely outweighs the big fella.  Kennedy Meeks can't elevate in traffic, which means he can be neutralized by a sea of bodies. Marcus Paige, Nate Britt, and J.P. Tokoto can't be allowed to get into the painted area on drives.  Force those players to stop and take pull up jumpers, they aren't players who are comfortable doing that.

4. Protect the Rock--Teams like North Carolina depend on fast breaks in order to overwhelm opponents, and give their athletic players an opportunity at easy baskets.  Miami can't afford to give the 'Heels easy points, especially if UNC isn't hitting from the perimeter.  In Tuesday's game versus NC State, UNC only forced nine turnovers, in a 58-46 defeat.  If Angel Rodriguez and Manu Lecomte can limit their turnovers, Miami will be in position to win this pivotal game.


*--Statistics as of 2/24
**--UNC is ranked alongside 351 D-1 schools

Gameday Report: Louisville

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor


Opponent: University of Louisville
Location: BankUnited Center(Capacity: 7,942)
Time: 8PM ET
TV/Radio: RSN(Raycom)/WVUM(90.5 FM)

Who's The Best?

Louisville's Best Scorer-- Terry Rozier(18.1 PPG)
Louisville's Best Rebounder-- Montrezl Harrell(8.9 RPG)
Louisville's Best Distributor-- Chris Jones(3.9 APG)
Louisville's Best Perimeter Shooter--Terry Rozier(36.4%)
Louisville's Best Free Throw Shooter--Terry Rozier(76%)

Who to Watch For

This is the home game that every 'Canes season ticket holder circled on the calendar, and it will not disappoint.  The Cardinals are a team that will arrive in Coral Gables in high spirits, following their comebackwin over North Carolina.  Rick Pitino's squad isn't overpowering, but they do a lot of things very well, and are capable of being a major factor in the NCAA Tournament.  Montrezl Harrell is an explosive 6'8'' forward who is averaging fifteen points, and nine rebounds per game. Harrell is a dynamic player who is dominant force in the paint, and is a good shot blocker on the defensive end.  He may not have overwhelming size, but his athleticism makes him a potential matchup nightmare.  While Harrell is the best overall player, he isn't the best scorer on the roster, that honor belongs to Terry Rozier.  The sophomore guard leads the Cardinals in scoring and in three point shooting percentage.  Rozier is a classic slasher, who uses speed, and a good handle to get to the rim.  North Carolina found out the hard way about Rozier, as he riddled them for 22 points.  Chris Jones joins Rozier in the backcourt, and he's very capable, averaging over thirteen points per game.  Jones is a senior leader who was one of the best scorers at the junior college level before he arrived at Louisville.  While he isn't expected to be a dominant scorer, he can explode at any time as evidenced by his scintillating twenty eight point performance against Boston College. 

Keys To Victory

1. Defeat Harrell--Montrezl Harrell is a fine player who will create matchup difficulties.  He is extremely similar to Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas a player who was able to score 23 points on the 'Canes.  Tonye Jekiri has to be able to defend Harrell one on one, and he has to do it without fouling, as the 'Canes can't afford to go long stretches with Jekiri on the bench.  If the 'Canes can find a way to limit the explosive Harrell, students may get their first chance to storm the court this season.

2. Saved by an Angel(Rodriguez)--The 'Canes need Angel to snap out of this slump, for there's no possible way Miami can emerge victorious without the enigmatic guard.  Rodriguez has been flat awful since the win in Cameron Indoor, connecting on under 30% of his attempts since.  Louisville will rely on a ton of man defense, which means that Angel should be able to get to the rim, and create for others, especially Tonye Jekiri.  Getting to the free throw line should be a high priority for Rodriguez, that is the easiest way for a struggling shooter to get back on track.  Even if his offensive game isn't back by Tuesday, he has to be a better decision maker, and  a willing defender.  Terry Rozier will score at will, if Angel doesn't challenge him. If Rodriguez continues to struggle, Jim Larranaga has to go to a combination of Ja'Quan Newton, Manu Lecomte, and Deandre Burnett.  Between those three players, one should emerge as the hot hand. 

3. Energy, Energy, Energy--Miami didn't lose to Georgia Tech because the Yellow Jackets are a better team, the 'Canes lost because they were lifeless.  Miami couldn't overcome a sluggish start, which allowed Georgia Tech to build a significant lead.  In his postgame comments, Jim Larranaga pointed out that a lack of fans was to blame for the lack of energy in the building, something that won't be an issue Tuesday.  The BUC will be packed, with Louisville backers being a significant part of the crowd, so look for an electric atmosphere.  The 'Canes have to come out, and give those fans who show up a reason to get rowdy, with an early run.  This fanbase will support a winner, but that winner has to be winning early.

4. Shoot To Kill--Miami depends on the three ball, there's no doubt about that.  For Miami to beat Louisville, those shots have to find their way to the bottom of the net.  Taking good shots is also an important concept, for it's likely that Louisville's size advantage will lead to them having a significant advantage on the boards.  Players like Davon Reed, Manu Lecomte, and Omar Sherman will have open shots from deep, it's imperative that they shoot a high percentage.  If Miami can ride a wave of threes to a big lead, that may be the difference as an upset like this usually plays out with the underdog racing out to a big lead, and then holding on as the favorite makes a charge. 

Gameday Report: Notre Dame

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor


Opponent: University of Notre Dame
Location: Purcell Pavilion (Capacity: 9,149)
Time: 2PM(Eastern Time)
TV/Radio: ESPN2/WVUM(90.5 FM)

Game Notes

Notre Dame's Best Scorer--Jerian Grant(16.6 PPG)
Notre Dame's Best Rebounder--Pat Connaughton(8.2 RPG)
Notre Dame's Best Passer--Jerian Grant(6.3 APG)
Notre Dame's Best Perimeter Shooter--Pat Connaughton(45.7%)

What To Expect

It's amazing how different a team can be with the addition of one crucial piece.  Last year, Mike Brey's team looked nothing like the team that consistently challenged for Big East titles as injuries and suspensions sunk the Irish.   The main reason they weren't competitive was because Jerian Grant was unable to finish the season.  The swingman guard missed most of the season due to an academic problem, and that was a loss too tough to overcome, as the Irish slid to the bottom of the ACC standings. Grant's back and he's one of the best players in the conference, averaging over sixteen points, and six assists per game.  While Jerian was out, other players gained valuable experience, and stepped to the forefront.  Pat Connaughton emerged during Grant's absence, proving to be a consistent scoring threat, a solid rebounder, and long range assassin.   Zach Auguste is a nice compliment to Connaughton in the front court, but he struggles with consistency and is ineligible due to an academic matter.

Keys To Victory

1. Stop Jerian Grant--Grant is a player that is a challenge to defend.  Grant, unlike other stars Miami will face this season, is far too athletic to consistently double.   Miami will have to confuse Grant with a variety of defensive alignments. Davon Reed should get first crack at Grant, he is Miami's best perimeter defender.

2. Rebound, Rebound, Rebound--Under Mike Brey, the Irish have been very good on the glass.  Most of that can be attributed to Brey's ability to develop physically dominant bigs, some can also be attributed to Brey's attitude.  His teams are usually scrappy, tough teams that do all the small things well.  It's rare that Notre Dame has overwhelming talent, so they make up for that by being extremely well schooled and physical.  Miami has to match that toughness, and they have to do it on the glass.

3. Limit Good Looks--Notre Dame is ranked first in the country in field goal percentage, which is a testament to their outstanding passing skills, and ability to create high percentage opportunities.  Miami can counter that by jumping passing lanes, and communicating.  Mental lapses will end in made baskets more often than not, so maintaining focus is a must.

4. Take It To The Rack--Notre Dame, thanks to their lack of shot blockers, is ranked 174th in blocked shots. That should be an open invitation for Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan, two players who live to slash.  Easy points are the name of the game and should be a frequent occurrence for the 'Canes. 

Gameday Report: Duke

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor


Editor's Note: Gameday Report is for basketball, what "Know Your Enemy" was for football. The original Gameday Report was created by Paul Burkart, the leader of Haith's Faithful, a student spirit organization named after former coach Frank Haith.  The original Report had pertinent information about the opponent, and selected cheers for the student body.  It was discontinued following the graduation of Burkart, but its spirit lives on. 


Opponent: Duke University
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium(Capacity: 9,314)
Time: 9PM(Eastern Time)
TV/Radio: ESPN2/WVUM(90.5 FM)

Game Notes

Duke's Best Scorer--Jahlil Okafor(19.2 PPG)
Duke's Best Rebounder--Jahlil Okafor(9.1 RPG)
Duke's Best Passer--Tyus Jones(5.1 APG)
Duke's Best Perimeter Shooter--Quinn Cook( 39%)

What To Expect

For years, Duke was an unathletic, perimeter orientated team that lack difference makers on the front line.   That's no longer the case as the Blue Devils have a likely lottery pick in the frontcourt.  Jahlil Okafor was the top rated recruit in the country last year, and he's lived up to the hype, averaging nineteen points, and nine rebounds per game.  Okafor is a very athletic player who is a beast inside the paint, but is talented enough to step outside the paint and connect on midrange jumpers.  Tyus Jones is another young player who has impressed, he's a silky smooth guard who is a willing passer.  Quinn Cook is one of the few seniors on the team, and he's been consistent as always, averaging a career high in points. Another player that deserves mention is Justise Winslow, an athletic forward that is averaging over twelve points per game.   There's a lot of youth on this team, which is a rarity for a Coach K led team. 


 Keys to Victory


1. All The Small Things--No, I'm not referring to the Blink 182 song, I'm talking about the 'Canes paying attention to detail.  That means no mental lapses, no silly mistakes. Playing Duke at Cameron Indoor is hard enough, there's no need to make it even more difficult.

2. Limit Okafor--It won't be easy, but Miami has to find a way to limit the young center.  Tonye Jekiri may need help, and that means that everyone else will need to rotate accordingly.  Okafor is a skilled player who will score at some point, but he shouldn't be allowed to roam free.  Forcing him to work on the offensive end will affect his defensive effort. 

3. Tonye Jekiri--Miami has to find a way to get Tonye involved.  Jahlil Okafor isn't an overwhelming defensive presence, so opportunities will be available.  Jekiri has to assert himself early, especially if Miami's shooting woes continue. If Tonye can get a double-double, the 'Canes' are likely to emerge victorious.

4. Dictate Matchups--Duke plays hard man to man defense, it's a program staple. When Miami has found success against Duke, the 'Canes used a variety of screens to dictate favorable matchups.  It's far easier to screen a team that plays man, compared to teams that play zone. The one player that will benefit from this concept is Omar Sherman.  When Duke clamps down on the guards driving to the basket, Sherman will be open on the perimeter.  If Sherman can connect from beyond the arc, that would be a huge boost. Sherman may not be the athlete that former 'Cane Kenny Kadji was, but he has the ability to shoot like Kenny, and stretch the floor in the process.  Miami's guards are athletic enough to consistently get into the heart of the defense, the key will be to find the shooter who is left alone when the defense collapses.