Final Grades: Miami Basketball (Tweeners)

Davon Reed attempts a layup(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                    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


Sheldon McClellan

(14.5 PPG/4.7RPG/35.8  3P%)

Growth Opportunities--Sheldon's intensity and assertiveness were lacking at times this year, especially late in games.  With his outstanding physical attributes, he should be demanding the ball in crucial situations.  His handle is also iffy at times, especially when asked to split double teams.

Season Summary--Sheldon McClellan is one of the best athletes Miami has ever had, and he showed it throughout the season as he led the 'Canes in scoring.  He was also a factor on the boards, averaging 4.7 rebounds per contest.  Coming into the season, he was seen as an athlete who didn't have an overly high basketball IQ, or effective jumpshot.  Those two observations proved to be wrong, as McClellan's decision making was significantly better than advertised, and his shooting percentage rose dramatically from his days at Texas.  Sheldon is the best player on the team, and has the skills to be an NBA draft pick.  Grade: B+

Davon Reed

(8.2 PPG/4.0 RPG/45.7  3P%)

Growth Opportunities--Like Sheldon McClellan, Davon can be a little passive late in games, a perfect example was when Davon passed up an open jumper with the clock running out in Tallahassee.  The 'Canes ended up settling for a contested buzzer beater, which didn't fall.  Reed has to realize that he should be one of the top 3 scorers on this team, and he can get there by getting to the rim and finishing.  Reed struggled to finish at times, especially when roughed up in the lane.

Season Summary--In a season full of comebacks, Davon Reed had the best one of all.  He returned early from a knee injury, and emerged as the best perimeter shooter on the team, shooting 45.7% from beyond the arc.  Reed is a star in the making, he's versatile as well, running the point on occasion.  The area that Reed truly is a standout is defensively, he's the best perimeter defender on the roster. While the last image we had of him this season was getting tagged with an awful foul, that isn't the lasting image we should have of him.  Reed is an emerging leader, and the best part about all of this? He's going to be wearing orange and green for the next two years.  Grade: B

James Palmer

(3.7PPG/1.4RPG/36.5  3P%)

Growth Opportunities--Palmer may have a high percentage of made threes, but that doesn't make him an effortless sharpshooter.  His motion could use some work, it takes far too long for him to gather and shoot.  J.P. could also use some work on his handle, every time he takes a dribble, it's a turnover waiting to happen. He tends to look a little awkward in transition, and can be a little careless with passes.  Strength and defensive positioning are also areas in which he could stand to improve as well.

Season Summary--While he only averaged 13.3 minutes per game, it's obvious that Miami has a player bursting with potential in James Palmer.  He's long, he's athletic, and he isn't afraid to press the tempo.  What makes Palmer special is that there's a lot of untapped potential.  His shot, while it needs work isn't a complete disaster, and he plays well within the system. He's able to get hot from the field, as evidenced by his season high seventeen point performance against Virginia Tech.  His performances early in the season showed what he could be, provided he develops according to schedule.  Grade: C+

Quick Shots: Stanford (NIT Edition)

Davon Reed(5) drives the lane(Photo Credit:Getty Images)

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


Throughout this season, Miami has faced and overcome adversity.  The NIT Final wasn't an exception, as the 'Canes were forced to play without talented center Tonye Jekiri, and starting point guard Angel Rodriguez.  Manu Lecomte gamely attempted to play tonight, but his knee injury proved to be too much to overcome.  The 'Canes, while valiant were unable to overcome losing two starters, a key reserve, and the referees, falling to the Stanford Cardinal 66-64.  Miami fought to the end, and put themselves in position to win, but couldn't overcome a crucial play late in overtime.

Quick Shots

Brutal Bigs--Going into the game, it was known that Miami was going to struggle inside, due to Tonye Jekiri not being available.  This was worse than imagined, the 'Canes completely folded inside, with both Ivan Cruz-Uceda and Omar Sherman being totally dominated by Stanford's front line.  While the bigs stepped up late and helped Miami get back in this game, it would have been nice had they been involved for the entire game.  Cruz-Uceda and Sherman combined for eleven points, and  eleven   rebounds.  That is barely replacement level for Jekiri, who averages nine points and ten rebounds per game. The one area ICU and Sherman were valuable was swatting shots, they combined for five blocks on the evening. Joe Thomas was a pleasant surprise, ending his collegiate career with a gritty performance, capped off with a Sportscenter Top Ten Play.

FINISH--The 'Canes started the game with some ill-advised perimeter jumpers.  Once Deandre Burnett checked in and started slashing to the rim, the rest of the team followed, and was able to get some outstanding looks.  The problem was that the 'Canes struggled to put those good looks down.  While finishing around the rim has been a problem all season, tonight was extremely frustrating.  This game was extremely close, leaving points on the floor was the last thing the 'Canes should have done. These players need to hit the weight room, and learn how to finish at the rim.  If the 'Canes are to take that next step, they will need to win close games.  Close games are won at the rim.

Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan didn't have one of his best shooting nights, going 5/16 from the floor, but he was there when the 'Canes needed someone to step up.  Late in the game, with Miami desperately attempting to draw even with the Cardinal, McClellan unleashed his inner Kobe Bryant, and carried this team to overtime.  Whenever Miami needed to answer Stanford, they turned to Sheldon, who used his athletic gifts to get to the rim, and to the free throw line. When he arrived at the charity stripe, he took full advantage, converting on six of his seven attempts. I've complained at times that McClellan isn't assertive enough, that wasn't the case tonight, Miami isolated him at the top of the key late, and every time, he made the right decision.  He didn't settle for jumpers, he drove the lane, and forced the Cardinal to stop him.  That's what elite players do, they force the opposition to defend them.

Rip Job--While the 'Canes didn't help themselves by leaving points on the floor, these referees did a good job of robbing Miami, and the fans who came out to see this game.  There's few things more frustrating than watching a referee decide a game, instead of the athletes on the court.  That's exactly what happened tonight, with Miami leading late in overtime.  Davon Reed played outstanding defense, and did everything right.  Stanford's Chasson Randle threw himself into Reed, while elbowing the defender in the throat. The referee who was closest to the play didn't call the foul, an official on the other side of the court felt the need to stop the action.  There's few games in which you can point to one play, and definitively state that was the turning point, tonight was one of those select instances.

Quick Shots: Temple (NIT Edition)

Davon Reed goes up for a layup(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

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

The 'Canes stay at the basketball mecca will last for one more game. The 'Canes were forced to play most of the game without Tonye Jekiri,who suffered a concussion late in the first half,  but found a way to win, defeating the Temple Owls 60-57.  Jim Larranaga's team will play for the NIT Championship Thursday, against the victor of the Stanford/Old Dominion game,   This was a tough win, a satisfying win, a win that puts the 'Canes in position to finish the season as champions.


Quick Shots

Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan was the best player on the floor Tuesday night, out dueling Temple's Will Cummings.  McClellan was scintillating, scoring sixteen points and grabbing eleven rebounds.  He was at his best late in the game, as he not only put the 'Canes ahead, but was a stalwart on the defensive end.  The 'Canes needed someone to step up for the injured Tonye Jekiri, and Sheldon got the job done.  He used his length and athleticism to rebound, clog passing lanes, and to give Miami a chance to advance.

Scrappin' 'Canes--Temple is a tough, defensive minded team that forces opposing teams to match their intensity.  Miami did so, and beat Temple at their own game.  The 'Canes fought the Owls at every opportunity, and played good defense throughout.  Temple may not be the best shooting team in the country, but to shoot 10.5% from deep shows that the 'Canes forced the Owls to take bad shots. Even without Jekiri, the 'Canes won on the boards 45-41, and kept the Owls off of the boards when it mattered most.  Late in the game, Temple was held to multiple one and done offensive possessions, that's what good teams do. Temple shot 30.2% from the field, and looked over-matched at times against Miami.   Where was this defensive intensity earlier in the season?

Team Basketball--The best teams are usually deep, with the bench contributing more than mere minutes and fouls.  Miami's bench has been inconsistent all season, which has led to Miami being unable to find rest for key starters.  The bench didn't start tonight's game well, allowing Temple to go on an early run.  They recovered, and helped lead the 'Canes to a crucial win.  The best bench contributor was Deandre Burnett, who ran the point well in the second half, and scored a big basket late in the second half.  Burnett scored eight points, and most importantly only committed ONE turnover.  He wasn't the only reserve who stepped into the fray, as Ja'Quan Newton contributed nine points, and Omar Sherman added six more.  The play of the day went to James Palmer, who put down a monstrous dunk in the second half following a beautiful drive to the basket.  Miami's depth was a key factor, and should be a strength going forward.

Quick Shots: Richmond (NIT Edition)

Feel free to smile Coach, you're heading to MSG! (Photo Credit: HurricaneSports.com)

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


Start spreading the news, the 'Canes are heading to New York City, and the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden. In a thrilling comeback, Miami overcame a hostile crowd, shoddy officiating, and an eighteen point deficit to defeat the Richmond Spiders 63-61. For the first time in program history, the 'Canes will play in the NIT Semifinals.  This is a big step forward for the program, and while it isn't as sweet as winning the ACC, or playing in the Sweet 16, it's a significant accomplishment. 


Quick Shots

Joe Thomas on the J.O.B--This game was dead in the water, the 'Canes looked awful and were getting blown out.  Miami needed someone to spark a comeback, and that spark came from a player that hadn't seen significant playing time in three months.  Joe Thomas was a manchild on the glass, grabbing six rebounds.  He wasn't a slouch on the offensive end, scoring six points in his eleven minutes.  Richmond is one of the worst rebounding teams in the country, and Thomas exploited that.  His experience, and toughness got the ball rolling for the 'Canes. 

Wild Thing--That should be Ja'Quan Newton's nickname, for the freshman point guard is unpredictable.  He's a player who can be a contributor, or a liability, tonight he was the former, scoring eleven points and snagging five rebounds coming off of the bench. Richmond didn't have a player who could stay in front of Newton, and he attacked the rim at will in the second half.  While his free throw shooting and decision making could stand to improve, the future is bright for Newton.  Jim Larranaga has a player here, a player that may end up being one of the better point guards in program history. 

Gritty 'Canes--This comeback didn't happen because Miami was able to get hot from the perimeter, it was a comeback that took forever to develop.  The 'Canes had to chop away at Richmond's lead bucket by bucket, which meant that Miami had to stop the Spiders.  That's exactly what they did, Richmond couldn't buy a bucket for much of the second half. In fact, the Spiders only had four field goals in the final twelve minutes.  Jim Larranaga's team also did a great job of grinding from the free throw line, connecting on 82.1% of their free throws.  Miami fought for this win, and earned their trip to MSG.

Salute the General--Sheldon McClellan rebounded from an awful performance against Alabama, and led this team when everything seemed lost.  While McClellan wasn't spectacular, he was there when he needed to be.  McClellan scored sixteen points, but his five point spurt late in the game put Miami in position to win.  Sheldon first connected on a deep three to tie the game, then came back and made a jumper in the lane to put Miami ahead.  The 'Canes would never trail again.  McClellan is the best player on this team, and when he realizes that he can score on anyone at any time, this team will be extremely dangerous. 

Quick Shots: Virginia Tech(ACC Tournament)

Deandre Burnett(1) attempts a layup(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fun to watch, but when you're on the bubble survival is the only thing that matters.  Miami defeated Virginia Tech 59-49, setting up a crucial quarterfinal game against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  If the 'Canes beat the Irish, it's highly likely that Miami will be on the right side of the bubble.  If not, the 'Canes may be one of the first four teams left out of the field. 

Quick Shots

Sloppy 'Canes--This didn't look like a team that understood the gravity of the situation they were in.  This team is playing for a berth in the tournament, and they came out looking disinterested.  Virginia Tech only won two ACC games in the regular season, but that wasn't due to a lack of effort.  Buzz Williams is a good coach, and his teams always play hard, and it's on the opposition to match that intensity.  The 'Canes didn't match, and struggled to stay ahead of the pesky, determined Hokies. The lack of effort was evident on the defensive end, as Miami allowed a team that doesn't score to get some outstanding looks, looks that only a lazy team would allow.  Christian Beyer isn't a big player, nor is he overly talented, but that that didn't stop him from taking advantage of Miami's lousy defensive effort, scoring nine points in his final game.   Notre Dame's bigs are eons better than Beyer, and will score in bunches if Miami chooses not to defend the paint. 

Can't Buy a Bucket--Miami was unable to match Saturday's outstanding performance, shooting 35.7% from deep.  That's a drastic drop from the 60% the 'Canes shot on Saturday in Blacksburg.  It wasn't much better on the interior, as the 'Canes struggled to finish at the rim.  The Hokies weren't able to challenge most shots due to their lack of interior size, this was a case of Miami blowing layups. This is a very troubling sign, and proof that the 'Canes weren't focused on the job at hand. Virginia Tech needed some help in order to make this game competitive, and Miami's inability to score was all the help the Hokies needed.

Offensive Offense--There are pickup games at the Wellness Center that are more entertaining than the game Miami participated in Wednesday night.  Why was this game so incredibly boring? It was boring because the 'Canes were dreadful offensively.   This wasn't the team that dominated the Hokies in two previous meetings.  Defeating a team three times in a season is tough, but this wasn't a case of the Hokies playing outstanding defense, this was a case of Miami not executing.  It didn't matter who was manning the point, the 'Canes were an isolation team, ball movement was a theoretical concept. Angel Rodriguez, in his first game action since the win over FSU was the best option for the 'Canes tonight, Ja'Quan Newton and Manu Lecomte both struggled mightily.  If this is the level of effort we're going to see, Blake James might as well order the NIT banner now, because Notre Dame will feast on a one dimensional team.  The 'Canes are at their best when the ball is moving around, and players are getting free via screens and quick cuts to the basket.  Miami isn't as good when they are playing isolation basketball, and relying on one player to create off of the dribble. 

Follow The General--Sheldon McClellan once again led the 'Canes scoring a game high sixteen points. Whenever Miami needs a big shot, Sheldon is there to deliver, such as his crucial three late in the second half.  That shot stopped Tech's momentum, and allowed Miami to put together a mini-run that, in essence put the game out of reach.  McClellan also did well on the defensive end, swatting a big block late in the first half.  It's mind boggling that Sheldon was named All-ACC Honorable Mention, he has better stats than some of the other shooting guards listed ahead of him.  He continues to be the most consistent player on the roster, and as he goes, so will the 'Canes. 

Quick Shots: Pitt

Davon Reed(Photo Credit: University of Miami)

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


There's nothing quite like the final two weeks of the college basketball season, especially if your team is on the bubble.  One loss can take your team out of the running, while one win can propel your team into the bracket.  Miami went into the Oakland Zoo, and emerged with something better than boiled peanuts, they emerged with an impressive 67-63 victory over the Pitt Panthers.  This win keeps Miami's tournament hopes alive going into the season finale at Virginia Tech.


Quick Shots

Dirty Glass--Miami doesn't rebound, and the stats bear that  out.  The 'Canes are ranked 193rd in rebounding, and I'm shocked that Miami isn't in the mid 200s.   Rebounding is mostly about size, and effort with some technique thrown in. Miami struggles with size, and effort is lacking at times.  Outside of Tonye Jekiri, Miami doesn't have anyone who can consistently win on the glass.  Pitt isn't a great team on the perimeter, but they owned the glass in the first half, and those extra opportunities led to points.  Miami eventually closed the gap in the second half, but the point remains: The 'Canes need to limit teams on the glass if they don't want their bubble to pop.

Davon R333D--Here comes that man again!  Davon was outstanding Wednesday night, scoring nineteen points, and connecting on all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.  Reed had been mired in a mini-slump, with him being a non-factor against UNC and Louisville.  That slump looks to be over as Davon was everywhere, slashing to the rim, catching lob passes, and getting steals. His best play came late in the second half as he drove the lane and found an open Sheldon McClellan in the corner, leading to an open shot.  That made basket extended the 'Canes lead to four points, a lead Miami held for the rest of the evening. 

One Man Show--Davon was entertaining, but Miami's inability to stop Michael Young wasn't.   Young is a matchup nightmare due to his strength, and nice touch from the perimeter but the 'Canes should have been able to slow him down a little.  Omar Sherman was useless as he hasn't learned how to use his body in the low post, and Ivan Cruz-Uceda lacks the athleticism to stay in front of Young.  Miami will face other talented interior players in this crucial stretch, interior defense has to be a priority.  Tonye Jekiri can't patrol the paint by himself, he needs help, and whether it comes from a schematic change, or players stepping up it doesn't matter. 

Late Game Heroics--This season, the 'Canes have struggled late in close ballgames, due to the fact that Miami has been unable to score when it mattered most. Against Pitt,  the 'Canes were able to go match baskets, due to outstanding late game execution. Jim Larranaga finally noticed the obvious and placed Sheldon McClellan in the low post, allowing McClellan to use his outstanding athleticism and strength to create opportunities.  McClellan drove the lane and had great looks, he was also able to dish to open shooters on the perimeter.  The 'Canes also did a great job of understanding game situations, and not fouling Pitt on their three point attempts.  Miami closed out under control, and then boxed out the shooter, it was textbook late game defense. Outside of a botched inbound play, Miami held onto the lead in a very hostile environment with no problem. 

Replacing Angel--With Angel Rodriguez injured, and likely out for the rest of the regular season, Miami is looking for someone to man the point.  Jim Larranaga started Manu Lecomte against Pitt, and then turned to Ja'Quan Newton when Lecomte was ineffective.  While neither player was outstanding, they both had moments of excellence and both kept the offense moving. The 'Canes looked to be organized offensively, a welcome change from the chaos that was the Miami offense over the last couple of weeks.   Lecomte is a distributor who can punish teams on the perimeter, Newton is a slasher who uses his speed to get into the heart of the defense.  Jim Larranaga has to find and play the hot hand, that's the best way to deal with this situation.

Quick Shots: Virginia Tech

Sheldon McClellan bedeviled VTech all night long(Photo Credit: USA Today)

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


For the first time in a long time, Miami easily defeated a lesser team.  While Wednesday's 76-52 victory over Virginia Tech isn't a season highlight, it's a welcome change from previous performances, where the 'Canes struggled to defeat the dregs of the ACC.  This victory gives Jim Larranaga's team sorely needed momentum, something they will need on Saturday. 

Quick Shots

Tonye Jekiri--The big fella dominated the Hokies, scoring fifteen points and grabbing fifteen rebounds.  Virginia Tech didn't have an answer for Tonye, who played one of his better games of the late.  He played in control, he finished around the rim, and defended without fouling.  Miami is going to need Tonye to finish the season strong, if the 'Canes are to be on the right side of the bubble. 
  
Sheldon McBuckets--Once again, Sheldon found a way to score a ton of points, and do it in the most efficient way possible. McClellan shot 70% from the field and scored 21 points.  He connected from everywhere, including twice from deep.  To watch a player score at will and do it with little effort is beautiful, and troubling at the same time.  Troubling because McClellan isn't getting nearly enough touches, he goes long stretches without scoring, or touching the ball.  Sheldon can be a twenty point per game scorer, especially if he is allowed to shoot more than ten times a night. 

Miami Defense--The 'Canes have struggled to stop teams that are offensively challenged.  A lot of that can be attributed to poor effort on the defensive end and an inability to consistently stay in front of ballhandlers. That wasn't the case Wednesday, as the 'Canes stopped the 'Hokies and forced them into a variety of awful shots.  Some of the shots did fall, but eventually the law of averages kicked in, and the 'Canes were able to keep the Hokies off of the scoreboard.  Virginia Tech shot 35% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc, that's a drastic drop from previous games. If Miami can bring this kind of defensive effort on a consistent basis, this team will be formidable in the future.

Referees--This game didn't turn on the call of an official, but this crew did an awful job of managing the game.  Jim Larranaga picked up a technical foul when he threw his blazer in disgust following a prolonged stoppage.  Hokies coach Buzz Williams also drew a technical, his for arguing with officials.  Both coaches had reason to be upset as the officials had zero idea what was going on, and seemed to be scared to take control of the game.  Fortunately, this game wasn't close, because it's obvious that these zebras may have found a way to turn this game. 

Angel Rodriguez--It's time to retire Struggle Watch, because minus a bad thirty second stretch, Angel played an outstanding game.  He did everything a point guard was supposed to do and he was still able to score.  While he continues to struggle from the perimeter, Angel has finally started pressing his speed advantage, slashing to the rack on numerous occasions.  His defensive effort was outstanding, he was a bulldog on Hokie guards, harassing them into turnovers and errant passes.  This season hasn't been the season Rodriguez expected, but there's still time left for him to finish the regular season with a flourish and lead this team to the postseason.

Quick Shots: Boston College

Sheldon McClellan(10) puts one up against BC (Photo Credit: Caneswarning.com)

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


It was closer that it should have been, but Miami's tournament hopes are still alive. Boston College had only won one ACC conference game before Monday, they didn't look the part, battling Miami through two overtimes at the Conte Forum.  Miami's 89-86 victory was crucial, but this team is still on the outside looking in. 


Quick Shots

Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan had another big game, scoring an efficient 24 points.  Mac did what he's done all season, and that's score on open jumpers and slashing to the basket.  He started the game on fire, scoring Miami's first seven points, and he didn't let up.  Brad Daugherty said it best "Good things happen when McClellan has the ball".  The 'Canes have a scorer, the key is finding a way to get Sheldon enough touches. 

Unlikely Heroes--We all know that Davon Reed, Sheldon McClellan and Tonye Jekiri are players that can be depended on game in and game out.  On Monday, those guys finally had some help, and that help came from some unexpected places.  Deandre Burnett has been a total zero over the last month, renting a room in Jim Larranaga's doghouse. Against BC, 'Dre finally saw the floor, and gave the 'Canes the spark they desperately needed.  Burnett played well, scoring ten points, including a crucial three at the end of regulation.  Miami was down four with under thirty seconds to play, when Deandre took the inbound pass and made a mad dash for the basket, scoring a layup, and drawing a foul.  That was the play that really turned the tide for the 'Canes, as the game looked to be over before Burnett's inspired play.  Miami could use a scorer off the bench, and Burnett should be that guy if he can buy into what Jim Larranaga is selling him.

Shooting Stars--In a game this close, every shot counts, and connecting on a high percentage is the difference between victory and defeat.  The 'Canes shot a high percentage from deep(45.8%) and from the charity stripe (81%).  Those are impressive numbers, especially away from the friendly confines of the BankUnited Center.  The 'Canes didn't jack up bad shots, and got the job done from the line. This team stepped up when it had to, in a game they desperately needed, and found a way to get the job done.

Struggle Watch 2015--The light may have come on for Angel Rodriguez.  While his stat sheet was  mediocre, his play wasn't.  He ran the offense, and let Sheldon McClellan dominate the ball.  He was a pesky defender, forcing Olivier Hanlan into some awful shots. .  Hanlan did most of his damage on Manu Lecomte, a player that is  smaller, and weaker than Rodriguez.  Angel fouled out late in regulation, but he had done his job.  Miami has more than enough shooters and scorers, to where Angel doesn't have to press.  Eventually, he will snap out of this funk, until then, he should continue to be the best role player he can possibly be.  He doesn't have to carry this team, he can concentrate on being what the team needs: a distributor and facilitator.

Quick Shots: Clemson

Ivan Cruz-Uceda(Photo Credit: University of Miami)

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


It's been a rocky couple of weeks for Jim Larranaga's squad.  This team has lost games in every way possible, from squandering large leads, to being completely outplayed and outfought.  There's still doubt about this team, but tonight's 56-45 victory over Clemson is a step in the right direction. Clemson is a team that will be fortunate to make the NIT, but the 'Canes have struggled to beat less talented teams.


Quick Shots


Struggle Watch 2015--While Angel Rodriguez made some questionable decisions, he limited his mistakes and showed signs of understanding his role.  His 3/11 shooting performance belies the contribution Angel made.   He was active on the defensive end with three steals, and showed a willingness to create for teammates.  It has become obvious that Angel gets bored when the 'Canes are ahead, as evidenced by his inability to control the basketball when Miami got out to a fourteen point lead midway through the second half. Following a couple of turnovers, and a near benching, he turned it around, and helped the 'Canes slam the door on Clemson.  The struggle continues for Angel and there's no signs of it ending anytime soon.   That said, Rodriguez wasn't a detriment and that's something to build on as the 'Canes move into the easiest part of the conference schedule. 

Ivan Make Baskets--With Angel struggling, it's become difficult for the 'Canes to score. This inability to score has forced role players to step up and be offensive threats, tonight Ivan Cruz-Uceda filled that role.    While Cruz-Uceda only played eleven minutes, they were highly productive minutes as the junior forward scored ten points and snagged five key rebounds.  Cruz-Uceda, while not a program cornerstone, is a player that will develop into a valuable member of the rotation.  His ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter is a welcome addition, and his willingness to rebound is something that Jim Larranaga is always on the lookout for.

Tamed Tigers--Clemson isn't a team that will impress offensively, but they looked awful Sunday, as the 'Canes did an excellent job of limiting the Tigers.  Brad Brownell's team shot 32.8% from the field, including an awful 25% from deep.  Outside of some impressive post possessions, the Tigers struggled to create high percentage shots, nearly every shot was contested.  Once Miami stopped turning the ball over, and allowing Clemson to score in transition, it was all over, as the Tigers couldn't get the job done in the halfcourt.  A perfect example of this incompetence is the Tigers needing a quick bucket coming down the stretch and being unable to get an open shot.  They had to settle for a low percentage jumper with the shot clock nearing zero.  That's defense, and something that has been missing from the 'Canes during this rough stretch. 

Silent Assassin--If you watched the game tonight, would you believe that Sheldon McClellan scored a game high nineteen points?  It was an extremely efficient offensive performance, as McClellan shot 75% from the field, and connected on 60% of his attempts from beyond the arc.  This game was another example of Sheldon being the most efficient offensive player on the team, and further proof that his role on the team should be enlarged.  Sheldon's shots are usually outstanding opportunities and in most cases, extremely high percentage.  If Sheldon is able to take an additional 4-5 shots per game, the 'Canes will  benefit. 

Quick Shots: Howard

Memorize this face, because we're all going to see plenty of Sheldon McClellan!(Photo Credit: University of Miami)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                    Canes Rising Contributor


While fans  were preparing for Saturday's gridiron tilt against FSU, the 'Canes of the hardwood played their first regular season game against Howard University.  The Bison were no match for the athletic 'Canes, falling 84-49.

Quick Shots

1. Sheldon McClellan is going to be a star--Sheldon McClellan was the most athletic player on the floor Friday, and he looked very comfortable in Jim Larranaga's system.  McClellan scored an easy 19 points, and got to the rim at will.  Sheldon's main weakness is his jumpshot,  he looked very uneasy when forced to shoot beyond 15 feet.  If McClellan can become an average shooter, watch out. 

2. Manu Lecomte continues to improve--Manu may be one of the biggest surprises in the country when it's all said and done. Manu has improved upon his shooting stroke, it looks a lot more connected than it looked at the beginning of last season.  Manu was a pest of the defensive end tonight, being involved in some deflections, and steals.  If Manu can continue to progress, Coach L may have to find more minutes for the talented youngster. He may not have the raw athleticism of former 'Cane Shane Larkin, but their skill sets are similar. 

3. Rebounding will be a problem--The 'Canes struggled on the glass tonight, against an undersized opponent.  Tonye Jekiri  looked horrific out on the floor, and Joe Thomas just isn't athletic enough to  consistently compete against skilled bigs.  The 'Canes will have to depend on Sheldon McClellan, and the rest of the guards to crash the boards, because the bigs can't get it done alone.

4. Who's going to play?--There's so many talented guards on the roster, it's going to be tough to find minutes for everyone.  Rodriguez, Lecomte, and McClellan are the main 3, but Deandre Burnett, JaQuan Newton and James Palmer are players that can't be ignored.