UM football, basketball teams seek key players. Where things stand. And news on Mauigoas
A six-pack of Miami Hurricanes notes on a Wednesday:
▪ Fans of UM’s football and basketball teams likely will need to learn the names - and games - of at least seven, perhaps even a dozen, new veteran additions over the next three months.
In this era when the transfer portal has dramatically changed the landscape of college sports, both the Canes football and basketball teams will add players in the weeks and months to come. And these ideally won’t be ‘depth’ players, but players who can make a significant impact this fall.
Having lost Henry Parrish and Don Chaney Jr. in the portal, UM badly needs a running back to join the rotation with Mark Fletcher (UM expects him back from a foot injury this summer), Ajay Allen and Tre’Vonte Citizen, Chris Johnson and two freshmen.
Another veteran linebacker is needed to supplement Francisco Mauigoa, Wesley Bissainthe and a half dozen talented but inexperienced players.
A third or fourth cornerback is badly needed to supplement Daryl Porter Jr., Damari Brown and Jadais Richard.
Another safety might be needed, especially if Washington transfer safety Mishael Powell plays nickel corner. Jaden Harris and Savion Riley get first crack, unless Powell (who will play a ton) ends up at safety instead of nickel corner.
A case could be made to add a top-three receiver and a left guard.
The basketball team, meanwhile, has begun intense efforts to replace five players and perhaps as many as nine. Guard Bensley Joseph was the biggest contributor of the five that have departed so far.
There’s not a single member of the basketball team that is assured of returning, though Norchad Omier has indicated a preference to stay, according to a source. And UM also badly wants to keep Nijel Pack.
A source involved with the basketball program said UM is prepared for the real possibility of Wooga Poplar, Matthew Cleveland and Kyshawn George submitting their names for the NBA Draft, with the ability to withdraw their names later on (up to 10 days before the June draft).
We’re told Cleveland has an NIL deal in place with Miami should he opt to stay.
Meanwhile, on3’s Joe Tipton and 247 Canes reporters Luke Chaney and Chris Stock have done yeoman’s work tracking portal players that have drawn UM’s interest.
Among them:
1). East Carolina forward Brandon Johnson, who told Tipton he’s visiting UM next Monday.
Johnson, a 6-8, junior averaged 14 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season.
2). Furman junior point guard JP Pegue, who averaged 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 36.2 percent on threes.
3). Iowa point guard Tony Perkins, who averaged a career-high 14.0 points and 4.6 assists per game as a senior this season. He has one more year of eligibility left due to the NCAA’s COVID rules.
4). Charlotte forward Dishon Jackson, who averaged 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds this season.
5). Canisius point guard Tre Dinkins, who averaged 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.6 rebounds. He was named to the All-MAAC Third Team.
6). Drexel 6-10 power forward Amari Williams, who averaged 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season.
7). UNC Greensboro 6-8 power forward Mikeal Brown-Jones, who averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists this season while shooting 43.1 percent on threes.
8). Rutgers 6-10 center Cliff Omoruyi, who was third in the Big Ten in blocks per game (2.9), while averaging 10.4 points and 8.3 rebounds.
There are assuredly others being pursued by Miami, but those are among the targets that have leaked.
As for the available spots… UM basketball has three scholarships open but can create more. Players can enter the portal through May 1.
UM football is seven players above the 85-player scholarship limit, but doesn’t need to be in compliance until August. Several players likely will be encouraged to leave after spring ball, freeing up more spots.
▪ UM basketball coach Jim Larranaga told WQAM’s Joe Zagacki: “Norchad Omier, we list him at 6-7, but he’s 6-5 1/2.. We need to get more size and we are trying. My coaches are searching high and low. There’s a great demand on big guys. So it can become not only a recruiting battle but an NIL battle. Who’s got the most money? ‘I like the team.... but how much money can you pay me?’”
▪ Larranaga bemoaned that “there aren’t many Isaiah Wongs who will stay at a school for four years and develop their games. These kids today don’t want to wait. If I’m not starting playing 30 minutes a game, I’m out of here.”
Larranaga’s approach is to “find guys who really know how to play basketball and we’ll find a way to best utilize their skills… One thing we’ve sold all along [to portal players and high school recruits] is we have an NBA style of play.”
▪ Coincidentally, brothers Francisco and Francis Mauogia are missing UM spring practice with shoulder injuries.
Francisco Mauigoa, the standout linebacker, is recovering from a torn labrum. “It’s going well; the trainers have been helping me a lot with my progress,” he said. “I think I’ve gained back really fast. I get so anxious to get back on the field but I have to put my pride to the side and just listen. I’m excited to see these guys practice, support.”
Francisco said his brother, UM right tackle Francis, “got both shoulders fixed. He’s doing well in the training room. He can’t be out there watching because it gets him too excited.”
▪ Second-year player Raul Aguirre continues to take first-team middle linebacker snaps in the absence of Francisco Mauigoa.
“He has grown up fast,” Mauigoa said. “He was a freshman last year and it feels like he’s been here a while. He made some big steps of being a really good leader. He’s showing up every play. You see that on film; he’s been around the ball.”
Mauigoa also said impressive early enrollee Cam Pruitt is “really smart, instinctive” at linebacker.
And Mauigoa said new UM quarterback Cam Ward, the Washington State transfer, “makes impact throws here or there, very calm and very confident. That’s the thing that sticks out to me the most, a very confident individual. He’s out here throwing balls effortlessly. He’s a very good leader, very vocal when it’s time. He has the talent to take this team all the way.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 1:32 PM.
