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The Miami RedHawks start the season at the bottom of our rankings. That ranking is the result of being there most of last season and an uncertainty about what to think this season. This is Jack Owen’s first head coaching job. Gone are the Weathers brothers, two huge components of last season’s team.
There are positives, however. Four starters return, including Logan McLane who was second on the team in scoring with 11.8 per, and the leading rebounder at 6.5 per. The 6’8 senior from North Carolina is versatile and was second on the team in assists, too. I expect his numbers to go up with the departure of the Weathers brothers.
Also returning is Jake Wright, who shot 35% from beyond the arch while averaging 8.9 points per game. Rod Mills Jr, the 6’7 forward from Cincinnati averaged 7.1 points per game, while Abdoulaye Harouna averaged 6.7. All 4 were starters last season.
Added into the mix is Precious Ayah, a 6’6 redshirt freshman that was injured last season. 5 freshman join the team, as do multiple transfers.
Obviously the loss of the Weathers brothers is huge but also gone are the 195 combined turnovers. In spite of all those turnovers, Miami was still on the + side of the column. I expect this year’s squad to be much more solid with the ball control. After they figure out where the new pieces fit into the puzzle, I will not be surprised if they play some competitive basketball, especially on the back end of their schedule.