Tobacco Road Report

Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Division: Coastal
2005-2006 Results: 18-16 Overall, 7-9 Conference
Head Coach: Frank Haith
Record at Miami: 34-29 (.540), 2 seasons
Record Overall: 34-29 (.540), 2 seasons

Last Year in Review
The Hurricanes continued last season building a foundation for future success in the ACC. Under the direction of second year coach Frank Haith, the Hurricanes made the NIT for the second consecutive season and were in contention for an NCAA bid late into the season. Led by the determined play of star guards Guillermo Diaz (17.2 ppg) and Robert Hite (16.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg), the ‘Canes were a difficult frontcourt matchup for many of the teams on their schedule.

The season started slowly for the ‘Canes with tough losses at Temple, at Michigan, Air Force, and Louisville. During the ACC season, Miami showed the same trouble that all the second tier ACC teams had last year, beating the top teams. Miami was able to play the lesser teams well, but victories could not be found against Duke or Boston College.

Outlook
The outlook for the Hurricanes starts with the key loss of Diaz and Hite. The two combined for 34 points per game or half the Miami offense. However, Miami returns the rest of the supporting cast from last year including key backcourt reserve, Anthony Harris, and post player, Anthony King (6.9 rpg, 1.9 blks). Also returning is talented guard, Dennis Clemente.
The bright spot may be the incoming talent that Haith has recruited. A newcomer who is expected to play an integral part in Miami's success this season is 6-1 sophomore guard Jack McClinton. McClinton transferred from Siena prior to last season where he started 23 of 30 game and averaged 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Also, Haith has two four-star players (rivals.com) arriving to Coral Gables this season. James Dews is a scoring guard and Lawrence Gilbert is a versatile swingman.
Of course, the problem facing Haith will be integrating this new talent with his experienced players. The youth will likely be exploited early as Miami travels to Northwestern for the Big 10/ACC Challenge. TRR likes Haith’s style and believes he will be successful in the ACC if he can get a pipeline of talent coming to the “U.”

What do we expect from the Hurricanes?
North Carolina looks solid from top to bottom and should take home top honors in conference this year according to the staff at the Tobacco Road Report. Duke, Boston College, and Georgia Tech – listed here in no particular order – should round out the top four teams in conference.

On paper, Miami has enough pieces to be a tournament team at the end of the year (NIT, that is). The schedule has enough cupcakes on it to provide a near winning record. TRR does not see them making an impact in league play this year. There is too much youth on the roster and the experienced players were too dependent on Diaz and Hite to carry them through pressure situations. TRR sees Miami fighting Clemson and the two Virginia schools to scrape out enough wins for the NIT. With the top half of the league loading up on talented recruits, Haith will need to continue to keep pace to advance the program.

The season opens with Florida International University. Let’s hope Coker and Shalala are on hand to watch a coach who actually is in control of his team.