[skip75]

Perhaps the high point of Miami's season was in October when they were picked to finish 6th in the ACC preseason poll - it's been downhill ever since.  They did start out 3-0 with wins over FDU (?), Binghamton, & Coppin State.  But they've won again only once since then - over Presbyterian on Dec. 15.  Eleven days later, head coach Jim Larranaga resigned (reportedly due to NIL "killing his passion" for college basketball), and the Canes are 0-6 under interim head coach Bill Courtney.  Just 2 seasons ago Miami was ACC regular season co-champs and advanced to the Final 4 Of the NCAA tournament.  But there is only one player still on the roster from that team - and he's been out with an injury for 6 weeks.

Miami is 4-14, 0-7 in the ACC, & 0-5 on the road.  They are on a 7-game losing streak, losing the last 4 by double digits (including 117(!!)-74 vs SMU in Coral Gables on Saturday.  They have lost 22 straight Power 4 games.  Stanford favored by 11, O/U 152.5, implied score 81.25-70.75.  Very similar to the UNC game, but with Stanford as the favorite.

Starters in their most recent game were:
#0 Matthew Cleveland 6'7/210 Sr F  Played 2 yrs at Fla St. ACC 6th Man of the Year in 2022.  In his 3rd year as a full-time starter.  Leads the active roster with 13.8 ppg. Scored 31 last Sat. vs. SMU.
#1 Lynn Kidd 6'10/241 Gr C  Played at Clemson 1 yr & Va Tech 3 yrs (the last as a starter). 11.1ppg/6.9rpg.
#2 Brandon Johnson 6'8/221 Sr F  Played 3 yrs at East Carolina - the last as a starter.  7.8ppg/6.9rpg.
#3 Jalil Bethea 6'5/190 Fr F  2024 Pennsylvania Gatorade PoY, McDonalds AA, & McDs Slam Dunk Contest winner. Called a special offensive talent - quick, good in transition, & can score off the dribble.  But he's been inconsistent, and some Canes fans say that the slow paced offense, much of which goes through Kidd, does not favor his talents.  6.9ppg
#23 Austin Swartz 6'4/200 Fr G  5.9ppg

Nigel Pack is the lone holdover from the Final 4 team - he was selected Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Region.  He was voted first team preseason All-ACC for this year.  But he has injured in Dec. and has been in a walking boot.  He was leading the Canes in scoring (13.9 ppg) & assists (4.3 apg).

All signs would seem to point to a Stanford victory.  But I don't think they're good enough (or deep enough) to overlook anyone.  I also think that this coaching staff won't allow them to overlook anyone, but a bit of a let down after a big win is not unusual.  They're now to the part of the schedule that they need to take advantage of - 5 of the next 6 games (& 8 of the next 11) at home.  The win in Chapel Hill was great, but they need to follow it up at home vs. the last place team in the league.  I'll take a win how ever they can get it, but it would be especially nice to jump out to a big lead like SMU was able to do, and get more playing time from the bench.  In the UNC game, each starter played at least 33 minutes.

I'm also hoping that the "crowd" might increase a bit after the UNC win & with an offer of free tickets to football season ticket members.

[skip75]

Perhaps the high point of Miami's season was in October when they were picked to finish 6th in the ACC preseason poll - it's been downhill ever since.  They did start out 3-0 with wins over FDU (?), Binghamton, & Coppin State.  But they've won again only once since then - over Presbyterian on Dec. 15.  Eleven days later, head coach Jim Larranaga resigned (reportedly due to NIL "killing his passion" for college basketball), and the Canes are 0-6 under interim head coach Bill Courtney.  Just 2 seasons ago Miami was ACC regular season co-champs and advanced to the Final 4 Of the NCAA tournament.  But there is only one player still on the roster from that team - and he's been out with an injury for 6 weeks.

Miami is 4-14, 0-7 in the ACC, & 0-5 on the road.  They are on a 7-game losing streak, losing the last 4 by double digits (including 117(!!)-74 vs SMU in Coral Gables on Saturday.  They have lost 22 straight Power 4 games.  Stanford favored by 11, O/U 152.5, implied score 81.25-70.75.  Very similar to the UNC game, but with Stanford as the favorite.

Starters in their most recent game were:
#0 Matthew Cleveland 6'7/210 Sr F  Played 2 yrs at Fla St. ACC 6th Man of the Year in 2022.  In his 3rd year as a full-time starter.  Leads the active roster with 13.8 ppg. Scored 31 last Sat. vs. SMU.
#1 Lynn Kidd 6'10/241 Gr C  Played at Clemson 1 yr & Va Tech 3 yrs (the last as a starter). 11.1ppg/6.9rpg.
#2 Brandon Johnson 6'8/221 Sr F  Played 3 yrs at East Carolina - the last as a starter.  7.8ppg/6.9rpg.
#3 Jalil Bethea 6'5/190 Fr F  2024 Pennsylvania Gatorade PoY, McDonalds AA, & McDs Slam Dunk Contest winner. Called a special offensive talent - quick, good in transition, & can score off the dribble.  But he's been inconsistent, and some Canes fans say that the slow paced offense, much of which goes through Kidd, does not favor his talents.  6.9ppg
#23 Austin Swartz 6'4/200 Fr G  5.9ppg

Nigel Pack is the lone holdover from the Final 4 team - he was selected Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Region.  He was voted first team preseason All-ACC for this year.  But he has injured in Dec. and has been in a walking boot.  He was leading the Canes in scoring (13.9 ppg) & assists (4.3 apg).

All signs would seem to point to a Stanford victory.  But I don't think they're good enough (or deep enough) to overlook anyone.  I also think that this coaching staff won't allow them to overlook anyone, but a bit of a let down after a big win is not unusual.  They're now to the part of the schedule that they need to take advantage of - 5 of the next 6 games (& 8 of the next 11) at home.  The win in Chapel Hill was great, but they need to follow it up at home vs. the last place team in the league.  I'll take a win how ever they can get it, but it would be especially nice to jump out to a big lead like SMU was able to do, and get more playing time from the bench.  In the UNC game, each starter played at least 33 minutes.

I'm also hoping that the "crowd" might increase a bit after the UNC win & with an offer of free tickets to football season ticket members.

[PVTree]

I'm going to be in Maples tonight supporting the team and expecting to celebrate a win.

[PVTree]

I'm going to be in Maples tonight supporting the team and expecting to celebrate a win.

[JJJ]

The Baylor game is running long. Espn app for me.

[JJJ]

The Baylor game is running long. Espn app for me.

[martyup]

[martyup]

[chrisk]

The Baylor game is running long. Espn app for me.

Also ESPNNEWS

---

Dave Flemming on the call.

[chrisk]

The Baylor game is running long. Espn app for me.

Also ESPNNEWS

---

Dave Flemming on the call.

[martyup]

Good start.  14-3.

[martyup]

Good start.  14-3.

[TonyLima]

Better start. 21-3!!

[TonyLima]

Better start. 21-3!!

[skip75]

Made one more TD!

[skip75]

Made one more TD!

[martyup]

Better start. 21-3!!

[martyup]

Better start. 21-3!!

[TonyLima]

Announcers: only a 17 point lead. Let’s take a breather.

[TonyLima]

Announcers: only a 17 point lead. Let’s take a breather.

[TonyLima]

That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

[TonyLima]

That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

[BostonCard]

1737609815[/url]']
That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

Bear in mind this is Miami, 0-7 and about to be 0-8 in the ACC.  To me, the bigger win was UNC.  That being said, I think this team can wind up in the top half of the conference standings.

BC

[BostonCard]

1737609815[/url]']
That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

Bear in mind this is Miami, 0-7 and about to be 0-8 in the ACC.  To me, the bigger win was UNC.  That being said, I think this team can wind up in the top half of the conference standings.

BC

[TonyLima]

1737611108[/url]']

1737609815[/url]']
That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

Bear in mind this is Miami, 0-7 and about to be 0-8 in the ACC.  To me, the bigger win was UNC.  That being said, I think this team can wind up in the top half of the conference standings.

BC

At my age, you enjoy the moment. I love the way the team is playing in sync and having fun

[TonyLima]

1737611108[/url]']

1737609815[/url]']
That shot by Agrawal should’ve been worth four points

---

OK, I’m sold. This team is fun to watch. Kyle Smith may be the answer.

Bear in mind this is Miami, 0-7 and about to be 0-8 in the ACC.  To me, the bigger win was UNC.  That being said, I think this team can wind up in the top half of the conference standings.

BC

At my age, you enjoy the moment. I love the way the team is playing in sync and having fun

[Sam Leopold]

Cameron Grant welcome to the party!

[Sam Leopold]

Cameron Grant welcome to the party!

[old spanish trail]

After one of Agarwal's threes, Fleming pointed out that was glued to the bench by last year's coach, and under Smith he's a 3 point shooter, 2nd leading rebounder, and can guard multi positions. Mike Dunleavy was there to see Reynaud and he didn't disappoint.

Miami is really bad.

[old spanish trail]

After one of Agarwal's threes, Fleming pointed out that was glued to the bench by last year's coach, and under Smith he's a 3 point shooter, 2nd leading rebounder, and can guard multi positions. Mike Dunleavy was there to see Reynaud and he didn't disappoint.

Miami is really bad.

[fullmetal]

For anyone who didn't catch the final score, Stanford won 88-51.  Definitely felt like Kyle Smith has the guys in a good space, with no emotional letdown from a statement win against UNC.

Okpara was perfect from the field and stripe tonight, scoring 12 pts.  Gealer and Young combined to score no points in combined 39 min of play, but they filled the stat sheet otherwise.  Eleven turnovers (Blakes: 3, Agarwal: 2, the rest singletons) should be improved on, though four of those came from the bench.  The team shot 9-12 FT, but no one had more than one miss.  Raynaud had two blocks; I hope Coach Smith didn't think those were bad decisions lol.

Box score: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket.../401724821

(Next up: #67 FSU, and Stanford is #80 in the kenpom rankings -- eminently beatable if UNC is at #33 right now.)

[fullmetal]

For anyone who didn't catch the final score, Stanford won 88-51.  Definitely felt like Kyle Smith has the guys in a good space, with no emotional letdown from a statement win against UNC.

Okpara was perfect from the field and stripe tonight, scoring 12 pts.  Gealer and Young combined to score no points in combined 39 min of play, but they filled the stat sheet otherwise.  Eleven turnovers (Blakes: 3, Agarwal: 2, the rest singletons) should be improved on, though four of those came from the bench.  The team shot 9-12 FT, but no one had more than one miss.  Raynaud had two blocks; I hope Coach Smith didn't think those were bad decisions lol.

Box score: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket.../401724821

(Next up: #67 FSU, and Stanford is #80 in the kenpom rankings -- eminently beatable if UNC is at #33 right now.)

[skip75]

Miami or not, lots to like.

14 players saw action, 9 with double digit minutes, none with 30+ minutes.
5 players scoring in double figures.
Big 4 being the Big 4 (Agarwal having earned a promotion).
Young, Gealer, Okpara, Stinson, & Cammann all making significant contributions and minimizing mistakes.
Cameron Grant giving us a glimpse into his future.  At the chalk talk, he was mentioned as a player who, according to the analytics used during practices, is probably deserving of more playing time.  He lived up to that tonight in a limited opportunity.  Not sure if that's significant for this season, but hopefully for the next 3 years.
Sitting behind the bench, it's apparent that these guys are really having fun and really supporting each other - or else they're all good actors.

I don't think anyone would claim this to be a bigger win than the one at UNC.  But to me it's significant that Stanford followed up that upset by taking care of business vs. a team that they "should" beat, and doing so in dominant fashion.  It's making me re-evaluate how I would define success for them.  They are now in a tie for the 5, 6, & 7 spots in the ACC with a 5-3 record.  The remaining schedule is favorable.  3 games with teams ahead in the standings (1 home, 2 away), 2 games vs. one of the teams in the tie (home & away vs. SMU), and 7 games with teams trailing in the standings (5 home, 2 away).  

Getting to 20 wins and finishing in 5th, 6th, or 7th place would have sounded a bit crazy to me when the season began - but now seems within reach.  Finishing in the top 4 would be ideal (that gets a double by in the ACC tourney and a spot in the quarterfinals), but that seems out of reach even for an optimist like me.  Places 5-9 all get a first round bye, but the 8vs9 winner likely gets Duke in the 2nd round.  Not finishing in the top half of the league (i.e., 10th or below) feels at this point like it would be a disappointment.  Still more than half the league schedule remaining, so lots of basketball left to play and things can change quickly, for better or worse.  But I'm having fun watching it all unfold.

[skip75]

Miami or not, lots to like.

14 players saw action, 9 with double digit minutes, none with 30+ minutes.
5 players scoring in double figures.
Big 4 being the Big 4 (Agarwal having earned a promotion).
Young, Gealer, Okpara, Stinson, & Cammann all making significant contributions and minimizing mistakes.
Cameron Grant giving us a glimpse into his future.  At the chalk talk, he was mentioned as a player who, according to the analytics used during practices, is probably deserving of more playing time.  He lived up to that tonight in a limited opportunity.  Not sure if that's significant for this season, but hopefully for the next 3 years.
Sitting behind the bench, it's apparent that these guys are really having fun and really supporting each other - or else they're all good actors.

I don't think anyone would claim this to be a bigger win than the one at UNC.  But to me it's significant that Stanford followed up that upset by taking care of business vs. a team that they "should" beat, and doing so in dominant fashion.  It's making me re-evaluate how I would define success for them.  They are now in a tie for the 5, 6, & 7 spots in the ACC with a 5-3 record.  The remaining schedule is favorable.  3 games with teams ahead in the standings (1 home, 2 away), 2 games vs. one of the teams in the tie (home & away vs. SMU), and 7 games with teams trailing in the standings (5 home, 2 away).  

Getting to 20 wins and finishing in 5th, 6th, or 7th place would have sounded a bit crazy to me when the season began - but now seems within reach.  Finishing in the top 4 would be ideal (that gets a double by in the ACC tourney and a spot in the quarterfinals), but that seems out of reach even for an optimist like me.  Places 5-9 all get a first round bye, but the 8vs9 winner likely gets Duke in the 2nd round.  Not finishing in the top half of the league (i.e., 10th or below) feels at this point like it would be a disappointment.  Still more than half the league schedule remaining, so lots of basketball left to play and things can change quickly, for better or worse.  But I'm having fun watching it all unfold.

[skip75]

(Next up: #67 FSU, and Stanford is #80 in the kenpom rankings -- eminently beatable if UNC is at #33 right now.)

In other updated rankings:
FSU #65, Stanford #69 per Bart Torvick
FSU #67, Stanford #85 per ESPN BPI
FSU #70, Stanford #71 per Massey
Stanford #71, FSU #73 per NET

So yes, FSU (coming off a 77-68 loss at Cal & now 4-4 in the ACC) is beatable.  I would think Stanford will be favored at home, although not by much.  Not a game that Stanford "should" win, but a game they can win & need to win.

[skip75]

(Next up: #67 FSU, and Stanford is #80 in the kenpom rankings -- eminently beatable if UNC is at #33 right now.)

In other updated rankings:
FSU #65, Stanford #69 per Bart Torvick
FSU #67, Stanford #85 per ESPN BPI
FSU #70, Stanford #71 per Massey
Stanford #71, FSU #73 per NET

So yes, FSU (coming off a 77-68 loss at Cal & now 4-4 in the ACC) is beatable.  I would think Stanford will be favored at home, although not by much.  Not a game that Stanford "should" win, but a game they can win & need to win.

[fullmetal]

Saturday, 4pm.  Should be an exciting game, and I hope the student body shows up!

[fullmetal]

Saturday, 4pm.  Should be an exciting game, and I hope the student body shows up!

[SkiBum80]

I'm very impressed with how well Coach Smith and the team have done getting to this point.
It hasn't always been pretty, and some crap outs along the way.
But altogether they have showed persistence and tenacity and have achieved quite a bit so far.
As I've posted before, the key to this season was getting Maxime back, a great coup for Coach and assisted by Lifetime Card and perhaps others too.
But then also Coach did well scrambling to fill in the gaping holes in the roster.
After that, the reorganizing of team play to focus more on defense and ball control.
Especially how he refocused Maxime to be more defensive-minded, and how he is utilized in the schemes, is more effective than last year.
He is doing what I had hoped, that is, bringing more out of the players he has.
The accolades I'm tossing out of course are preliminary as there remains such a key part of the season left to go.
But to this point in the season, congrats are in order, as they are all doing as good or better than could have been reasonably expected.

[SkiBum80]

I'm very impressed with how well Coach Smith and the team have done getting to this point.
It hasn't always been pretty, and some crap outs along the way.
But altogether they have showed persistence and tenacity and have achieved quite a bit so far.
As I've posted before, the key to this season was getting Maxime back, a great coup for Coach and assisted by Lifetime Card and perhaps others too.
But then also Coach did well scrambling to fill in the gaping holes in the roster.
After that, the reorganizing of team play to focus more on defense and ball control.
Especially how he refocused Maxime to be more defensive-minded, and how he is utilized in the schemes, is more effective than last year.
He is doing what I had hoped, that is, bringing more out of the players he has.
The accolades I'm tossing out of course are preliminary as there remains such a key part of the season left to go.
But to this point in the season, congrats are in order, as they are all doing as good or better than could have been reasonably expected.