Audio By Carbonatix
All hopes of the Miami Hurricanes football team crashing into the top 25 seem to be dashed this season, but the basketball team should help dry some of those tears. After beating then 7th-ranked Florida last week and breezing through a minor tournament this weekend, the 5-0 team debuted at number 17 in this week’s AP basketball poll.
The Gators meanwhile fell to number 18 in the poll.
It’s a slightly different story in the coaches’ poll where Miami is ranked 20th, and Florida hovers at 16.
It’s just coach Jim Larranaga’s fourth season, and it seems like his blueprint is working. The team reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2013 with players recruited by Frank Haith, and then settled down last year for a bit of a rebuilding year.
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Lead by junior transfer Angel Rodriguez, the team now has a young core with just one senior on the team. The team stunned Florida 69-67 on the 17th, and then the team dominated this weekend’s Charlotte Classic, winning every game by 20 points or more on their way to winning the tournament. Rodriguez meanwhile took honors as the tourney MVP.
The team seems to be over performing so far, with the pre-season media poll having pegged the ‘Canes as only the 10th best team in the ACC. Though, the team won’t enter ACC play until January 3rd in a game at current 8th placed Virginia. ACC foes Duke, North Carolina and Louisville are also ranked in the top 25 in spots four through six respectively.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
