Canes Get Some Payback Against The Bulls

Earlier this season your University of Miami baseball team took a trip over to Tampa to play the University of South Florida at George Steinbrenner Stadium, a facility that many of you know serves as the Spring training home of the New York Yankees. 

That night we were on hand to watch as the Hurricanes looked lost, confused, unmotivated and at times even incompetent as they lost 4-2 to the Bulls in very humbling fashion on March 1.

 
My oh my, what a difference a few weeks and a few games make!

On Wednesday night the Hurricanes rode, spanked and then castrated the Bulls 14-5 at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

 
Miami tallied 15 hits against the USF pitching staff that threw seven pitchers at the 'Canes.  The Bulls looked flustered and intimidated as they accounted for four errors on the night, a few wild pitches and a few other mental and physical miscues that led to a nine run sixth inning for the Hurricanes. 

 
After that it was all over but the shouting as the fat lady was singing rather loudly along with the crowd as the PA system at ARP played the fan favorite "Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah) at the end of the sixth and the traditional "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch.

 
Michael "I Ain't No" Broad came in as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning with the bases juiced with Hurricanes.  He proceeded to crush the the first pitch high and far and well over the left field score board. Broad's grand slam staked Miami to a 6-2 lead from which they would never look back.

Steve "Dallas" Ewing (7-1) tossed 6 2/3 innings for the Canes, striking out seven to notch his seventh consecutive win of the season.  Miami's bullpen (no pun intended) was strong in relief as Sargent "Schultz" closed out the game on three consecutive strikes to get the final out and end the game.

The Hurricanes can now turn their undivided attention to the rivalry weekend series against the Florida State Seminoles.  The ACC showdown in Coral Gables will match two top 15 ranked teams and likely will set the stage for the rest of the season for one of the two teams.

 
Miami (28-13) is the hot team right now having won 14 of their last 16 games behind consistent, quality pitching and more recently timely and more productive hitting with runners in scoring position.

With the win, the Hurricanes improved to...

• 28-13 overall
• 18-6 at Alex Rodriguez Park
• 13-8 in non-conference play
• 83-30 all-time against USF
• 16-6 in night games
• 13-2 in April
• 5-2 on Wednesday
• 14-1 when hitting a home run
• 12-2 when wearing green "M" hats   

Comments

[Canechic]

Go from a total jackass being picked to a genuinely good kid being picked. I am sure Miller deserves this so much more than cam the scam.

[Sebastian]

Kinda thought Miller and Dareus would of switched 2 and 3 but your right Canechic im very happy to see Miller go at #2

A very nice and humble kid

[SOUP]

BURGERS AND BEER at the new UMAA building across from ARP at 5 PM before the FSU game on Friday?

I THINK I CAN DO THAT!

[Sebastian]

49ers take Aldon Smith with the 7th pick

Thats a big big stretch for that guy at that spot

[SOUP]

Cleveland picked Atlanta's pocket in the Falcon's trade up to get Julio Jones.

ATL gave up WAY too much!

[Sebastian]

I agree with you on that one Soup

Atl. was desperate to get another WR and was nervous as heck that someone was going to jump up and get him

[Sebastian]

Ponder to the Vikes at #12?????

What the heck do they see in this guy to pick him at #12

[CaneRock]

WHOOOOOOA!!! CHRISTIAN PONDER AT 12!!!

[Sebastian]

Well Soup and fellow `Phin fans......vent

[Six]

Thought the Bucs had a chance to get Prince .. but the Giants swooped in

Bucs absolutely need DEs first and foremost, then DBs/Ss

[SOUP]

Ponder at #12 is a REACH!

[Sebastian]

#1 Cam Leaf
#7 Aldon Smith
#8 Locker
#12 Ponder
#15 Bouncey

All picks that have fans of those teams thinking what the hell did we just do

[SOUP]

Sebas...I agree EXCEPT for #1 and #8.

I know U are not a big fan of either but I think BOTH will do better in the NFL than MOST think.

[Sebastian]

Six,
Do the Bucs end up cutting Talib or do you figure the NFL drops a pretty good suspension on him whenever they get this lockout stuff figured out

I know its hard to ask someone to keep away from members of their family but his mom is nothing but trouble in his life

[CaneRock]

I like the Pouncey pick. It's hard enough for a Center to snap and block a big-assed NT, but when He can snap the ball and PULL, that's impressive...

[jkmiami89]

Michael Broad didn't pitch hit, he is back at second after recovering from a leg injury. And his grand slam was BEAST!!!

[Sebastian]

Soup,
I think Locker has a solid chance at becoming a decent QB but I do think that was a big reach at the 8th spot

Then again with the way teams were grabbing QBs early they must of felt they had to get him then or risk not getting anything(although I do think some good QBs will be available in 2nd/3rd round)

As for Cam I just cant see him being that franchise making QB. The kid is an athlete, ill give him that but thats about it.

He struggles with reads and doesnt know anything more then a 1 WR route

He also has been a problem since his days at FU and that raises a huge concern for me when jumping to the pro level

[SOUP]

Michael Broad didn't pitch hit, he is back at second after recovering from a leg injury. And his grand slam was BEAST!!!

Posted by: jkmiami89 | April 28, 2011 at 10:59 PM

jk...thanks for the 411. Was Broad the designated starting 2B for this season?

[Sebastian]

`Canes lose out on both 26 and 27

6`2 beats 5'10 and 6'5 beats 6'2

[Sebastian]

The Pats getting out of the 1st round really really hurt Hanks chances

[SOUP]

57...U can't coach size or speed.

At least that's what she said.

[SOUP]

Hank? Harris? Bailey?

[SOUP]

No UM players taken in the first round.

[Oby1]

Think Brandon Harris is second guessing his choice??

[solarcane]

first round draft pick contest

Laughingstock Temple football program 1

Most recognizable brand with the most first round picks of anybody in the history of the game and could change our name to NFLU if we felt like it 0

" those Temple guys play hard" Jon Gruden

[Sebastian]

What I think went against Hank when it came down to Baldwin and him was just the fact that the Chiefs were more comfortable with him as a big target in the redzone

There really wasnt much difference between them skill wise for the Chiefs but when it comes down to it 6'5 beat out 6'2 I guess

When it came down to B.H. and J.S. that had to be a tough call for the Ravens and again went with the more physical CB

The Jets went with someone physical that is ready to play right now but our man/child was in the mix

The Steelers pick threw me a bit. Ive had a few of those fans calling me questioning why they went with that pick. They arent totally upset with it but I wouldnt say they are totally sold on him

[Sebastian]

No way in heck is #1 2nd guessing his choice

He made the right decision to move on to the NFLU

[SOUP]

Think Brandon Harris is second guessing his choice??

Posted by: Oby1 | April 28, 2011 at 11:43 PM

YES

[Six]

Sebastian57 - Talib is basically done in Tampa for good, he's history and his locker will be occupied by someone else next year .. at least that's what is heard off the record up at One Buc

Wasn't completely excited by their pick with Clayborn, but not that disappointed either. Don't really know too much about the Erb's Palsy he has in his shoulder, except that his right arm supposedly is suspect b/c of it. He's a big kid, 6'5 290. Had a run in with the law back in '09 for punching a cab driver. I just didn't want them taking Bowers at that spot .. and as you saw, he slipped down really far considering the hype about him

Can Brandon Harris last until pick 19 tomorrow if the Bucs want to take a crack at him? Probably

[SOUP]

Sebas...as much as U may hate to hear this, U are NOT always right. I think U got it wrong on BH #1.

[solarcane]

No way Harris is sweating it,
He's a millionaire by Sunday night.
plays a few tears takes care of his family,
coaches somewhere.
He saw he was the 4th or 5th rated CB and there were only 32 chances anyone would need the fifth best CB in the first round.
Or he could have stayed at the U maybe won the Coastal Division, Or get injured and never get a chance to be drafted period.

[solarcane]

soup you're wrong sebas is right

[solarcane]

soup,
btw have you practiced with the camcorder yet, I'd love to see you guys in action at the titanic!

[Sebastian]

I really dont see why he would be 2nd guessing his choice

It really wouldnt matter what kind of D the `Canes played this upcoming season, the other teams wouldnt go after him that much anyway

Its not like he was all of a sudden grow to 6'1 either. All he needs to do is get on a team and show what he can do for a few years and he will get his

[solarcane]

show what he can do for a few years and he will get his

That's the way I see it also.
I don't think he has visions of being a rookie all pro DB in the NFL.
His family might have money issues he would like to help ease, he's a good young man.

[Sebastian]

Soup,
In no way do I mean it to seem like I am right and everyone else is wrong im just giving my point of view and my reasons behind it

Of course I expect people to disagree with it and I wont put someone down for that

[TonyCane]

A little off-topic, but here are Dolphin picks starting with the 1994 draft. If you look at the failure to draft in certain positions and the outright busts, you can see why this team has struggled so mightily on offense:

QB:
John Beck (2nd, 2007)
Chad Henne (2nd, 2008)
Pat White (2nd, 2009)

WR:
Yatil Green (1st, 1997)
Ted Ginn (1st, 2007)
Chris Chambers (2nd, 2001)
Larry Shannon (3rd, 1998)
Derek Hagan (3rd, 2006)
Patrick Turner (3rd, 2009)

RB:
John Avery (1st, 1998)
Ronnie Brown (1st, 2005)
JJ Johnson (2nd, 1999)
Rob Konrad (2nd, 1999)
Karim Abdul Jabbar (3rd, 1996)
Travis Minor (3rd, 2001)
Lorenzo Booker (3rd, 2007)

OL:
Bill Milner (1st, 1995)
Vernon Carey (1st, 2004)
Jake Long (1st, 2008)
Mike Pouncey (1st, 2011)
Tim Ruddy (2nd, 1994)
Andrew Green (2nd, 1995)
Todd Wade (2nd, 2000)
Samson Satele (2nd, 2007)
Grey Reugamer (3rd, 1999)
Seth McKinney (3rd, 2002)
Wade Smith (3rd, 2003)
Taylor Whitley (3rd, 2003)
John Jerry (3rd, 2010)

DL/DE:
Tim Bowens (1st, 1994)
Darryl Gardner (1st, 1996)
Jared Odrick (1st, 2010)
Kenny Mixon (2nd, 1998)
Matt Roth (2nd, 2005)
Philip Merling (2nd, 2008)
Jason Taylor (3rd, 1997)
Kendall Langford (3rd, 2008)

LB:
Audrey Beavers (2nd, 1994)
Eddie Moore (2nd, 2003)
Koa Misi (2nd, 2010)
Channing Crowder (3rd, 2005)
Derick Rodgers (3rd, 1997)
Ronnie Ward (3rd, 1997)
Brad Jackson (3rd, 1998)
Morlon Greenwood (3rd, 2001)

DB:
Jamal Fletcher (1st, 2001)
Jason Allen (1st, 2006)
Vontae Davis (1st, 2009)
Sam Madison (2nd, 1997)
Patrick Surtain (2nd, 1998)
Sean Smith (2nd, 2009)
Dorian Brew (3rd, 1996)
Ben Kelly (3rd, 2000)

To sum that is:

Quarterback: 3 second rounders
Wide Receiver: 2 first rounders, 1 second rounder, 3 third rounders
Halfback: 2 first rounders, 2 second rounders, 3 third rounders
Tight End: -
Offensive Line: 4 first rounders, 4 second rounders, 5 third rounders
DE/D-Line: 3 first rounders, 3 second rounders, 2 third rounders
Linebacker: 3 second rounders, 5 third rounders
D-Back: 3 first rounders, 3 second rounders, 2 third rounders

And in the last five seasons:

Offense: 3 first rounders, 4 second rounders, 2 third rounders

Of these nine picks, two were wide receivers (Ginn, Turner) and one running back (Booker). None are currently with the team.

[Sebastian]

Six,
Are the Bucs going to make any moves for a RB in this draft or just wait and see with Williams or FA whenever that starts up

Or could this be just be about getting that D straight

[Sebastian]

After reading that little draft report right there this looks like its going to be a very important draft for the `Phins

Looks like they cant afford to miss out on any picks this season

[Six]

Sebastian57 - from what I've heard over there, they're pleased with how Blount played last year .. but he has to work on his blocking and holding onto the ball as well

They still have some relief for him with Carnell and Earnest, but he's their big bull and you saw some of the runs he had last year - just not only plowing people, but making some leaping runs

They're most likely just going to go Defensive heavy in this draft and they absolutely need to

DEs are a must. DB/S is a must. LB needs to be addressed as well. All the other positions are secondary to those 4 spots that they really really need

When they had to switch Grimm from a LB to a Safety last year, that is a telling move at just how shallow their depth is at the Safety spot.

They got their big bulls for the middle of the DL last year, along with some nice shiny toys for Freeman to throw to finally ... this year is all about DE, DB and lastly LB

[Sebastian]

Six,
I wasnt sure if Carnell was signed for this year thats why I didnt know if they might take a chance on a RB and im still not sure if teams can sign FA or not or even sign their own players yet

I know most Buc fans are just waiting for the day when they replace Mr. Backwards Ruud in the middle

That would be nice to see them sure up the D with some youth and start building it back up

Youre right about the DBs, between Barber and Talib they are going to need some help pretty quick

I dont see the Glazers coughing up the cash to go out and bring in a Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders to close off half the field for them

[Canechic]

Lake Brantley high school fire their baseball coach of 26 years...this really shocks me. Can't wait to hear the real reason because it is not because of his coaching hmmm?

[Canechic]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/baseball/os-hs-mike-smith-fired-0428-20110428,0,1263314.story

Here is the story!

[Old Skool]

Canesport saying Angelo Jean Louis committed

[NativeCane]

Canechic this part was strange:

Smith, 63, hopes to coach for five more seasons, and said he was stunned when Brantley principal Mary Williams called him to her office before the team left for its tournament game to break the news.

"She said she didn't have a reason except that it's just time for a change," Smith said. "It really surprised me because of all the success we've had and the number of kids we've put into college and pro ball."

[canechic]

I think there is more to this story...Nicole will be home in a week and I will get the juicy gossip because I am sure there is some.
This is LBHS were juicy stories live, lol!

[NativeCane]

MH

Draft

University of Miami cornerback Brandon Harris and wide receiver Leonard Hankerson spent Thursday night with their families, no doubt nervous about what would transpire in the opening round of the NFL Draft.

By the end of the opening round, nothing had transpired for either — or for any other draft-eligible Hurricane.

But both are expected to know their new NFL homes by the end of Day Two of the draft on Friday night (that is, if they had not already been selected by the end of the initial round).

“I think the first-round thing is overrated,’’ said Harris said Wednesday night. “That wasn’t my goal. My goal is to play in the NFL. Obviously, it would be nice for UM to get the first-round streak going again, but that’s not what’s going to make or break me. Once you’re in the door, everybody has the same opportunity.’’

Harris, who left UM after his junior season, flew back Thursday from New York, where he attended draft-related events, to spend the draft with his parents, brother and close aunts and uncles.

“I wanted to share the actual event with my family in private,’’ he said. “I wanted to finish it with the people I started it with.’’

Hankerson, who set the UM single-season record for receiving yards with 1,156 in 2010, was with his mother and children and other family members at the Lake Worth home of Jack Doucett, the youth coach who helped him improve his game over the past few years. He played golf in the morning to calm his nerves, then settled in to watch the draft.

“I don’t know what it will be like,’’ he said Thursday afternoon. “I won’t start getting nervous probably until pick No. 20. You can’t do anything about not going in the first round. You just have to make the best of the situation you’re in and prove to everyone that it’s not about that. It’s about what you do once you get drafted.’’

At least seven Canes are expected to be drafted. And no Hurricanes players has been selected in the first round since safety Kenny Phillips went 31st to the New York Giants in 2008.

Phillips’ selection marked the record-14th consecutive year that the Canes had a first-round pick.

The other Hurricanes who might be drafted are defensive end Allen Bailey, offensive tackle/guard Orlando Franklin, linebacker Colin McCarthy, running back Damien Berry, cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke and tailback Graig Cooper. Others, such as cornerback Ryan Hill, could be drafted, but if not, are expected to join teams through free agency once the league year begins

“I’m just excited and ready for this to be over with,’’ McCarthy said.

Bailey said he will be with his family at a friend’s house in Darien, Ga.: “Nervous? Nah. I’m good. This process can be overwhelming at times, but it’s reality now and I’m happy with any team that wants me.’’

Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke said “there will be tears of joy’’ when he receives the special phone call from his future NFL team.

“I thank God everyday for being in this position,’’ he said. “I hope all the guys from Miami are drafted. We have a bunch of talent.’’

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/29/2191130/miami-hurricanes-brandon-harris.html#ixzz1Kui7IUIe

Here come the Noles

Whether it is making strange noises or impersonating the coaching staff, few do a better job on the University of Miami baseball team at “brightening the mood and getting guys to laugh” than sophomore outfielder Zeke DeVoss.

“Zeke’s probably the team clown, definitely the funniest guy on the team,” closer Danny Miranda said. “He knows how to create a fun atmosphere.”

But even the happy-go-lucky 5-10, 171-pound speedy leadoff hitter, who tops the Atlantic Coast Conference in stolen bases, couldn’t figure a way to snap the struggling Hurricanes out of a deep funk last month. DeVoss said the only one who could “make the Canes right” and set them on course after a 4-7 start was coach Jim Morris. And it appears he has.

“Him being gone with the sickness he had, I think that hurt us a lot,” said DeVoss, who has 26 steals and a .466 on-base percentage that ranked fourth in the ACC heading into this weekend’s games.

“Not having him out there, we were really down, not really focused for games because he wasn’t here to get us going. When coach Morris came back, he spoke to us, made a lot of us change our approaches at the plate. That’s had a lot to do with the success with we’re having now.”

DeVoss isn’t joking. Since Morris’ return on March 8 (he had his gall bladder removed Feb. 25), the Hurricanes have gone 24-6 and raised their team batting average from .229 to .277 after Wednesday’s 14-5 rout of South Florida.

Now, after winning two of three at previously top-10 ranked North Carolina last weekend, the 14th-ranked Canes (28-13) enter a three-game series at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field against ninth-ranked Florida State (31-10) in position to become a front-runner to host a regional tournament at season’s end. That’s something not even Morris, 61, could have envisioned as he sat in the hospital and read about his team’s rocky start.

“We’ve won a significant amount of games lately, but I’m still worried about how we’re going to play this weekend,” said Morris, who is 52-41-1 against the Seminoles all-time as the coach at UM. “I think when you get to the point when you aren’t worried or aren’t excited, then that’s when you need to step away.

“I wouldn’t think of [this series] as being anything but crazy … any series against top-10 teams are huge. Our RPI went from 24 to 14 last week. This is an opportunity to move up again.”

Outside of being swept by 12th-ranked Georgia Tech (30-11) at home, the Hurricanes have done nothing but climb since Morris returned to coaching full-time. According to players, the biggest difference he has made is getting them to feel comfortable at the plate. With the use of new, more wood-like bats this season, UM has gone from a power-hitting team that slugged 106 homers in 63 games a year ago to hitting only 23 through its first 41 games this season.

Instead of using power, the Canes have learned how to manufacture runs with bunts, stolen bases and timely hitting. UM entered the week leading the ACC in stolen bases (75) and sacrifice bunts (44), while ranking ninth out of 12 teams in batting average, runs scored, doubles and triples.

“I think the bats changed the game a lot, made a huge difference,” Morris said. “We had a team meeting a couple days after I got out of the hospital, and I told them they needed to relax and start swinging, getting their hacks in, don’t get cheated.”

DeVoss, who started the season 11 for 48 (.229) with only six runs scored, has hit .350 (35 for 100) and scored 37 runs since Morris’ return. Clean-up hitter Harold Martinez, who got off to a 6-for-40 start (.150) with only five RBI, has hit .356 (37 for 104) and driven in 27 RBI over the same span. He’s only hit three homers, compared to last season when he led the ACC with 21. But Martinez takes pride in the fact he also leads the team and ranks fourth in the league with nine sacrifice bunts.

“Once you start bad, you have to start doing other things to win games until you start to come back,” Martinez said. “We’re on our way back now. We win this series, we’re in even better shape. Our goal is to get to Omaha. That hasn’t changed.”

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/29/2191024/as-miami-hurricanes-baseball-rebounds.html#ixzz1KuikZUTY

Manny

Canes look to shut door on Noles

You don't have to remind Danny Miranda how much losing last year's series at Florida State hurt the Hurricanes.

He was on the mound for the first of two ninth-inning rallies the Seminoles pulled off on back-to-back days to beat UM. Trailing by one in the bottom of the ninth, FSU loaded the bases with no outs on a single, a walk and an error before Stuart Tapley hit a double to straight-away center off Miranda to bring in the game-tying and game-winning runs. The Canes led 7-3 before FSU scored five runs over the final two innings.

The next day, Mike McGee hit a two-out, two-run home run off Taylor Wulf in the ninth to rally the Seminoles to a 7-6 win.

"It felt like we were ahead 25 of the 27 innings we played," Miranda lamented earlier this week. "It was tough. All I know is we can't wait to play them again, here, in our place."

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/04/miranda-canes-looking-to-shut-door-on-fsu-this-time.html#ixzz1KujJfCLO

[NativeCane]

If you did'nt watch the NFL draft last night but got out of bed at 4:00 am to watch the Royal Wedding without logging on to Canespace turn in your Man Card and watch this and remember " No Pooftahs"

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oG7niArrpNfQ4Al09XNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTg5Mi1zBGZyMgNzYS1ncARncHJpZAMuUnllcnUxRVM4LlNieERmX0dhSTVBBGhvc3RwdmlkAzZyZm5TRW9HN3Y3REs4UFFUYVdRZ0FKYVNGdUxSVTI2cm9BQUFrcGcEbl9ncHMDMgRuX3ZwcwMwBG9yaWdpbgNzcnAEcG9zAzEEcHFzdHIDbm8gcG9vZnRhaARxdWVyeQNtb250eSBweXRob24gbm8gcG9vZnRhaHMEc2FjAzEEc2FvAzEEdnRlc3RpZANRSTAxOA--?p=monty%20python%20no%20pooftahs&fr=yfp-t-892-s&fr2=sg-gac&sado=1&pqstr=no%20pooftah&vdata=0,0,0,0

[Ohio_Cane]

Canspace twitter broke 100 followers!

[Ungar]

Thanks for the solid work, Native!

Funny that we were worried about this team even MAKING the playoffs, when now they are hoping to host a regional.

I guess the hot seat has cooled for Morris.

Now, will Martin try to get out of the handshake this weekend? Good thing the Canes fans are more classy than the Noles fans, we won't be throwing batteries and trying to break through the fance to attack Nole players. We will just be calling the FSU pitcher a rag arm.

[solarcane]

Canes hoops staff

CORAL GABLES, FLA. - University of Miami head men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga has announced that Eric Konkol, Michael Huger and Chris Caputo have joined his Hurricanes staff as assistant coaches. All three assistants worked with Larranaga at George Mason.

"I'm delighted that my three sidekicks from the last few years will be joining us at the University of Miami," said Larranaga. "Chris Caputo has been with me for nine years, Eric Konkol for seven and Coach Huger for four. They each bring a unique set of skills to our program.

"We have been a team with great chemistry, a coaching staff with great chemistry - and we will build that kind of team chemistry with our team players here at Miami as well."

Konkol enters his eighth season as a member of Larranaga's staff, previously working with him at Mason from 2002-03 through 2004-05 and 2007-08 through last season. In the interim, he spent two years coaching high school basketball in Minnesota and had a short stint on the coaching staff at North Dakota State. Konkol previously worked on Buzz Peterson's staff as a student assistant at Tulsa in 2000-01 and as a graduate administrative assistant at Tennessee in 2001-02.

Since rejoining Larranaga's staff, he helped guide the Patriots to four-straight postseason appearances - including NCAA berths in 2008 and 2011.

A native of Amherst, Wis., Konkol is a 2000 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and played three seasons of basketball for the Division III program - advancing to the national championship game in 2000. Konkol spent his first two years, including one redshirt season, at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville playing for current Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan.

Huger enters his fifth season as an assistant coach for Larranaga and his seventh as a collegiate coach. In four seasons at George Mason, he helped lead the Patriots to the postseason every year and to a school-record tying 27 wins in 2011 - including an NCAA Tournament second-round victory over Villanova. He began his coaching career at Longwood University (Va.) under Mike Gillian, a former Mason assistant coach under Larranaga, where he spent two seasons.

A native of New York City, Huger is a 1994 graduate of Bowling Green State University where he played for Larranaga from 1989-93. He earned Mid-American Conference honors in his final two seasons, and was a Naismith Award nominee and the runner-up for conference player of the year as a senior. As a prep player, he helped lead Stevenson High School to back-to-back PSAL City Championships in 1988 and 1989.

Before joining the coaching ranks, Huger played professional basketball in Europe for 12 years - earning Dutch League MVP honors in 1996 after averaging 25.3 points and 5.8 assists. He also earned First Team All-Belgium honors in 2000 and 2004 after leading his clubs to Belgium Cup championships in both seasons.

Caputo, a longtime Larranaga assistant, enters his 10th season on his staff and his seventh as an assistant coach. He played a major role in Mason's run to the Final Four in 2006, putting together scouting reports to prepare the Patriots as they played nationally-ranked teams and future NBA players in nearly every round. In 2008, he helped lead the team to its second-highest win total in program history as Mason beat nationally-ranked Kansas State and won the CAA title for the first time since 2001.

Prior to becoming an assistant coach, Caputo worked on Larranaga's staff as the video coordinator, coordinated the staff recruiting database and mailing system, as well as serving in other administrative capacities.

A native of Elmhurst, N.Y., Caputo is a 2002 graduate of Westfield (Mass.) State College where he was a four-year letterwinner as a point guard for the Division III Owls. A 1998 graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School - Larranaga's alma mater, he too played for legendary head coach Jack Curran.

To renew or purchase tickets for the 2011-12 Miami men's basketball season, please contact the Hurricane Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES or visit us online at hurricanesports.com.

[Loco]

That's ok, because the Canes will have 4 2nd round draft picks.

Harris
Hank
Bailey
and...
Al Davis picks DVD because he's fast

[NativeCane]

Solar, Love your SolarZone Profile icon, when I look at it out of the corner of my eye it looks like a Cleveland Browns helmet. ha

Go Canes!!!

[Sebastian]

Canechic,
You have to let us know what the scoop is on Smith as soon as you find out

That sure came out of nowhere

[Sebastian]

In non-`Cane related basketball news

St Johns has recieved a verbal commit from a Nigerian 6'9 big man that was playing J.C. ball by the name of......

God`s Gift Achiuwa

Without putting any thought into it what so ever, thats going into my top 5 names of all time

[MassivCane]

What I like about the 2 new coaching staffs is the fact they are bringing "their guys" with them from the previous program. There is automatic stability and no learning curve with them. That in itself is going to pay divedends to next years success with both squads.

[Ohio_Cane]

3 Canes gonna be taken tonight in rounds 2 and 3.

My guesses:

B Harris - Cowboys
Hank - Rams
O Franklin - Chiefs

and my reach pick:

DVD - Raiders

[Six]

“We’ve won a significant amount of games lately, but I’m still worried about how we’re going to play this weekend,” said Morris, who is 52-41-1 against the Seminoles all-time as the coach at UM

UH OH. Hey macjones, why don't you ask Morris to not go to the game b/c you don't want negative vibes there, or whatever the hell it was that you were dribbling on about - as usual

Jackass

Alright, shoo away now. Go back to your bippity-bopping

[Sebastian]

The Browns could take a shot at Hank and I would love to see Manimal go to someone like the Pats or Bears late in the 2nd round

[Six]

Sebastian57 - ya, Ruud is basically being looked to be replaced. I think Carnell is just happy to be there and will do whatever it takes to stay, even if that means taking a pay cut in any aspect (lower signing bonus)

The LB situation just needs depth and a Mike that can run that Cover 2 a lot better than Ruud could. It's funny when you're a Buc fan and wish Shelton Quarles was still the Mike, or even Jamie Duncan - that's bad

Geno and Quincy did a nice job as the OLBs ... but now it's up to Geno, Dekoda Watson, Adam Heyward, Tyrone McKenzie

2 FSU guys and a USF guy .. with a Portland State Viking mixed in

[Ohio_Cane]

The Browns could take a shot at Hank and I would love to see Manimal go to someone like the Pats or Bears late in the 2nd round

Posted by: Sebastian57 | April 29, 2011 at 01:22 PM
------------------------------------------

Ya, I had no guess where AB57 was going, so I just left him off that list lol.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I can't see the Raiders and DVD being matched up after they trashed Phil Buchanon after parting ways with him the way they did.

[solarcane]

thanks native,
sometimes I get the same subconscious image too lol

[Ohio_Cane]

I can't see the Raiders and DVD being matched up after they trashed Phil Buchanon after parting ways with him the way they did.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | April 29, 2011 at 01:52 PM
--------------------------------------------

The only reason I used him as my reach pick to Oakland is because that's what they do. Every year. Draft the fastest guy at the combine.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

DVD =/= Phil Buchanon O_C.

Maybe Denver in the 5th instead?

[Ohio_Cane]

OGV, the other reason I could see it is the Raiders are probably losing Nnamdi. (If they can't resign him - He's a FA) They need corners.

I dunno, I don't expect him to go there, just a guess judging by their history.

[86Cane]

At the BRAND NEW UM Alumni Center across from the baseball stadium. Nice, very nice!

[86Cane]

What I like about the 2 new coaching staffs is the fact they are bringing "their guys" with them from the previous program. There is automatic stability and no learning curve with them. That in itself is going to pay divedends to next years success with both squads.

Posted by: MassivCane | April 29, 2011 at 01:00 PM

Good point. I agree 100%.

[Ungar]

Are you going to stop by to say goodbye to the Ratt?

I wish I could get there, but the freaking Boy Scouts are doing some Camporee thing.

Oh well, enjoy a burger and a beer, and let us know if Martin wipes his hand either before or after the handshake, if it happens.

Feiger Fever!

[solarcane]

44 Colin McCarthy
Out here on the golf course with the family and friends. We got 7 foursomes out here hacking away.

[Ungar]

We got 7 foursomes out here hacking away.

Posted by: solarcane | April 29, 2011 at 04:07 PM

Orgy?

[solarcane]

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John D. Swofford has announced that three student-athletes from the University of Miami women’s track and field have been named to the All-ACC Academic Indoor Track and Field Team.

Senior Megan Novinger and classmate Miranda Wilson earned laurels for the third time, while freshman Alyssa McClure was honored by the conference for her work in her first year at Miami.

To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must have earned a 3.00 grade point average for the previous semester and maintained a 3.00 cumulative average during their academic career.

Novinger, a Miami native, recently earned All-ACC honors at the conference championships with a third place finish in the high jump (1.68m). The Criminology major registered a 3.326 GPA and is on course to graduate in May.

Wilson, a psychology major, is also on track to pick up her degree this spring with 3.493 GPA. The Vallejo, Calif. native is one of the top throwers on the team, competing in the discus and hammer throws for the Canes.

McClure, a business major, posted a 3.381 GPA while competing as a sprinter for the Hurricanes. Originally from Baltimore, Md., the freshman took part in the 4x100 relay and the 100m dash among other races this spring.

2011 All-ACC Academic Women’s Indoor Track & Field Team

(note UNC slow and stupid lol! solar)

Name Yr. Major School
Caroline King @^ Sr. Communications Boston College
Danielle Curry Sr. Economics Clemson
Karine Farias @ So. Marketing Clemson
Donandia Morris Sr. Psychology Clemson
Kim Ruck @^ Sr. Health Science Clemson
Lauren Terstappen Fr. Health Science Clemson
Marlena Wesh ^ So. Psychology Clemson
Juliet Bottorff ^ So. Neuroscience Duke
Rebecca Craigie Fr. Undeclared Duke
Amy Fryt ^ Sr. Public Policy Duke
Kristina Krasich Sr. Psychology/English Duke
Devotia Moore ^ Sr. International Comparative Studies Duke
Destiny Roseman Fr. Undeclared Duke
Cydney Ross @ Jr. Public Policy Duke
Miray Seward Fr. Undeclared Duke
Latera Davis Jr. Exercise Science Florida State
Lauren Giffin Gr. History Florida State
Michelle Jenije @^ Jr. International Affairs Florida State
Allyn Laughlin Gr. Sport Management Florida State
Chelsea Whalen Fr. Sport Management Florida State
Danielle Williams Fr. Sport Management Florida State
Kim Williams !%^ Sr. Sport Management Florida State
Jasmine Kent So. Architecture Georgia Tech
Julienne McKee Fr. Biology Georgia Tech
Leslie Njoku Sr. Biochemistry Georgia Tech
Joanna Wright ^ Sr. Biology Georgia Tech
Kristen Batts Sr. Community Health Maryland
Kiani Profit ^ Sr. Kinesiology Maryland
Alyssa McClure Fr. Business Miami
Megan Novinger # Sr. Criminology Miami
Miranda Wilson #^ Sr. Psychology Miami
Ashley Verplank @^ Jr. Psychology North Carolina
Ayla Smith @ Sr. Kinesiology Virginia
Aunye Boone Jr. English Virginia Tech
Samira Burkhardt ^ Fr. Communication Virginia Tech
Emma Dejarnette So. Psychology Virginia Tech
Courtney Dobbs Fr. Finance Virginia Tech
Ogechi Nwaneri @ Sr. Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise Virginia Tech
Kelly Phillips %^ Sr. Biology Virginia Tech
Jessica Trapeni Sr. Biochemistry Virginia Tech
Asia Washington #^ Gr. Business Virginia Tech
Erika Martin Fr. Undeclared Wake Forest
Anna Nosenko #^ Sr. Political Science Wake Forest

! denotes 2011 ACC Indoor Track & Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year

[SOUP]

Oh well, enjoy a burger and a beer, and let us know if Martin wipes his hand either before or after the handshake, if it happens.

Posted by: Ungar | April 29, 2011 at 03:51 PM

It is POURING rain here. Severe Thunder storm warning is in effect. The game may be delayed. But that means fewer people will show up at the UMAA pregame party to eat the bugers and drink the beer.

More for ME!

[SOUP]

Strange thing happened while I was here in the new Alumni Center.

There is an work station/computer lab that has six computers for visitors to use.

Somehow ALL six of them are now displaying the Canespace blog. Funny how that happens, isn't it?

[solarcane]

ESPN Grades Miami's bb coach hire versus Missouri'sbb coach hire

Miami B-

Missouri F

Miami
Hire: Jim Larranaga
Replaced: Frank Haith
Grade: B-plus

Comments: It's not often that a coach who leaves for apparently greener pastures is succeeded by a demonstrably more successful replacement, but that's exactly what happened at Miami this spring. After former coach Frank Haith was hired at Missouri (we'll get to that one in a second), the Hurricanes hired George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, who famously took the Patriots to the 2006 Final Four and completed another brilliant season in 2011. The only reason this isn't an A: At 61, Larranaga could be on the tail end of his career. But that's nothing to fret over now. All in all, this was a great hire of a proven winner, one that could finally put the frequently ignored Canes back on the map.

Missouri
Hire: Frank Haith
Replaced: Mike Anderson
Grade: F

Comments: There's no getting around it -- this was a brutal offseason for Missouri fans. Losing Mike Anderson to Arkansas wasn't ideal, but it was livable, especially because Missouri AD Mike Alden appeared just-this-close to landing one of the best candidates in the country in Purdue coach Matt Painter. Despite the much-rumored dalliance, Painter returned to Purdue. That left Alden scrambling, and at the end of his scramble, he settled on Miami coach Frank Haith. Wait … Frank Haith? Sure, he recruited well in Coral Gables and earned deserved praise for his emphasis on academics, but by the time the Tigers hired him, he had amassed a 43-69 record in the ACC and taken Miami to just one NCAA tournament in seven years. Naturally, Missouri fans freaked out, and Haith found himself answering questions about the backlash by praising the fans for their "passion." Haith may still prove us all wrong (and should have a solid team in Year 1), but given the close call on Painter, this was a glaringly disappointing hire. Frankly, it would have been disappointing either way.

[solarcane]

But that means fewer people will show up at the UMAA pregame party to eat the bugers and drink the beer.
More for ME!

Posted by: SOUP | April 29, 2011 at 04:13 PM

The glass is always half full, I like it!

[Ohio_Cane]

There is an work station/computer lab that has six computers for visitors to use.

Somehow ALL six of them are now displaying the Canespace blog. Funny how that happens, isn't it?

Posted by: SOUP | April 29, 2011 at 04:16 PM
------------------------------------------

LOVE IT! That sounds like something I'd do!

...If I wasn't way up here in Ohio. Lol

[SOUP]

New blog is up!