In case you were recently distracted by the college football recruiting process and the annual ritual known as "National Signing Day" or if you simply haven't been paying attention lately then you may have missed out on the fact that the University of Miami men's and women's basketball teams are having excellent seasons so far this year.
That's right I am talking about University of Miami B A S K E T B A L L.
So please put away your extreme obsession with the ball that has the pointed ends just for a while and try to start getting into some serious round-ball as NCAA tournament time draws near.
Q: Spell the last names of the UM men's and women's basketball coaches?
A: If you answered (Jim) Larranaga and (Katie) Meier then you would be correct!
Both coaches have done an outstanding job getting their teams prepared for the always tough ACC schedule. Meier has been getting it done in Coral Gables for the last several years while Larranaga has done so in his first year and in spite of several major injuries.
The University of Miami's men's team recently ran off five consecutive ACC wins before dropping a tough game to the 15th ranked Seminoles in Tallahassee last Saturday. Although Miami struggled against FSU in the second half they managed to cut the lead to just three points late in the game but could not get over the hump and wound up losing to the Seminoles by five.
Still the Hurricanes are poised in the top half of the ACC and set for another conference battle royale against the always formidable North Carolina Tar Heels tonight withing the friendly confines of the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables. Here are some details you may be interested in:
The Game
Miami faces No. 8/7 North Carolina for the second time this season when the Tar Heels come to the BankUnited Center on Feb. 15 for an 8 p.m. tipoff in Coral Gables, Fla. The Canes look to avenge the 73-56 loss to then-No. 3 UNC from Jan. 10.
The Series
Miami is 2-17 against North Carolina, last beating the Tar Heels 81-70 on Jan. 14, 2006 in Chapel Hill. The first victory was a 64-61 overtime win on Jan. 4, 2003 in Coral Gables.
The Broadcasts
Catch the game on ESPN and ESPN3 with Mark Jones and Len Elmore making the call. The game will also be carried live by 560 WQAM Radio with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play) and Josh Darrow (analyst), 90.5 WVUM, 106.3 CIMA FM and Sirius 92.
Meanwhile, the UM women's team has been busy all season proving the old adage: "Whatever a man can do, a woman can do better." The Hurricane lady hoopsters are currently ranked #6 in the Country and are expecting to be given the second seed in the NCAA tourney.
The lady Canes (22-3, 11-1 ACC) have ripped of 11 straight wins against quality competition including a huge 76-74 win over the eighth-ranked Maryland Terrapins last week on the road in College Park.
Tomorrow night the Hurricanes face off against North Carolina State in Raleigh before returning home to face the Seminoles on Sunday 2/19.
Their last two games of the season are @ Duke on 2/24 and at home versus Boston College on 2/26.
Stewart Mandel from SI.com - In Tanner Brock's affidavit, he & Ty Horn said only 20 ppl on TCU roster would pass a drug test. http://bit.ly/yuPW0p
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 15, 2012 at 01:49 PM
Wooo...
Posted by: calGary Cane | February 15, 2012 at 01:56 PM
Stewart Mandel from SI.com - In Tanner Brock's affidavit, he & Ty Horn said only 20 ppl on TCU roster would pass a drug test. http://bit.ly/yuPW0p
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 15, 2012 at 01:49 PM
I think the same can be said about the other 99.9999% of teams in CFB...
Posted by: CaneRock | February 15, 2012 at 01:56 PM
4th
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 01:57 PM
Roll Call who is heading to the BUC tonight?
Cane Rock, TB3 does have good career #'s it is not like he sucks, but his Special skill tranlates worse to the NFL then any other because in the NFL there are lots of fast guys. You need guys that have great skills more then great athletes. We passed the ball alot and TB3 played all 4 years unlike many of our great WR's so his career #'s look a lil better.
TCU is going down 4 guys off the team wow that hurts.
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 02:03 PM
I think the same can be said about the other 99.9999% of teams in CFB...
Posted by: CaneRock | February 15, 2012 at 01:56 PM
I think the "Only 20% can pass the drug test at TCU" comment is an HUGE exageration as is the 99.9% of teams are in the same boat.
I think it is more like 50% in both cases. Drug use is general is actually DECLINING in the U.S. and it is LOWER among athletes than it is the general population.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 02:04 PM
Roll Call who is heading to the BUC tonight?
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 02:03 PM
I can't go. Home repair issues prevented me from going to SoFl this week as originally planned and unfortunately I will miss the basketball game tonight and the baseball season opener Friday night.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 02:07 PM
Jaws is out of MNF, wow I actually like his commentary.
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 02:08 PM
No doubt Jaws is going to spend time with his family and work on his health and return to Sunday Night Football any second now!
[/Urban Meyer joke]
Posted by: Felipe. | February 15, 2012 at 02:42 PM
Those TCU boys are a couple of cheeevas ratting on their teamates-definetly not Miami boys
Posted by: TJL | February 15, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Never understood the appeal of women's basketball. Can't even appreciate their shooting or ball handling, they use that smaller ball!
Anyone know what UM's odds are of making the tournament? I don't follow college ball but it seems like being in the ACC would hurt our chances? Don't they try to spread out the bids and include token teams from smaller conferences?
Posted by: Eudocimus | February 15, 2012 at 03:34 PM
FSU punt fumble???
TB has no football IQ for even a punt returner
Posted by: SinisterCane
Sinister, there's a Mr. Sam Shields on the line who would like to talk to you about being the 12th man on the field against FSU. :)
Seriously, he had a brain fart on that play, much like just about any of our players over the past few years. And if he makes it in the NFL (not saying he doesn't have his flaws), this is an area where I think he can improve. If he had one more year and took Golden's coaching seriously, he would be better off. But these kids were woefully unprepared for situational football under Shannon, I think our collective football IQ in those years was about the worst of any BCS school.
Posted by: j.w. | February 15, 2012 at 03:43 PM
Never understood the appeal of women's basketball. Can't even appreciate their shooting or ball handling, they use that smaller ball!
Anyone know what UM's odds are of making the tournament? I don't follow college ball but it seems like being in the ACC would hurt our chances? Don't they try to spread out the bids and include token teams from smaller conferences?
Posted by: Eudocimus | February 15, 2012 at 03:34 PM
I don't follow women's hoops that much, but I follow this Canes team, Coach Meier knows what she is doing.
Men's team is currently projected in the tourney by CBS, and is one of the "last 4 teams" eliminated by the selection committee per ESPN. They have the chance, we'll see if they can seize the opportunity.
Posted by: j.w. | February 15, 2012 at 03:45 PM
But these kids were woefully unprepared for situational football under Shannon, I think our collective football IQ in those years was about the worst of any BCS school.
Posted by: j.w. | February 15, 2012 at 03:43 PM
OUCH!
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Soup- and the strange part is that they were smart kids, at least according to their academic records!
Posted by: j.w. | February 15, 2012 at 04:14 PM
We are sending 8 I believe to the combine, I also like to follow all the kids from FLA. I love to see how guys measure up and perform at this giant audition but I think the 40 yard dash is really the show case event, The NBA actually has had their combines in Orlando and no one ever cares you have to be a basketball junkie just to find the results of their combine.
As for the show case event A few guys from FLA I am going to look for will be
#1. Miller- I expect a 4.28-4.32 @ 218 lbs
#2. TB3- He will blaze a 4.25-4.29 and claim the fastest combine title for Miami two years in a row.
3. Chris Rainey- He has legit speed very comparable to TB in track. I can see a 4.29-4.33 out of him.
4. Deonte Thomspon- Another Legit track guy a 4.37 easy
5. Streeter- 4.38 at 6'5ish and 220 lbs will make him money, anything under that and he will be the known as StarScream.
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 04:22 PM
I hope I am wrong but I see NC winning by 20 or more unless the Canes guards are hitting 3's all night long.
Posted by: Canesteeler | February 15, 2012 at 04:33 PM
5. Streeter- 4.38 at 6'5ish and 220 lbs will make him money, anything under that and he will be the known as StarScream.
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 04:22 PM
I agree with all of your predictions EXCEPT this one. I think he will run in the 4.45.4.49 range.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 04:43 PM
I agree with all of your predictions EXCEPT this one. I think he will run in the 4.45.4.49 range.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 04:43 PM
------------------------------------------
I've heard he's added a ton of weight since last season, but I don't know if that's gonna slow him down or not.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 15, 2012 at 05:01 PM
"Posted by: Six | February 15, 2012 at 01:31 PM"
No Six, I'm saying your premise fails right out of the gate in that a glorified FB taking center exchanges from Florida racked up more hardware combined than that entire recent list of Texas QB's and there's still a few guy from the last decade I'd put above him as well.
Also, love, love, love it when Ron Mexico floggers still parade the ancient history win over a washed up but not yet exposed as past his sell by date Farve on the road as his crowing acheiment, makes it even funnier when it's posted by somebody who calls Hurricane fans out for living in the past for reminscing about the greatest college football team of all time with regularity.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 15, 2012 at 05:16 PM
Tonight, may it rain threes. Maybe a few Santeria practitioners can help ensure it happens.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 15, 2012 at 05:31 PM
I'm gonna stop posting for a while. It seems that lately that whenever I post an entry on a blog, a new blog is up and running soon after, LOL.
Posted by: raizecane | February 15, 2012 at 05:51 PM
I agree with all of your predictions EXCEPT this one. I think he will run in the 4.45.4.49 range.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 04:43 PM
I think that's His range also, but it wouldn't suprise me if He ran in He ran a high 4.3. But Streeter seems like one of those guys that runs as fast as He needs to, ala Jerry Rice. I'll also be interested to see what His vertical is, He looked like He could jump out the stadium on those back-shoulder fades in the endzone...
Posted by: CaneRock | February 15, 2012 at 05:55 PM
Hassan - you forgot Vernon, apparently he's killing it in the combine prep program he's in (according to the dreadlocked guy at Sun Sentinel). Actually he's probably a good example on not putting too much stock into combine numbers.
Hope the mens team can win some more ACC games, not holding out hope for UNC but wins against MD and the rematch with FSU should carry some weight. They have a decent big man so they have a chance of making some noise in the tournament if they can get in.
Posted by: Eudocimus | February 15, 2012 at 06:24 PM
Maybe a few Santeria practitioners can help ensure it happens.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 15, 2012 at 05:31 PM
All I can say is hide your goats and chickens.
; - )
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 08:18 PM
24-19 the U with 7:25 left in the first half
Posted by: Old Skool | February 15, 2012 at 08:32 PM
As for the show case event A few guys from FLA I am going to look for will be
#1. Miller- I expect a 4.28-4.32 @ 218 lbs
#2. TB3- He will blaze a 4.25-4.29 and claim the fastest combine title for Miami two years in a row.
3. Chris Rainey- He has legit speed very comparable to TB in track. I can see a 4.29-4.33 out of him.
4. Deonte Thomspon- Another Legit track guy a 4.37 easy
5. Streeter- 4.38 at 6'5ish and 220 lbs will make him money, anything under that and he will be the known as StarScream.
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Is Jeff Demps in the NFL combine? If so, I think Chris Johnson's (another Florida H.S. guy's) combine record might be in jeapardy. I think Benjamin could also threaten the record if he trains.
Hankerson ran a 4.41 at last year's combine. Hank's teammates at UM used to refer to Hank as slow, but he ran one of the fastest WR times at the combine. Given that, Streeter has a chance to run under 4.4. It all depends on how well he and the others train.
Posted by: WindyCane-Forecast1 | February 15, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Let's Go Canes! Would be great to beat both Duke and UNC in the same season
Posted by: CGNC | February 15, 2012 at 09:01 PM
Looks like the collapse has started.
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | February 15, 2012 at 09:23 PM
How do we not know how to BOX OUT!!!
WOW!!! what a play!!!
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | February 15, 2012 at 09:26 PM
They just seem to wear down and have no "go to" play or player in crunch time.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 09:34 PM
The last two games have been so frustrating to watch even the end of the Duke game......Soup your right and with Grant just not hitting anything and having head games with himself UM needs him....AH!!!! What could have been!
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | February 15, 2012 at 09:53 PM
Been nice to see Reggie healthy....hes limping bad out there......
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | February 15, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Man, I so dislike Carolina and Duke. Those teams are just so lucky when it comes to bounces and calls.
When is Miami going to get players who are clutch down the stretch? Ones who can hit free throws, hit a shot, steal a pass or block a shot. These current players are not cuttin' it especially the upper classmen. Maybe the younger guys can be the the guys.
Posted by: MIA Chi 'Cane '98 | February 15, 2012 at 10:06 PM
Grant is in a major FUNK with no way out.
Scott is just not "that guy".
Johnson is a wounded warrior.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 10:07 PM
Same story different game... Miami plays well in the first half then collapses with 10 minutes left to go in the game.
Posted by: MIA Chi 'Cane '98 | February 15, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Miami plays well in the first half then collapses with 10 minutes left to go in the game.
Posted by: MIA Chi 'Cane '98 | February 15, 2012 at 10:09 PM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: SOUP | February 15, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Big Reg cant jumo a phone book. Playing on one leg. He will come back and in 12 months he will lose 20 lbs and gain strength in his legs.
Demps is not pursuing football.
Ty Hilton should run well too.
Streeter ran a 4.30 last spring and a 4.37 last summer. He needs a good 40 time, he is 220 now btw
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Slow nite. Big Reg will not be entering the draft this year. He just ain't right. He will be WAY better next year once he strengthen's those legs and loses the weight.
Posted by: Hassan | February 16, 2012 at 07:46 AM
Well crap. Grant was the invisible man tonight. We had our chances though
Posted by: CGNC | February 16, 2012 at 08:37 AM
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d824db810/article/nfl-to-add-eight-regional-combines-beginning-jan-28
Posted by: Hassan | February 16, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Posted by: MIA Chi 'Cane '98 | February 15, 2012 at 10:06 PM
LOL don't forget they get top recruits and are well coached.
Posted by: CGNC | February 16, 2012 at 08:38 AM
3,701st. I found this, and it's really funny.
http://college-football.si.com/2012/02/13/campus-union-exclusive-nevin-shapiros-next-claims/
Posted by: LB | February 16, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Streeter ran a 4.30 last spring and a 4.37 last summer. He needs a good 40 time, he is 220 now btw
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Did you time him yourself? LOL
Care to bet on this?
Posted by: SOUP | February 16, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Streeter ran a 4.30 last spring and a 4.37 last summer. He needs a good 40 time, he is 220 now btw
Posted by: Hassan | February 15, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Did you time him yourself? LOL
Care to bet on this?
Posted by: SOUP | February 16, 2012 at 10:10 AM
No I did not time him. I know Da Skreetz calls BS on this too, Da Skreetz is not the end all be all on everything UM. The times reported by UM are usually very legit, our guys normally preform close to what is reported at combines. A 4.30 is flying he might of had the wind at his back lol that is why I will go with a 4.38 for him this combine.
Wager for your Combine predictions, loser buys dinner.
Posted by: Hassan | February 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Here's a list of college football programs who have underachieved the past five seasons based on their recruiting classes from 2006-2010.
Team Recruiting Past five seasons
Florida State 4 Top 10 classes 17th in '10; twice unranked.
Notre Dame 4 top 20; 3 top 10s 32-31, unranked in final polls
UCLA 4 top 20s 27-37; unranked in final polls
Miami 5 top 20s; 1 top 5 Best finish 19th in '09
Tennessee 3 top 10s Unranked since 12th in '07
Ole Miss 3 top 20s 27-35; unranked twice
Georgia 4 top 10s Unranked twice; 19th
in '11
California 3 top 25s, 11th in '10 Highest
finish 25th in '08
Texas A&M 3 top 25s; 2 top 20s Ranked once
(19th in '10).
Michigan 5 top 20s, 4 top 15s 3 times
unranked
Posted by: SOUP | February 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Wager for your Combine predictions, loser buys dinner.
Posted by: Hassan | February 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM
U say 4.32-4.38
I say 4.41-4.47
Dinner is on the line.
Posted by: SOUP | February 16, 2012 at 10:25 AM
SOUP and Old Skool on Strawberry Festival Midway rides?
Hmmmmm.... seems like I remember something about an incident the last time they took a ride together.....LOL
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 16, 2012 at 10:26 AM
What if he runs a 4.40?
Posted by: Brevardcane | February 16, 2012 at 10:33 AM
What if he runs a 4.40?
Posted by: Brevardcane | February 16, 2012 at 10:33 AM
PUSH
Posted by: SOUP | February 16, 2012 at 10:39 AM