Head coach Jim Larrañaga has announced the signing of James Kelly and Manu LeComte to National Letters of Intent and Angel Rodriguez to a financial aid agreement to play men’s basketball for the University of Miami. The trio will join the UM class of 2013 along with early signing period commitments Deandre Burnett and Davon Reed and UM dual-sport athletes Corn Elder and Derrick Griffin.
“Our recruiting class in the spring has added a lot of versatility and much-needed skills to our program,” Larrañaga said. “We have graduated five outstanding seniors and lost Shane Larkin to the NBA Draft, so we have a lot of holes to fill.”
James Kelly, a 6-8, 240-pound JUCO power forward, played in the NJCAA Division II tournament semifinals with Owens Community College (Toledo, Ohio) this season. He shot 52.2 percent from the field and averaged 18.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game during his senior campaign and led the conference in scoring (21.1 ppg) and rebounding (11.4 rpg). In two seasons at Owens, Kelly averaged 17.9 points and 10.0 rebounds. He became the first player in program history to record 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 steals and 100 blocks in his career. He also added 70 career assists. Kelly, who is from Ann Arbor, Mich., attended Pioneer High School, where he averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 assist per game. Kelly was also recruited by Michigan State, New Mexico, West Virginia and Clemson.
“James Kelly will be a vital part of the team this season because he provides us a power forward/small forward who can contribute both inside and outside,” Larrañaga said. “He’s 6-7, 245 pounds and he’s big enough to battle the bigger teams in the ACC, but also quick enough to guard smaller players on the perimeter.”
Emmanuel “Manu” LeComte, a 5-9 point guard from Belgium, is currently playing for Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Mons, Wallonia (Belgium), where he has averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. A true point guard who can also shoot the three or pull up for jumpers, the freshman will bring international basketball experience to the Canes. At just 17 years old, LeComte has competed in Belgium’s U16, U18 and U20 championships, most recently playing in the U18 European Championship, where he led his country in scoring with 12.0 ppg and 2.9 assists in eight outings. LeComte turned down offers from Gonzaga, Creighton and UAB to attend The U.
“Manu LeComte is a true point guard with outstanding ball skills and shooting ability,” Larrañaga said. “We love his speed, quickness and ability to create for other players.”
Angel Rodriguez, a 5-11, 180-pound point guard, returns home to Miami after two seasons at Kansas State University. A native of San Juan, P.R., Rodriguez played prep basketball at local Miami Krop High School, where he was named the 2009-10 Class 6A Player of the Year as well as first-team all-state. In two seasons with the K-State Wildcats, Rodriguez averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in his 65 total games. Last season as a sophomore at Kansas State, Rodriguez helped the Wildcats to the Big 12 Championship, a 27-8 record and an appearance in the NCAA tournament. He started 33 games averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Rodriguez signed his financial aid agreement on May 1, and is seeking an NCAA waiver for permission to play in the 2013-2014 season.
“Angel Rodriguez is a point guard with outstanding college credentials,” Larrañaga said. “He was an all-conference player in the Big 12 and he was on the all-defensive team in the Big 12. He’s a great replacement for Shane Larkin.”
Despite being on football scholarships with the Canes, Cornelius Elder and Derrick Griffin will both play basketball for UM after football season is complete.
Cornelius Elder is a 5-11, 165-pound point guard from Ensworth High in Nashville, Tenn. Elder averaged 20.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.2 steals in his senior season, and ended his high school tenure with a career-high 41 points in the DII-AA finals game. He scored 1,521 career points and led the Tigers to a 97-20 record in his prep years. Elder was named both the 2013 boys basketball and football player of the year by The Tennessean and was the state tournament MVP three-straight years.
“Corn Edler is truly one of the great student-athletes in the country,” Larrañaga said. “He was the player of the year for both football and basketball in the state of Tennessee. He has remarkable speed and quickness and competitive spirit. We’ll look forward to when he can join our basketball program after the football season."
Derrick Griffin, from Rosenberg, Texas, is a 6-7, 217-pound dual-sport athlete who played forward and wide receiver in high school. Griffin averaged 18.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.7 blocks, 2.0 steals and 1.8 assists per game his senior campaign for Texas 4A state champion B.F. Terry High School. He is a 4-star basketball recruit rated the No. 26 small forward by ESPN, No. 74 nationally by Scout.com and No. 81 by Rivals.com.
“We watched Derrick Griffin play and would have loved to recruit him for our basketball program because he is one of the great athletes in the nation,” Larrañaga said. “At 6-7, 220-pounds, he can do everything that DeQuan Jones did for us two years ago. He’s strong, he’s fast, and he can jump out of the gym.”
Guards Deandre Burnett (6-1, 190) and Davon Reed (6-6, 195) committed to the Canes during the
early signing period. Burnett, a Parade All-American, averaged 36.2 points, six
rebounds and four assists per game as a senior at Carol City High School in
Miami Gardens, Fla. Reed, a 4-star recruit who averaged 27.0 points and 9.0
rebounds at Princeton Day School (N.J.), was ranked No. 77 in the class of 2013
by ESPN and No. 104 by Rivals.com.
First!
Posted by: Massivcane | May 14, 2013 at 03:23 PM
Deon Bush again
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:25 PM
Eye on College FBall @EyeOnCFB 2m
FSU AD says Matthew Thomas (5-star OLB signee) may need NCAA appeal for release http://cbsprt.co/16bFgei
Ouch...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:13 PM
------------------------------------
Oh, and Tracy Howard!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:26 PM
Send Ricky Town film, Town is 2015 right? We need all the Elite QB's we can get. competition makes us better.
Posted by: Hassan | May 14, 2013 at 09:00 AM
1. Ricky Town is 2015.
2. NO NEED FOR FILM.
3. He camped at Miami last year as a 10th grade HS freshman and won Camp MVP.
4. Golden (and Fisch) met with him for an HOUR after the camp and he toured campus and loved it.
5. That is all.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:31 PM
Young Matthew Thomas appears to be caught between a flaming spear and the ground, no?
Life is ALL about choices, choices, choices.
Some good, some not so much. And then there are some that make U look like a silly wabbit. I'll let U decide.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:35 PM
Randall Thrill Hill.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | May 14, 2013 at 03:35 PM
No bowl wins since 2006, no ACC conference title to date, 0-3 vs. UVA our last three shots. With all of these issues abound, Town is the only recruit that is worth the attention. The only one.
This program will live and die with the QB position as we transition from Morris... to Olsen... to TOWN. He's 100 times more important than Sony Michel ever was.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 03:38 PM
Does anybody have an idea why Larranaga / UM are not on this list?
(It claims that "every basketball coach that made the NCAA Tournament" is listed; obviously not entirely true)
http://www.hoopcoach.org/profiles/blogs/ncaa-basketball-tournament-coach-salaries
Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:41 PM
VfB, salaries of private schools are only disclosed if the school wants to. They're not public record like public schools.
That MAY be why?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:44 PM
"The trio will join the UM class of 2013 along with early signing period commitments Deandre Burnett and Davon Reed and UM dual-sport athletes Corn Elder and Derrick Griffin."
Contrary to what some say, Coach L signed a pretty good class. I think Burnett is gonna be a pleasant surprise.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 03:55 PM
This program will live and die with the QB position as we transition from Morris... to Olsen... to TOWN. He's 100 times more important than Sony Michel ever was.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 03:38 PM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 03:59 PM
I think Burnett is gonna be a pleasant surprise.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 03:55 PM
I agree and have been told by someone who KNOWS that Reed is a BALLER.
But enough guards already, how about some more BIGS to go with Griffin and Kelly?
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:01 PM
With all of these issues abound, Town is the only recruit that is worth the attention. The only one.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 03:38 PM
Like hell He is, we need some DTs! <-----In my HerbieIbis voice.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 04:02 PM
Ohio - that was my first thought, too. But the fact that only 6 of 68 schools are missing and most other private schools listed had me wondering. Anyway; my guess is Larranaga would be around #25. Quite a bargain, getting the AP CoY at that price ;-)
Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:03 PM
But enough guards already, how about some more BIGS to go with Griffin and Kelly?
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:01 PM
See my post above LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 04:04 PM
Gianni Paul on FB
"People say this and that... but don't know the real deal.. no I didn't get this and that off the team. I'm transferring because that wat best for my family. I will always be a cane nd wish the best for then nd their future success.. I do kno where Im playing next year.. and I thank everyone for their support and hope the people that don't want me to make it just stay away. .."
Posted by: Hassan | May 14, 2013 at 04:06 PM
Andy Staples @Andy_Staples 2h
Jimbo Fisher at ACC meetings to media: "Sometimes you might hand it to a knucklehead. You might throw it to a knucklehead. But you never snap it to a knucklehead."
NOW do U know why QB is SO important?
Morris...Olsen...Town = BCS Titles Baby!
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:15 PM
FROM THE PBP HS BLOG:
Arkansas, FAU, Miami, Minnesota, Utah State and Western Kentucky all visited Village Academy over the past few days for 2014 WR Tre’Quan Smith and DE Kevin Bronson.
Miami offensive coordinator James Coley and WR coach Brennan Carroll watched Dwyer 2014 WR Johnnie Dixon at practice. Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said Coley was “intrigued” by 2014 WRs Clint Stephens, Ezra Saffold and S Shawn Boone, as well as 2015 QB Daniel Parr.
Miami looked at Santaluces 2014 WR Darrell Langham, who has Clemson, Florida State and South Carolina offers in addition to UM. Florida and Kentucky have shown interest. Langham (6-5, 205) told coaches he won’t make a decision until his senior season ends.
FAU, FSU, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Navy, Nebraska and Tennessee have all stopped by Cardinal Newman for 2014 WR Travis Rudolph, 2014 DE/LB Arrian Parham and 2015 ATH Erick Hardnett.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:20 PM
Coach L is laying a complete goose egg on the recruiting trail after the highest profile season in hurricane history while the Seminoles are about to pick up the #1 player in the country - Wiggins. The future of canes bball is not promising. Soon the BUC will return to being the venue people only show up to watch commencement.
Posted by: BEERicane | May 14, 2013 at 11:54 AM
The last time I checked the guy is still the reigning Coach of the Year.
UM BBall is the "Moneyball" team of the ACC. Larranega should be able to put together competitive teams every few years but I wouldn't hold my breath that we are going to pull many 5* kids away from the big boys.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:25 PM
Sota...most of those 5* HS basketball players are "one and done" in college anyway.
NO THANKS.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:31 PM
"Like hell He is, we need some DTs! <-----In my HerbieIbis voice."
Yes, but putting UM into yearly title contention requires a transcendent QB: smart, tough, leader, accurate, good attitude, read defense, college ready.
Town's it. I'm quite happy with the 2012 class, and I'm confident that 2013 & 2014 will get us where we need to be. But big picture, 5-6 years from now...
...you have got to have that QB.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 04:33 PM
Oh, and Canespace is the first place where Town's name got mentioned. I've been chatting back and forth with Soupers and others about him since early last year.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 04:34 PM
And if Coley can develop QB's like Fisch could...
...game over.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 04:36 PM
This is what I don't want and why I hate recruiting in general. The "entitlement" factor.
Per Seantrel's woman:
Edouard, who committed to UM in February and was offered a scholarship by former UM assistant Mario Cristobal (now at Alabama), said new UM offensive coordinator James Coley communicated with him for the first time Monday — via a private message on Facebook.
“I had no previous communication with Coach Coley at all,” said Edouard, rated by Rivals as the 16th best dual-threat quarterback. “I’m guessing either they don’t really want me, or it’s just something that happened. He asked me on Facebook if I trusted him and I said, ‘Yeah, I trust you, but I don’t want to change my position [to receiver or anything else].’
“I’m 6-1 1/2 and I don’t want to take the chance of playing receiver. He was like, ‘Running routes isn’t even in the picture, so don’t even think about that.’
“But I’m still worried — not about the quarterback competition, but about them possibly changing my position. What can I say? I saw it coming, to tell you the truth. UM is not the same to me as it was before.”
I have little tolerance for drama queens or honestly, dual-threat/spread-ish QB's. This guy's both.
Give me Manning and Brady over Tebow & Vick, QB's who dissect the defense and let the skill positions kill. Until it changes, I see them as a trend... not the routine. Though Stephen Morris is fast, dude chucks the pig and makes the throws.
Oh, and pro-style QB's are a LOT less injury prone...
...ssee RGIII.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 04:44 PM
(...) while the Seminoles are about to pick up the #1 player in the country - Wiggins.
Posted by: BEERicane | May 14, 2013 at 11:54 AM
No, sir -- Wiggins to Kansas:
http://college-basketball.si.com/2013/05/14/andrew-wiggins-chooses-kansas/?sct=uk_t11_a0
Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:46 PM
U guys seen this JayZ look alike? WOWW!!
http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/05/13/Photo-of-1939-Jay-Z-look-alike-surfaces-online/2381368482616/
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 14, 2013 at 04:48 PM
Yes, but putting UM into yearly title contention requires a transcendent QB: smart, tough, leader, accurate, good attitude, read defense, college ready.
Town's it. I'm quite happy with the 2012 class, and I'm confident that 2013 & 2014 will get us where we need to be. But big picture, 5-6 years from now...
...you have got to have that QB.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 04:33 PM
I hear ya', but I'm not holding my breath on this kid. I mean really, when's the last time Miami won a NC with a "too good to be true" 5* HS QB. We've always won with the "quirky" type QBs, you know, the "weirdo" lookin' guys...Kosar,Dorsey,Walsh (to some extent).
I guess what I'm sayin' is...I don't want the best QB in America, I want the best QB FOR THE MIAMI HURRICANES! And if the best QB for the Miami Hurricanes, happens to be the best QB in America coming out of HS, then so be it.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 05:14 PM
Found out something VERY interesting on Twitter about the recruitment of that LB that chose FSU and that's all in the news today.
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 05:44 PM
C'mon SOUP... quit teasin'.
Posted by: roachcane77 | May 14, 2013 at 06:04 PM
Yes. It's not like twitter is a secret place that nobody else knows about and can't read. Whatever it is, lots of other people have seen it, so there is no reason to hold back.
Posted by: Canesfan_1 | May 14, 2013 at 06:10 PM
Just so you all know, I walked into the The U over a year ago and told the coaches that I had a QB that they should look at from California. His name was Ricky Town and I knew him and his dad since he was ten tears old. We were very good friends and I had been telling Ricky and his dad about the U for years because I could see that Ricky was going to be a great QB someday. The coaches liked what they heard and said bring him to camp. In June we came to camp and Ricky won MVP of that camp. We met with coach Fisch in his office for about one hour then coach Fisch introduced us coach Al Golden. Coach Golden was very impressive and seamed to speak from the heart which impressed all of us. Ricky toured the campus before the meeting and we all toured the campus and met a lot of different advisors and players after the meeting and the rest is history. You all should know that Al Golden is special and every one of you should be glad that we have him for our head coach. to hear him with a recruit and his dad was special. The Towns have not forgot about that meeting. Now coach Coley shows up and they really like him also.
I will post only when I have something to report. I went to Orange Bowl in the late 1940's to watch the Canes with my Dad. Been a Canes fan before most of you we're born and I want Ricky Town to be a Cane. I am having Rick read this blog now that the negative comments have eased up. So let him know we want hit Son to come to the U and be one of the greatest if not the greatest ever at the U.
I am doing all I can do, how about you?
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 14, 2013 at 06:16 PM
Harry, your live for the U really comes through, and is much appreciated.
I caution everyone involved to make sure you understand all rules regarding boosters and recruits, and what can and can't be done and said. In light of that, lets be very careful about what is said.
It's best to be careful and be known as a responsible web site and fan base.
Posted by: Canesfan_1 | May 14, 2013 at 06:40 PM
*your love
Posted by: Canesfan_1 | May 14, 2013 at 06:41 PM
Come on Ricky! I do believe in Al Golden!!!
Posted by: Jack | May 14, 2013 at 06:45 PM
Harry,
What cool insight into Golden's attitude! Very cool. My wife's mom is out in Cali, so I have an extremely vague connection. Town's the deal and plays against good competition.
Posted by: LB | May 14, 2013 at 07:43 PM
So let him know we want hit Son to come to the U and be one of the greatest if not the greatest ever at the U.
I am doing all I can do, how about you?
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 14, 2013 at 06:16 PM
Oh, I want Him at UM, BUT!, 2015 is a loooooong ways away. A lot of what ifs come into play.
What if Olsen is balling out as a RS-Sophomore?
What if the lightbulbs come on for Crow and/or Dewey?
What if Kaaya is better than advertised?
And with our revolving door of coordinators lately, what if Coley's not here?
Who knows, too many variables between now and then.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 07:45 PM
CaneRock, that can happen at any school any kids chooses to go to. Ricky needs to come to the U because of our tradition, you come to compete and beat out the man in front and don't ever look back. That is what made us great through the years. I hope Olsen is balling with Kaaya being a number 2. Ricky knows what it takes to win, that attitude will help him come and and compete and succeed. Simple as that, there is a difference though on what logo is on the side of your helmet []_[] all the way.
Posted by: MassivCane | May 14, 2013 at 07:58 PM
I am doing all I can do, how about you?
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 14, 2013 at 06:16 PM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 08:40 PM
Think about Town to Lane... Touchdown!
Posted by: Brevardcane | May 14, 2013 at 09:06 PM
ANYWAYS!, on top of His State C'Ships in football and basketball, this is a VERY! impressive feat by one Cornelius Elder, don't ya'll think:
“He was the player of the year for both football and basketball in the state of Tennessee."
And Rodriguez, I'm hoping the A-Holes at the NCAA grant Him His waiver.
LeComte looks like an intriguing prospect, looking forward to see what He can do.
Griffin...one word...SCARY!
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 09:32 PM
In 2013 a Canespace blogger named WillieWillinNashville landed 4* RB/WR/G Corn Elder that will play football and basketball at The U.
I'm jus sayin...
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 10:12 PM
I was told today on Twitter (check the convo IF U want) that Matthew Thomas's decsision to "attend" FSU was not HIS, it was someone else's.
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM
I was told today on Twitter (check the convo IF U want) that Matthew Thomas's decsision to "attend" FSU was not HIS, it was someone else's.
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Hmmmmmm, did this have anything to do with a BTW Coach...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 10:31 PM
According to Barry Jackson of the herald all Derrick Griffin has to do is past his Texas exit exam and he will be good to go this fall. Worry bout 2015 n 2015.
Posted by: 4-Real | May 14, 2013 at 10:55 PM
Barry Jackson:
### Dreams-on-hold file Seattle: cut ex-Cane Ramon Buchanan after rookie minicamp, and Tampa did not sign ex-Canes Robert Marve, Dalton Botts and Jeremy Lewis after tryouts. Marve, of course, played at Purdue after transferring. His former competition at UM, Jacory Harris, will be competing to make the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/05/fins-tidbits-wallaces-views-martins-move-rbs-battle-and-more-canes-heat-chatter.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 11:03 PM
Hmmmmmm, did this have anything to do with a BTW Coach...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 14, 2013 at 10:31 PM
That I do not know, just what I told U.
Posted by: SOUP | May 14, 2013 at 11:10 PM
It's been all over and written about in many places. Thomas signed with FSU because that's what his mom wanted. That's nothing new and it's common knowledge if you go check a few other places. He was directly quoted saying this as well. He really wants to o to USC but mom will accept UGA as a compromise. But guess what, FSU ain't letting hin out of his commitment, so unless he wants to sit a year he's probably sticking with FSU
Posted by: Canesfan_1 | May 14, 2013 at 11:20 PM
Thomas still can petition the NCAA. He needs to do what he feels is best for him an his family. All of this makes him look like the little boy he is. Can't make a choice like a grown man. He deserves the bed he made. Frankly, I say this isn't even a Cane story, other than just to kick a guy that didn't choose us. I say f*ck him. Can't wait to beat him in a game.
Posted by: The Dude | May 14, 2013 at 11:59 PM
From reading this whole Thomas thing, seems to me Him and His parents didn't read what they were signing. Because from listening to some of their quotes, I get the sense that they were apprised of the conditions of the LOI AFTER THE FACT.
Which leads me to this question...How far in advance do these kids get these LOIs?
Posted by: CaneRock | May 15, 2013 at 12:45 AM
My third try on this the other two did not post.
CaneRock, Rick town played football in college and is a very smart person and knows football. Ricky wants to play in the NFL so he is not interested in being the man and playing the hat game like some of these kids. He is very humble and well respected by his coach's and team mates. he is a leader and the hardest worker, studys film always trying to get better.He will be an early entry, wants to get his body bigger and stronger and learn from the coaches and the starting QB. learn the system and plays by being a redshirt freshman and being ready when his time comes. Ricky town is not afraid of competition, he likes it, it makes him better.
One thing that coach Golden told us was this is his offensive style of football and he will keep the pro style offence. If Jed Fisch leaves I will get a pro style OC. Along comes coach Coley and the Towns really like him.
CaneRock 2015 will be here before you know it. In less than a year Miami will be after the 2015 class. Take it from an old guy and Enjoy the trip life is like a role of toilet paper the more you pull out the faster it goes.
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 15, 2013 at 05:07 AM