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.
Harry, no need for thank you's, but you're welcome.
Only do it because I love the Canes and Canespace
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 03:23 PM
Harry I do it for the $$$ and the hot chicks. Ask Soup
Posted by: Hassan | May 15, 2013 at 03:27 PM
Harry I do it for the $$$ and the hot chicks. Ask Soup
Posted by: Hassan | May 15, 2013 at 03:27 PM
---------------------------------------
HAHAHAHAHAH!! One of your best posts ever! LOL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Edoaurd can play QB til he signs that LOI hehe
Posted by: Hassan | May 15, 2013 at 02:54 PM
LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | May 15, 2013 at 04:35 PM
Ufomba Kamalu decided not to enroll at UM. Not sure of reason.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Daniel Tummeley @DanielTummeley 1m
So Gabe Terry may work his way Back on the team? Would not mind seeing him back on the field.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 04:45 PM
Gabe Terry:
B4.DA.$.$ @GT_JustTakinOFF 19m
Still a cane. Its gonna be a long summer []_[]
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 04:51 PM
Ufomba Kamalu decided not to enroll at UM. Not sure of reason.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 04:44 PM
------------------------------------------
Fear of sanctions...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 04:52 PM
hmmm Who was saying Gabe Terry should get another chance just a few weeks ago...
He better rise to the challenge and make the best of it.
Posted by: SmatCane | May 15, 2013 at 05:10 PM
Ohio,
I hope you're joking about Kamalu...
Posted by: CoCane | May 15, 2013 at 05:12 PM
No he is not
Posted by: laquinton | May 15, 2013 at 05:46 PM
Damn it!
Posted by: 2002nemo | May 15, 2013 at 06:03 PM
Yea for boner pill spam!
Posted by: The Dude | May 15, 2013 at 06:52 PM
I love the Space spam. It's the best.
Losing a DT? Seriously?
Posted by: LB | May 15, 2013 at 07:41 PM
For Herbie's sake, please delete all comments in regards to Kamalu.
Posted by: The Dude | May 15, 2013 at 07:54 PM
Mike James is a young man I will always root for.
Posted by: Canesteeler | May 15, 2013 at 08:01 PM
Mike James is a young man I will always root for.
Posted by: Canesteeler | May 15, 2013 at 08:01 PM
************************************************************
Agree 200%
Posted by: raizecane | May 15, 2013 at 08:20 PM
Ohio,
I hope you're joking about Kamalu...
Posted by: CoCane | May 15, 2013 at 05:12 PM
----------------------------------------------
Unfortunately, I am not...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 10:10 PM
Update on Kamalu:
@TitoBenachCIS: In another note: It looks like Kamalu will becoming in the fall. Good to hear however, I’m skeptical
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 15, 2013 at 10:13 PM
He's actually Travis Benjamin's 1st cousin. Anyways, I'm lookin' forward to watch this kids development, should be fun.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 15, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Email me about him.
Posted by: SOUP | May 15, 2013 at 11:21 PM
Really good news:
"hurricanesports We're excited to annouce continued partnership with @3PennyFilms, producers of the award-winning #RaisingCanes: gocan.es/3PennyUM"
Posted by: LB | May 15, 2013 at 12:01 PM
AND HERE IS THE REALLY GOOD NEWS:
They sent Canespace (me) an email today to POSSIBLY be interviewed for a future feature! I'm jus sayin...
Posted by: SOUP | May 15, 2013 at 11:29 PM
Thank you very much, *taking a bow* *taking a bow*
He's gon be a HUGE surprise for us this year!!! Trust me
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | May 15, 2013 at 02:15 PM
U DESERVE IT!
Miller got next.
Posted by: SOUP | May 15, 2013 at 11:37 PM
I really want to thank all of you for what you do.
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 15, 2013 at 03:20 PM
Yeah, we got this.
Posted by: SOUP | May 15, 2013 at 11:40 PM
Harry I do it for the $$$ and the hot chicks. Ask Soup
Posted by: Hassan | May 15, 2013 at 03:27 PM
Hassan's Canespace compensation package is different from the standard contracts. Other than that I have:
NO COMMENT
Posted by: SOUP | May 15, 2013 at 11:44 PM
Lamar Miller news
ET 05.15 | The belief heading in to the 2013 NFL season is that the Miami Dolphins are prepared to roll with last year's fourth-round pick Lamar Miller as the team's starting running back. If Miller does get the starting gig, he has some very high goals for himself that the Dolphins would have to be pleased about if he could accomplish them. Miller, who has been working with fellow Miami Hurricane alum and current San Francisco 49ers star running back Frank Gore, plans to reach 1,500 yards and 5.0 yards per carry this season.
FanSided.com
Posted by: Pre83 | May 16, 2013 at 01:08 AM
Mike James is a young man I will always root for.
Posted by: Canesteeler | May 15, 2013 at 08:01 PM
-------------------------------------------
I met his Aunt and his sister at the Notre Dame game and hung out with them for awhile, great people and a great young man. He will be successful, I no doubt.
Posted by: Hassan | May 16, 2013 at 02:45 AM
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/22247245/miami-ad-no-current-plans-for-um-florida-games-after-2013
UF Scurred
Posted by: Hassan | May 16, 2013 at 05:36 AM
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/22247011/onfield-results-dont-come-close-to-matching-potential-for-acc
We are on our way back to the top and taking the ACC with us!!
Posted by: Hassan | May 16, 2013 at 05:58 AM
Springs Weighing Options
2014 Roosevelt (Tex.) Defensive Back Arrion Springs is ranked as one of the top players in the state of Texas for his class. Springs is heading into this summer preparing to get better, first with this upcoming spring season.
“The spring has been going well, a lot of coaches have been coming by as well as the fact that the team is looking good this year, everybody is coming together.”
Springs is a top rated defensive back and is looking to not only work on some of his skills but improve on others.
“My best skill is I’m very smart and I’m very instinctive when I play. I want to improve on being more patient while I’m in press coverage, when I jam, I want to work on my footwork and just being patient.
Springs is also a top recruit, as he is hearing from schools all around the country while enjoying the recruiting process.
“It’s going real well, I haven’t picked up many offers as of late. I’ve been talking to Oregon, Texas, Miami, Arizona, Ohio State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, TCU and Oklahoma.”
Springs originally had a top two of Miami and Oregon,but hadn’t received an offer from either. Miami offered the Texas native recently and spoke about what it was like.
“They offered me about two weeks ago, me and Coach (Paul) Williams have a good relationship, we talk on a weekly basis. They want to use me at corner which sounds pretty good. I like it a lot, they (Miami) have a lot of tradition there. “
While playing time is something that interest the Roosevelt product, he is aware that Miami’s defensive back depth is large and has no issues with having a limited role in Coral Gables.
“They’re pretty stacked right now at corner, so I probably wouldn’t be able to play as a freshmen but I could still learn from coach Williams and then probably get in as a sophomore.”
Spring also offered his thoughts on the job coach Golden has done and what he thinks of him.
“Coach Golden, he has done a great job with the program, he has turned it around and made it a lot better then it used to be.”.
While the speedy corner was originally sure he was planning to leave the state for college, he has had second thoughts about going away.
“I’m really don’t even know anymore, I think I want to, but I’m just not sure.”
Texas is a school he recently visited to see the campus.
When asked what will be some main factors in his decision, Springs stressed the some key points.
“Good relationship with the DB coaches, a strong fan base is and a school that can help get me to the league and reach my goals.”
Springs is planning a visit to Miami during the summer for one of Al Golden’s football camps.
http://canesinsight.com/content/1726-Springs-Weighing-Options
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 09:04 AM
JUCO DT Taylor Timmons has Miami in front and has an offer..
http://rivals.yahoo.com/miami/football/recruiting/player-Taylor-Timmons-148675
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 09:07 AM
According to Rivals Trevor Darling isnt being swayed and is solid to UM. There has been talk of him being interested in USF because of HS coach going there..good news
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 09:09 AM
Jon Bastian @Jon_Bastian 30m
#Miami still No. 1 for defensive tackle Travonte Valentine http://www.caneinsider.com/?p=7534
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 09:42 AM
Jon Bastian @Jon_Bastian 30m
#Miami still No. 1 for defensive tackle Travonte Valentine http://www.caneinsider.com/?p=7534
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 09:42 AM
I like our chances..but Im not holding my breath on this one lol
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 10:20 AM
He's gon be a HUGE surprise for us this year!!! Trust me
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | May 15, 2013 at 02:15 PM
I agree.
Watching His highlights, He reminds me of a bigger version of Chris Rainey. The way He seperates from people is...Secreteriat-ISH.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 16, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Hey Harry,
Where are you at in Cali? My wife's folks are from there.
Ricky Town!
Posted by: LB | May 16, 2013 at 11:52 AM
Dang, losing a DT is not good!
Posted by: j.w. | May 16, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Dang, losing a DT is not good!
Posted by: j.w. | May 16, 2013 at 12:19 PM
I agree..but IF we are going to lose a DT its better that it is a 2-Star JUCO DE who doesnt have 4 years of eligibility lol...I think its more important to get high school DT that we can build up
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM
The last time I checked the guy is still the reigning Coach of the Year.
-Sarasota
Really? C'mon man, he took over an extremely experienced and mature team. Tha kind of experience is almost no existent in today's landscape. There ALL gone and he will be nothing come next year. When his squad is getting the stuffing kicked out of them will you still be saying "reigning coach of the year?" Yes he'll still have that title but will look just like any other middle of the pack coach.
Posted by: Long Way Home | May 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM
I agree..but IF we are going to lose a DT its better that it is a 2-Star JUCO DE who doesnt have 4 years of eligibility lol...I think its more important to get high school DT that we can build up
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM
Forgot that he was a DE. Thanks U Mike
Posted by: j.w. | May 16, 2013 at 12:54 PM
We haven't lost any DL yet
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 12:56 PM
This is too funny! Michael Irvin on his son, WR Michael Irvin Jr, will go to school...
"On May 14th, the Wolverines sent their running backs coach, Fred Jackson, to Plano, Texas in order to visit 2016 wide receiver Michael Irvin Jr.
Irvin Jr. is the son of former Miami Hurricane and Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin and is currently a freshman at Prestonwood Christian High School.
The young WR might only be a freshman in high school, but is receiving very early attention from three schools. These schools are the Michigan Wolverines, Miami Hurricanes, and Texas Longhorns.
Although, the Irvins are not too concerned about recruitment at this time. Michael Irvin told 247 Sports,
He’s just a freshman right now so we’re not worried about the recruiting process. We’re working on him maintaining his game and trying to be the best that he can be.
When asked about where his son will go, Irvin Sr. told 247 Sports:
There are some choices God gives us and some he doesn’t. He (Irvin Jr.) can’t choose his mom, his dad, his brothers or sisters or what school he goes to. Everything else, he can choose. He WILL go to the University of Miami."
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 01:00 PM
Canes coaches at Jesuit in Tampa today. Checking in on Vincent Jackson, among others.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 01:02 PM
Edouard saying FSU came to see him today and is showing "major interest"
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:08 PM
The #1 DT Elisha Shaw will visit Miami this summer..but UGA and Alabama are his top 2
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:09 PM
Coach D'No will also come back later to watch practice according to Jackson
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:10 PM
I agree..but IF we are going to lose a DT its better that it is a 2-Star JUCO DE who doesnt have 4 years of eligibility lol...I think its more important to get high school DT that we can build up
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM
Forgot that he was a DE. Thanks U Mike
Posted by: j.w. | May 16, 2013 at 12:54 PM
I do THINK the staff saw his as a DT prospect..but my point is I would rather a true DT with 4 years of eligibility.
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:16 PM
We haven't lost any DL yet
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Thats why I said IF..different reports out there
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:17 PM
Kyle Pumariega @KylePuma 2m
#Canes has offered offensive lineman Isiaih Wynn from St Petersburg, FL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 01:20 PM
There are some choices God gives us and some he doesn’t. He (Irvin Jr.) can’t choose his mom, his dad, his brothers or sisters or what school he goes to. Everything else, he can choose. He WILL go to the University of Miami."
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 01:00 PM
LMAO!
You tell em' #47!
Posted by: CaneRock | May 16, 2013 at 01:23 PM
Kyle Pumariega @KylePuma 2m
#Canes has offered offensive lineman Isiaih Wynn from St Petersburg, FL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 16, 2013 at 01:20 PM
Is this the same kid Vincent Jackson was saying he wanted Bama to offer because they wanted to play together in college?
Posted by: UMike | May 16, 2013 at 01:31 PM