Will UM Men’s Basketball be Hunted Rather Than the Hunter?

MIAMI, Fla. – Around this time last year, Jai Lucas was hired as the new head coach of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program; he assembled a completely new roster with no returning players, and the previous team went 7-24.

Despite all the early challenges, expectations were significantly surpassed. Lucas led the Hurricanes to a 26-9 overall record, finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, and returned to March Madness. Despite not reaching the Sweet 16, it marked a successful turnaround.

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Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Hurricanes can’t sneak up on opponents. They will have a bigger target on them, but Lucas’ first focus is learning how to put the pieces together with a new roster featuring two freshmen, eight transfers, and two returners.

“Last season was last season,” he said in Monday’s media availability. “It’s a completely different team. There’s nothing that is the same. What they did was great, but it’s in the past. I don’t know what this team is and eventually we’ll get there – what we can be – but I like who we have in the building.”

The Hurricanes’ strength of schedule appears tougher; a presumed at least seven ranked opponents scheduled, including the Nov. 2 season opener against the Florida Gators at Tampa. Lucas is excited about the raise in competition, plus hosting the Atlantic Coast/Southeastern Conference challenge against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Watsco Center on Dec. 2. It was announced on Monday that tipoff is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. E.T. and televised on ESPN.

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Facing tougher matchups will sharpen the Hurricanes, especially from a mental standpoint. Whether it’s non-conference or ACC play, every opponent is going to attempt to make Lucas and the team stumble. The Hurricanes will have little room for error, especially against elite competition.

Lucas has the knowledge and experience of being part of a team circled on another opponent’s calendar, especially as an assistant at Duke. The Blue…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/um-mens-basketball-hunted-rather-173032883.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-24 17:30:00

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