2006 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Preview

2006 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Predictions

This year’s Hurricane squad is one of the youngest and most inexperienced in the ACC. Comprised primarily of sophomores and freshmen this will be a year of growth and development for Miami.

Key loses include guards Guillermo Diaz (17.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG) and Robert Hite (16.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG). The guard spots will most likely be occupied by three guys—Anthony Harris (9.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 41.4 FG%, 83.3 FT%), Denis Clemente (5.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 33.0 FG%, 61.5 FT%) and Jack McClinton (a double-digit scorer and transfer from Sienna). Freshman guard James Dews is perhaps the Hurricanes finest recruit.

Upfront, look for Anthony King (8.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 53.2 FG%, 65.1 FT%), a fine defensive player, to man the center position. At the power position, two players should see a majority of the action— junior Raymond Hicks (4.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 51.3 FG%, 65.1 FT%) and sophomore Jimmy Graham (1.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 44.4 FG%, 45.2 FT%). Hicks proved to be an essential reserve last season and Graham plays a high energy, inside game. The freshman player who has the most potential to have an impact upfront is forward Dwayne Collins. Expect to see him on the court a lot.

In two years at the helm, Coach Frank Haith is 34- 29 with two NIT appearances. This team hasn’t been to the tournament since 2002 and although Haith would love to get this young team there, it won’t be this year. The coach is looking to score more points than the 67.9 PPG his team averaged last season, placing them 12th in that category in the ACC and 182nd nationally. He’s changed the offensive philosophy, looking to have his players go inside and then kick the ball out.

With key loses, a young group of players and a lack of depth, this could be a tough season for the Hurricanes. But if Haith can keep his team on the same offensive page, certainly a third-straight NIT appearance is a possibility with the NCAA Tournament in the near future.

If you want more info on the 2006 Miami Hurricanes College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Florida State Seminoles and Wake Forest Demon Deacons.