Miami is buzzing with basketball excitement as the University of Miami Hurricanes gear up for the 2023-24 season. After reaching historic heights in the last couple of years, this season promises even more intensity as the Hurricanes look to solidify their standing as a powerhouse in the ACC. Miami is ranked #13 in the preseason AP poll, and while they face significant roster changes, there is optimism surrounding the program. With returning talent and exciting new additions, the Hurricanes are aiming for nothing less than championship contention.

The Hurricanes’ Recent Rise to Power

Over the past few seasons, the Miami Hurricanes have been on an unprecedented run. Last year, under head coach Jim Larrañaga, they made their first-ever Final Four appearance after clinching a share of the ACC regular-season title. Larrañaga, who has built the Hurricanes into a respected basketball program since his arrival in 2011, has led Miami to become a consistent presence in March Madness. This marks a significant transformation for a school long considered a football-first institution.

The 2022-23 season saw Miami finish with a 29-8 record, marking their second consecutive Elite Eight appearance and catapulting them to national prominence. They played with a potent mix of tenacity, athleticism, and scoring power, consistently beating top-tier programs on their journey. However, heading into this season, the team faces a roster overhaul, losing key players like Isaiah Wong (ACC Player of the Year) and Jordan Miller, both of whom have taken their talents to the NBA.

Key Returners and New Faces

Despite these departures, Miami’s cupboard is far from bare. The Hurricanes return three key starters: Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar, and Norchad Omier. Each of these players played crucial roles in Miami’s Final Four run and will be expected to carry the load again this year.

Nijel Pack, a sharpshooting guard, averaged 13.6 points per game last season. He’s expected to be a key offensive weapon and continue his role as a floor spacer.
Wooga Poplar, a versatile wing, is looking to expand his game further after flashes of brilliance last season. His ability to play both ends of the floor will be pivotal.
Norchad Omier, the rebounding machine, will again anchor the frontcourt. Last year, Omier averaged a double-double, securing 10 rebounds per game and providing the Hurricanes with a gritty inside presence.

In addition to the returnees, Miami has added several exciting newcomers, including Matthew Cleveland, a transfer from rival Florida State. Cleveland, the ACC Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, is expected to play a significant role in replacing Wong and Miller’s production. His defensive versatility and ability to score from multiple levels make him a key piece to the team’s championship aspirations.

The team also brings in five freshmen, including highly-touted recruit Michael Nwoko, a physical forward with an aggressive playstyle who could make an immediate impact. These fresh faces will be crucial in rounding out the roster and providing depth.

Challenges and Expectations for 2023-24

While the Hurricanes are riding a wave of success, they’ll face stiff competition, both in their non-conference schedule and within the ACC. Miami will test themselves early, facing Georgia in the Baha Mar Hoops Championship in the Bahamas, and traveling to Lexington to take on Kentucky in the first-ever ACC/SEC Challenge. These high-profile games will provide early litmus tests for the Hurricanes’ readiness to compete against the nation’s best.

Within the ACC, Duke and North Carolina loom large. Both schools are ranked in the preseason top 25, with Duke sitting at #2. Miami’s ability to compete for the ACC crown will likely hinge on how well they integrate their new pieces and whether their returning stars can step into more prominent roles. With Miami ranked just behind Duke in the preseason poll, a heated battle for ACC supremacy is expected.

Key Games to Watch

Mark your calendars, Miami fans—there are several must-watch matchups this season:

Nov. 28: Miami at Kentucky – This showdown in the ACC/SEC Challenge could serve as a major statement game for the Hurricanes. Beating an eight-time national champion on their home court would certainly bolster Miami’s national reputation.
Nov. 17: Miami vs. Georgia (Baha Mar Hoops Championship) – Facing off against SEC competition in the Bahamas, this early test will show how well Miami’s roster gels in the season’s first few weeks.
ACC Regular Season (Dates TBA) – Circle games against Duke and North Carolina on your schedule. These matchups will likely decide the ACC title race and position teams for March Madness seeding.
Marquee In-State Matchups – The Hurricanes face both FIU and UCF at home early in the season. These games, while not against basketball powerhouses, are important for maintaining local dominance.

The Larrañaga Effect

It’s impossible to discuss Miami’s rise without acknowledging the role of Jim Larrañaga, the architect behind this transformation. When Larrañaga arrived at Miami in 2011, few would have expected him to build a basketball powerhouse at a school where football reigned supreme. Yet, his tenure has been nothing short of spectacular, turning the program into a consistent force in the ACC.

Larrañaga’s coaching style blends defensive intensity with a fast-paced, three-point shooting-heavy offense, perfectly suited for today’s game. More importantly, he’s fostered a culture of winning, where players develop into stars capable of competing at the highest level. His ability to recruit both locally and nationally has made Miami a destination for high-level talent, as evidenced by the recent transfer of Cleveland and the recruitment of top freshmen.

What Success Looks Like in 2024

Success for the 2023-24 Miami Hurricanes will likely be defined by their ability to remain a national contender despite their roster changes. With a solid core of returners, an infusion of fresh talent, and a challenging schedule that will test them early and often, Miami has the potential to once again make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

However, maintaining that momentum will require strong leadership from their veteran players and swift adaptation by their newcomers. If the Hurricanes can find the right balance and chemistry, there’s no reason they can’t be in the mix for another Final Four appearance—perhaps even contending for the ultimate prize, a national championship.

In short, this season will be a defining moment for the Hurricanes as they continue to build on the foundation laid over the last few years. Miami basketball is no longer just about potential—it’s about results, and the 2023-24 campaign could be their most exciting yet.