Miami (FL) Hurricanes 2010-11 Season Preview

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

2009-10 Record: 20-13

2009-10 ACC Record: 4-12

The Miami Hurricanes started the season off great! They were 16-1 entering ACC conference play. However, that was because of their weak non-conference schedule.

In the future, scheduling will be beneficial to the 'Canes.

They came in with an almost flawless record but simply got destroyed once conference season came around.

However, all wasn't bad. In the ACC conference tournament they were able to hang with Duke. Not to mention, they beat Derrick Favors and the Yellow Jackets

Key Returnees

The most important player that returned for the 'Canes was 6-foot-3 Durand Scott.

Scott was the third leading scorer last year, but was big in the assist, rebounding and steals total. 

Scott is going to be a sophomore next season, and the 'Canes have to be happy they have a player of his caliber for next year’s squad. 

If you can remember, the last game of the season, Scott stepped in big time in efforts to save the season. 

He ended with 21 points, four rebounds, three assist, and two steals. Despite the lost, Scott gave fans a glimpse of what they could expect next season.

Malcolm Grant also returned. He is going to be a big part of the backcourt success. 

Soon-to-be sophomore Reggie Johnson has returned as well. He is 6-foot-10 and will play key minutes next season.

Look for the 'Canes to take advantage of his size and rebounding ability.

Key Departures

Unfortunately for the 'Canes they lost their top two scorers Dwayne Collins and James Dews'.

Collins was no doubt the leader of this team. He provided contributions in every statistical area.

Dews' was a very key part of the backcourt as well.

Over the season he made strives to improve his game while helping the team as well.

With the loss of these two players, the Miami (FL) lost leadership and a high-energy role player.

Key Additions

The 'Canes brought in three recruits. The most important would be Rion Brown.

Brown is a huge play-making guard with the ability to be something special. He is a complete energizer on both ends of the floor. He loves transition because he shows off his explosiveness and leaping ability. Not to mention, he stretches the defense with his jump shot.

Erik Swoope is an undersized forward but is a high energy guy. He is very athletic and should contribute right away.

Raphael Akpejiori is also a very similar prospect. He is a high energy guy that is going to be an instant spark to the post.

He is better at playing defense, but consistently plays on both ends for the time he is on the court.

The 'Canes gave these three scholarships, in return, they're giving them hustle intensity and heart.

Overall

I think Miami has a great chance at becoming a sleeper team in the ACC. They are equipped with one of the most talented sophomores in the nation--Scott.

In addition, they lost Collins but they have Johnson to fill his void.

With DeQuen Jones, Malcolm Grant, and Julius Gamble getting significant minutes next year I look for a much improved team.

However, they cannot schedule poorly like they did last year.

They were much unprepared for the ACC challenges and will look to fix that coming into next year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell