Fanduel basketball analyst Jon Rothstein has released his top 45 programs for the upcoming college basketball season with Miami coming in at No. 27. Rothstein updates the list throughout the offseason as transfers and recruits continue to shuffle around.
After enduring a challenging 2024–25 season, the Miami Hurricanes are undergoing a significant transformation under new head coach Jai Lucas. Lucas, formerly an assistant at Duke, has swiftly reshaped the roster through the transfer portal.
The 2024–25 campaign concluded with a 7–24 overall record and a 3–17 mark in conference play, leading to the retirement of longtime head coach Jim Larranaga. Interim coach Bill Courtney managed the team for the remainder of the season, but the Hurricanes failed to qualify for the ACC tournament.
Lucas’s arrival has brought a wave of optimism as well as the addition of several key transfers: Tre Donaldson, a point guard from Michigan, is known for his leadership and playmaking abilities. Tru Washington, a versatile guard from New Mexico, averaged 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season. Malik Reneau, a forward from Indiana, brings scoring and rebounding prowess. Ernest Udeh Jr., a center from TCU, is expected to anchor the defense with his shot-blocking skills.
The Hurricanes have also secured commitments from promising talents such as Dante Allen, Shelton Henderson and Slovakian wing Timotej Malovec who brings international experience to the squad.The projected starting lineup for the upcoming season includes Donaldson and Washington in the backcourt, Henderson and Reneau at the forward positions, and Udeh Jr. at center. Malovec and Allen are anticipated to provide depth off the bench.
Despite the influx of new talent, the team faces the challenge of replacing key departures, including guards Nijel Pack and Jalil Bethea, forward Matthew Cleveland, and center Lynn Kidd. Lucas, known for his recruiting, has also built his staff by hiring Andrew Moran as Assistant Coach and LJ Rose as Director of Player Personnel.
The Hurricanes are set to open the 2025–26 season on November 3 at the Watsco Center against Jacksonville, marking the beginning of the Jai Lucas era.
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