2022-23 Miami men's basketball season preview

Overview: After the Hurricanes defeated the Blue Devils early in the 2021-22 regular season, Duke got revenge by bouncing them from the ACC tournament in the semifinals in March. During March Madness, Miami was one of the surprise teams to reach the Elite Eight—the first time in program history—but lost to eventual champion Kansas. The now-departed Kameron McGusty was selected to the All-ACC First Team, while current fourth-year junior Isaiah Wong joined the All-ACC Third Team.

Overcoming the departures of McGusty, guard Charlie Moore and big man Sam Waardenburg will be a challenge, but the offseason transfers of Norchad Omier—last year’s Sun Belt Player of the Year for Arkansas State—and one of the more sought-after transfers from Kansas State in junior Nijel Pack, a member of the All-Big 12 First Team. Just as Moore and Jordan Miller were the impactful transfers last year, Omier and Pack will hope to do the same in 2022-23. Pack is a lethal scorer, averaging 17.4 points per game last season and shooting 43.6% from three, and can quickly become Miami’s star player. Additionally, the Hurricanes are transitioning to more of a small-ball lineup, with freshman Favour Aire being the only true center, looking to play high-tempo basketball with tenacious defense. After reaching the Elite Eight, Miami has planted itself on the map and has enough talent and experience to challenge the top dogs in the ACC.

Team ceiling: Pack plays as advertised, Wong keeps improving and the experience of Larrañaga can push the Hurricanes to compete for the ACC title and even make another solid tournament run.

Team floor: Miami will not be underestimated anymore, and the departures of McGusty, Moore and Waardenburg prove to be too much. The small-ball lineup gets bullied in the paint, and the Hurricanes come back to Earth as a middle-of-the-pack ACC team.