Miami Hurricanes Basketball Preview: The Transfers

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College basketball is baaaaack. That means that it’s almost exhibition time and that’s no exception for the Miami Hurricanes basketball team. Jim Larranaga and his squad will take on Eckerd College on Thursday night at the BankUnited Center for their only exhibition game before their opener against Howard on November 14th, also at the BUC.

We’re all ready to welcome college basketball into our lives, but before that, we’re going to get you ready for Thursday’s exhibition game by previewing everything about the 2014-2015 Canes Hoops team.

We took a look at the guys that left and came back first, and now, let’s take a look at the transfer guys who decided to resume their playing careers for the University of Miami.

Ivan Cruz Uceda, Junior – 6’10” 237 lbs — Transfer From Harcum College

Cruz Uceda is a junior college transfer, but he’s originally from Spain. When you think of a Spanish forward, you automatically think of Pau Gasol. And even though that isn’t fair, because Gasol is a future NBA hall of famer, the comparison isn’t entirely off. Uceda is a really good rebounder, he showed that by pulling down a Harcum College record 29 (!!) rebounds in one game. The Spanish big man can also step outside and knock down a three when you need him to, but he also likes to have his back to the basket and earn his points by banging down low. Uceda played well during his “homecoming” trip to Spain with the team this summer, as he averaged 11 rebounds per game, which led the team. After the trip from Spain was over, the news came out that Uceda will have to sit out the first 16 games this season due to some bogus NCAA rule. This certainly doesn’t help the team because he was starting to look like an opening night starter for the Canes. Miami will have to due without the Spaniard until conference play, but the trip to Spain helped him out and he should be ready to go once his suspension is lifted.

Sheldon McClellan, RS Junior – 6’5” 205 lbs — Transfer From Texas

McClellan transferred to Miami last year after two seasons at the University of Texas. The 6’5” wingman had his ups-and-downs and never really saw eye-to-eye with coach Rick Barnes. Looking for a change of scenery, McClellan packed his bags and headed on down to Coral Gables, and boy are we happy he decided that. The now redshirt junior averaged 13.8 points per game his final season at Texas and he flat-out knows how to put the ball in the hoop. McClellan is also a terrific athlete and due to the lack of size, he’ll find himself playing some power forward this season. McClellan averaged 20 points per game during the team’s trip around Spain and they’ll continue to look for him when they need a bucket.

Kamari Murphy, Junior – 6’8” 216 lbs — Transfer From Oklahoma State

Murphy was running it with Marcus Smart and the rest of the Oklahoma State Cowboys last season. After last season, Murphy decided to transfer and shortly afterwards, he decided to join the Miami Hurricanes. The 6’8” junior is not going to be eligible to play this season due to NCAA transfer rules. It’s a shame because he brings what Miami needs: tall bodies. He’ll be a nice addition to a 2015-2016 team who should still make some noise deep into March. Murphy led the Cowboys in rebounds and blocks last season, so you know Miami will be waiting on him with open arms.

Angel Rodriguez, RS Junior – 5’11” 180 lbs — Transfer From Kansas State

Remember two years ago when Miami had Shane Larkin running the show? Well, Miami’s got another good one this season. Angel Rodriguez — a Dr. Krop High School Graduate — decided to come back to his hometown for personal reasons and suit up for the Canes. Rodriguez has dealt with a couple of nagging injuries in his year at Miami, but he seems healthy and ready to go for Thursday’s exhibition game. How good is Rodriguez? Well, he made the All-Big 12 second team and the All-Big 12 defensive team, as a sophomore. Coming from Kansas State, top competition isn’t new to him and he’ll be looking to excel in the ACC. Rodriguez is the unquestioned leader of this team and earlier this week, he was listed on the Bob Cousy Award List, which is given to the nation’s best point guard. Miami fans got some magic with Larkin, and they hope the same with Rodriguez.

Joe Thomas, Graduate – 6’7” 245 lbs — Transfer From Niagara

There’s big dudes, and then there’s Joe Thomas. The Niagara transfer is a big guy and that’s exactly why Coach L went after him when he became available. Thomas isn’t the most offensive minded guy, but he’s going to do a lot of the dirty work for Miami, and he adds another big body to this team. Also a plus. If Thomas can provide energy, rebounding and shot-blocking, Miami should have enough scoring around him to give him a good share of minutes.

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Seriously, does anybody load up better than Jim Larrañaga?