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NCAA Tournament: Five Reasons the Hurricanes Can Get to the Sweet 16

By Alan Rubenstein

Mar 16, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Jim Larranaga during practice at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Jim Larranaga during practice at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) fights for a rebound against Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) and Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Rebounding

The Hurricanes have been one of the nation’s best rebounding teams this season. They rank 47th in the country in rebounding margin at 4.6. Michigan State’s rebounding margin is 3.6 and Kansas whom the Hurricanes are likely to play if they win their first round game has a rebounding margin of 4.06.

The Spartans have traditionally been one of the best rebounding teams in the country. Against Michigan State, the Hurricanes are going to have to worry about Bridges and Ward,

Kansas is led on the boards by 6’10 240 Senior Forward Landon Lucas who averages 8.4 rebounds and freshman superstar Josh Jackson who is averaging 7.2 rebounds per game.

Kamari Murphy leads the Miami presence on the boards at 7.5 RPG. No one else averages more than six, but seven players average three or more. The Hurricanes balance on the boards makes a big difference.

Jim Larranga is going to have to count on Ebuka Izundu to aid Kamari Murphy off the bench. In the Canes starting lineup, Murphy and Anthony Lawrence are playing out of position at the four and the five. Izundu averaged only 11 minutes per game in the Hurricanes last games.

Dewan Huell was a highly touted 6’11 five star recruit out of Miami Norland. After making noise in the pre-season that he might be a one and done performer, he hasn’t contributed as much as he could of as a freshman.

Huell has also struggled to get playing time lately. He missed the ACC Tournament win over Syracuse with an ankle injury. He has also only averaged only 11 minutes per game over his last four.

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