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Miami Hurricanes Basketball Consensus Top 25 2017-18

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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Dec 6, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (left) talks with Miami Hurricanes guard Ja’Quan Newton (right) during the second half against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The common thread through Miami’s top 25 ranking is the return of Brown and Newton and everyone else except Murphy and Reed, the top ten ranked recruiting class led by Walker. Jim Larranaga has brought in the two best recruiting classes in school history in 2016 and 2017.

The Hurricanes still might be a year away if Coach L can somehow convince Brown and Walker to return for the 2018-19 season. Miami beat out Arizona and Villanova for Walker’s services.

Here is how the major outlets except for Sports Illustrated see Miami Basketball in 2017-18.

"USAToday 23rd. Ja’Quan Newton and Bruce Brown are back, and coach Jim Larranaga brings in a top-10 recruiting class that’s headlined by marksman guard Lonnie Walker, the highest-rated commit in the school’s hoops history. ► Recruiting class: A"

ESPN is impressed by the Hurricanes midseason run through the ACC. Jim Larranaga given the chance at a high level has proven can coach with Roy Williams, Rick Pitino, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim and the greatest coaches in the sport.

They mention the inconsistencies Miami went through this season. Losing Reed and Murphy is going to be tough to avoid more inconsistencies this upcoming season. The 2017-18 roster will be even younger. The leadership is going to have to step up like Reed and Murphy did for the Hurricanes to be consistent in 2017-18.

"ESPN 21. Miami Hurricanes Miami coach Jim Larranaga coaxed and cajoled an inconsistent group into a fine campaign (including a crucial 7-2 stretch from Jan. 25 to Feb. 25) by the time all was said and done. He might not need to fight quite so hard next season. The Hurricanes will lose Davon Reed, but they have a top-10 recruiting class on its way, led by perhaps its best recruit in a decade, Lonnie Walker, who turned down Arizona and Villanova en route to Coral Gables, Florida. Ja’Quan Newton needs to be more efficient, but rising sophomore Bruce Brown might be in for a breakout year. Expect less cajoling and more dancing."

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