Larranaga was asked a follow up question if Brown could return later in the tournament.
"“Let me put it this way: If Bruce decides to come back next year for his [junior] year, then we’ll plan on playing him.”"
Brown and Walker were both projected to leave for the NBA after this season. Brown has a big decision to make. With missing nearly half the season his stock has seemed to drop.
CBS Sports projects Brown to go to the Celtics with the 27th pick in the first round. NBADraft.Net does not have Brown being picked in either the first or second round.
"Walker was asked about his teammate. “He’s a terrific player…He’s a centerpiece. Without him, we’ve got to pick it up and play by faith. It was definitely a sad moment. Bruce is going to be good regardless.”"
Walker and Chris Lykes have become an excellent tandem in the backcourt as Freshmen. Ja’Quan Newton hit the game winner at North Carolina and has played well down the stretch. D.J. Vasiljevic is Miami’s best outside shooter and can put in on the floor.
Next: Sixth seeded Miami Hurricanes to face Loyola-Chicago in NCAA First Round
The depth of those four has allowed Larranaga and the Hurricanes to absorb the loss of Brown. Miami has had the majority of the conference season to absorb Brown’s absense.