Miami Hurricanes have connections and similarities to NCAA finalists

The Cavaliers are 88-17 in the last three seasons under Bennett including 65-6 the last two years. Virginia became a power in Bennett’s fifth season when they finished 30-7. That began a three-year stretch with the Cavaliers finishing 89-19.

This year has been about redemption for the Cavaliers after becoming the first number one seed to ever lose a first-round game in 2018. Maryland-Baltimore Country didn’t just pull off the unprecedented upset they thumped the Cavaliers 74-54.

Virginia is 177-36 over the last seven years with 11 of those losses coming in a 23-11, 2016-17 season. The Cavaliers have made seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances and have received invites to eight of the last nine NCAAs.

When Diaz returned to Miami he spoke about the importance of returning home.

"“Miami is home. The University of Miami is home. The U has truly been ‘the job’ for me since I first got into coaching…Having worked here over the past three years, I came to understand what it means to be part of ‘The U’ and came to appreciate the passion and commitment to excellence of all who proudly call themselves Canes.”"

Beard gave a lot of similar sentiments as Diaz when he was hired to return to Texas Tech in April 2016. Monday night’s National Championship is eight days shy of his return to Lubbock.

"“Simply stated, it’s great to be home…The breeze, the facilities, the people & the best fan base in the country…(what makes Texas Tech his dream job)…My promise to you again is that I’m going to do everything I can to make you guys successful.”"

Diaz has been a huge part of the successes and failures at Miami since returning home in 2016. The defense led by Diaz has been for the most part exemplary.

The hope now is for him to be able to translate the culture he has created on defense throughout the team. If he can match Beard’s success Diaz will be among the great coaches in Miami history.