Miami basketball modest success under Jim Larranaga versus Duke and Mike Krzyzewski

Since Jim Larranaga was hired as the Miami basketball coach in 2011, the Hurricanes have had modest success against Duke and Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzewski announced on Wednesday that he will retire following the 2021-22 season. Miami only plays at Duke in 2021-22.

The Hurricanes defeated Duke 77-75 in the last game Krzyzewski coached at the Watsco Center in February. In the new mega conferences, Krzyzewski will not have a chance for a complete fairwell tour at all the ACC programs. Duke also only plays Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech at home in 2021-22.

The victory by Miami in February broke a four game Duke winning streak against the Hurricanes. Under Larranaga Miami won five of its first eight games against Duke and Krzyzewski. Prior to Larranaga arriving in Coral Gables, MIami was 1-15 against Duke during the Krzyzewski tenure in Durham.

One of the biggest wins in the history of the Miami basketball program was a 90-63 victory by the number 25 Hurricanes over the top ranked Blue Devils in 2013. Miami raced to a 42-19 halftime lead and cruised in the second half. At the time the victory by Miami was the third largest defeat suffered by the number one team.

The last few years have been tough for Miami as the Hurricanes have had three straight losing seasons. Duke finished 13-11 in 2021 missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the Blue Devils finished 13-18 in 1995-96. Kryzewski missed most of that season after back surgery.

Duke is reloading for 2021-22. The Blue Devils signed the fourth ranked class in 2021. Miami has the 24th best freshman class and added key transfers Jordan MIller from George Mason and Charlie Moore from DePaul. Three experienced players return for Duke who are expected to start with two of the freshmen.