Miami basketball got official visit from 2022 top high school player
Jalen Duren, a 6’10, 230-pound center, the number one high school player in the Class of 2022 took an official visit to the Miami basketball program earlier this month. Duren has been compared to Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat. Duren even visiting Miami is encouraging for head coach Jim Larranaga and his staff.
The Miami basketball program does not have a commitment for 2022. It is far too early to be concerned for the Hurricanes 2022 recruiting class. Only 50 basketball players have committed to schools nationally. A commitment from Duren would be a potential program-changing player. Duren would be a certain one-and-done player.
The only crystal ball from 247 Sports projects that Duren will turn pro following his high school career. Duren could join the NBA G-League for one season, earn six figures in salary plus potential endorsements before entering the 2023 NBA Draft. Duren could also choose to play overseas during the 2021-22 basketball season.
The Miami basketball program has received visits from five-star recruits in recent seasons. Vernon Carey Jr., the son of a former Hurricanes and Dolphins offensive lineman considered Miami before playing one season with Duke in 2019-20. Larranaga and his staff have consistently signed a mix of three and four-star players.
Miami basketball announces Kam McGusty, who averaged 13 ppg last year will return to school. This won't make me popular with some on Twitter, but their pitch to top prospect Jalen Duren just got better. They're basically one big guy away from being a REALLY good team next season
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) June 29, 2021
Duren took his official visit to Miami on June 13. Later in June, Duren visited Memphis and later Kentucky. Duren is the only basketball player who has visited Miami according to 247 Sports. Miami has offered scholarships to 26 players in the Class of 2022. The Hurricanes are trying to rebuild their roster after years of attrition.
Miami lost their two 2020 high school signees, forward Matt Cross (who was dismissed and transferred to Louisville) and guard Earl Timberlake plus guard Elijah Olaniyi who returned to Stony Brook after joining the Hurricanes from the SeaWolves for the 2020-21 season. Miami has three incoming freshmen in 2021-22.
Miami signed four-star small forward Jakai Robinson and three-star shooting guard Nisine Poplar and has a commitment from four-star point guard Bensley Joseph in the Class of 2022. The Hurricanes have also added guard Charlie Moore from DePaul and forwards Jordan Miller from George Mason as transfers.
Duren has over two dozen schools that have offered him scholarships. It is a long shot for Miami to be able to sign him. The likelihood is that Duren will strongly lean towards becoming professional over playing one year in college. Three of the top four Miami signees were in the 2016 and 2017 classes.
Miami gets big boost with Kameron McGusty return. dark. Next
Bruce Brown and Dewan (Huell) Hernandez signed in 2016 and Lonnie Walker signed in 2017. An injury to Walker early in the 2017-18 season and Brown for most of the last two months prevented what was the most talented team in Hurricanes history. Brown and Walker turned professional in 2018, Hernandez in 2019.