The return of leading scorer Isaiah Wong as announced on his social media on Tuesday morning should end three consecutive losing seasons for the Miami basketball team. Wong led Miami in multiple categories last season including points per game and field goal attempts. The Hurricanes will have a deep backcourt.
In addition to Wong announcing his return on Tuesday morning, Kameron McGusty did the same last week. McGusty will be entering his fourth season with the Miami basketball program and sixth overall in college. McGusty is using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA for the 2020-21 school year.
McGusty and Wong both entered the NBA Draft only to decide to return to Miami for the 2021-22 season. Neither player was invited to the NBA combine. Wong is entering his junior season with Miami but has three years of eligibility remaining. Another season like last year should elevate his 2022 NBA Draft stock.
Miami lost five players to the transfer portal following the 2020-21 season. In addition to McGusty and Wong, guard Harlond Beverly, forward/center Deng Gak, center Rodney Miller, forward Sam Waardenburg and forward Anthony Walker also return for the 2021-22 season for Miami.
I’m back 💯👀 pic.twitter.com/kuAdCqieCz
— Isaiah wong (@zaywong21) July 6, 2021
Wong should be one of the favorites as the preseason ACC Player of the Year. The Miami basketball team will have versatility and depth in the backcourt with McGusty and Wong returning, the addition of DePaul transfer Charlie Moore and two freshmen. Jim Larranaga should have his deepest team in four years.
Miami has to stay healthy in 2021. The Hurricanes lost more games to injury than any other team in college basketball last season that led them to change their trainer. Wong played in every game last season, but McGusty missed seven. Miami currently has 11 players on scholarship. That is two below the limit of 13.
Miami signed four-star wing Jakai Robinson and three-star point guard Wooga Poplar in the Class of 2021. Both players are listed on the official Miami basketball roster. Four-star point guard Bensley Joseph is committed to Miami but has not signed a National Letter of Intent. Joseph is expected to arrive later this summer.