Miami basketball makes first 2022 bracketology appearance
On the heels of their upset victory at Duke on Saturday night, the Miami basketball team earned its first appearance of 2022 in the ESPN Bracketology. Miami is also in the bracketology for CBS Sports. Joe Lunardi of ESPN has Miami as the 10th seed in the South Regional playing Connecticut in Indianapolis in the first round.
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has Miami set up for what would be an epic game in the First Four in Dayton. Palm has Miami playing Florida for a chance to be the 12th seed and matchup with Seton Hall in the West Region. Palm does not select subregionals. Miami is attempting to reach its first NCAA Tournament since 2018.
On Tuesday Miami suffered their first ACC loss of 2021-22 at Florida State. Miami dropped to 13-4 overall and 5-1 in the ACC with the loss. The Hurricanes are currently 81st in the NCAA Net Ratings. Miami is going to have to improve their net rating to make a strong push for an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Hurricanes are in the middle of their toughest stretch of the season. Miami next hosts North Carolina on January 18. The Tar Heels visit will be followed up by the return game against Florida State on the 22 and at Virginia Tech on the 26. How Miami fares in those games will have a major impact on its net rating.
The Hurricanes start to the season has been surprising after Miami was picked 12th in the preseason ACC polls. Isaiah Wong was named first-team All-ACC in 2021-22, but Kameron McGusty leads Miami with 18.0 points per game and 5.9 rebounds. Jim Larranaga has tailored Miami to the perimeter.
Miami loses heartbreak at Florida State. dark. Next
Without an inside presence, Larranaga has had to create a unique five-out offense similar to how Nova Southeastern plays. The Hurricanes played the Sharks in an exhibition game with the purpose of helping his team understand their new system. Miami basketball has recovered from three subpar seasons.