Miami basketball NCAA Q and A with USC partner site Reign of Troy

When they’re at their best, no opponent is putting the ball in the basket. That all starts with establishing a tough mentality in rim protection. If a team ever gets cold from outside, they’re also not going to be able to score inside. That’s the mentality that SC is going to have to have against Miami.

Also, Chevez Goodwin (6’9″) is converting on 57 percent of shot attempts. Miami is second-to-last in what was a weak ACC conference this year in Field Goal percentage allowed (46.5 percent), so Goodwin will look to feast. He doesn’t have a three-point shooting game, so he’ll look to use his size inside.”

CW: The Miami basketball team is guard-oriented. Miami center Sam Waardenburg is a stretch five who can shoot and is an excellent passer from the high post. How will that affect the USC bigs, particularly Mobley on the perimeter?

“2. Waardenburg will be an interesting challenge for Isaiah Mobley, but one he can handle. Mobley is a First-Team All-Conference player and last year was named to the NCAA Tournament All-Region team (West) {in the 2021 NCAA Tournament}.

He’s already proven that he can elevate his game during March Madness, and he stretches the floor himself. He’s hung with perimeter bigs all season and can get it done against Waardenburg.”

CW: On offense, Miami is 11th in TO margin, USC 303rd. Miami is 21st in steals, what will USC do to limit turnovers?

“3. USC definitely is incredibly inconsistent when it comes to turning over the basketball. Their biggest issue in that department is discipline and not compounding mistakes. That’s the mentality they’ll have to have if they want to limit turnovers.