If you can’t beat them, join them. Iowa State transfer point guard Tyrese Hunter might be doing exactly that. The Miami basketball team defeated Hunter and Iowa State 70-56 last month in the Midwest Regional Semifinals to advance to the first Elite Eight in program history. Hunter was able to see how Miami plays.
The guard-oriented system that Jim Larranaga runs should be enticing for Hunter. Hunter averaged 11.0 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, two steals, shot 39.1 percent from the floor, made 27.4 percent of his three-point attempts and 68.7 percent on free throws. Those shooting numbers need to improve.
Larranaga mentioned in his season-ending press conference he would like the Miami basketball team to add an experienced player in the backcourt. Miami lost point guard Charlie Moore, leading scorer Kameron McGusty and potentially second-leading scorer Isaiah Wong all from its backcourt after last season.
Wong is still evaluating his options to decide if he will return to Miami for a fourth season in 2022-23. Harlond Beverly is scheduled to return from spinal surgery next season, Bensley Joseph and Wooga Poplar are entering their sophomore seasons and Miami will have Jakai Robinson who redshirted last season as a freshman.
"“Miami: The Hurricanes have as friendly of a guard system as anybody in the country. Jim Larranaga is totally fine with letting his guards get up and down the floor. It feels like there’s no such thing as a bad shot for Miami’s ball-handlers. Iowa State learned in the Sweet 16 how hard it is to stop Miami sometimes.With Charlie Moore and Kam McGusty departing, Hunter would have a whole bunch of shots at his disposal. But remember, this move for Hunter doesn’t necessarily feel like as much of a basketball move. He had the keys at Iowa State like he would at Miami. He’s looking for exposure and attractive NIL possibilities.Miami can provide that.”"
Issac Trotter of 247 Sports analyzed the potential for Hunter to transfer to Miami. The combination of the system Larranaga plays and the NIL opportunities make Miami a perfect fit for Hunter. Hunter could sign with Miami and have a similar impact to what Moore had during the 2021-22 season.
Moore played only one season for Miami. Hunter has three seasons of eligibility left. Miami needs to add experience in the frontcourt. The Hurricanes signed four players in the Class of 2022. All of the 2022 signees are 6’6 or taller. Wing Jordan Miller also returns next season. Larranaga told Miller he will have a bigger in 2022-23.