FSU transfer F Matthew Cleveland Miami basketball no-brainer

Isaac Trotter of 247 Sports stated Florida State transfer forward Matthew Cleveland is a no-brainer for the Miami basketball program. Trotter wrote on Wednesday “College basketball transfer portal: How ballyhooed ex-FSU star Matthew Cleveland fits with top suitors.” Miami is seeking to replace Jordan Miller.

Miller completed his college eligibility as a vital part of the success Miami has had in the last two years in March. In 2022-23 Miller averaged 15.3 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, shot 54.5 percent from the floor, made 35.2 percent of his three-point attempts and 78.4 percent of his free throws.

Cleveland averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, shot 44.5 percent from the floor, 35.0 percent on three-point attempts and 69.0 percent on free throws. Cleveland would need to raise his efficiency to match Miller but was a more prolific rebounder. The remainder of the numbers are almost identical.

In addition to Miller, Miami also lost Favour Aire, Harlond Beverly, Danilo Jovanovich and Anthony Walker as transfers. Beverly has already committed to Wichita State. Cleveland has shown the ability to drive and shoot. Cleveland’s athleticism would provide the versatility that Miller provided in the last two seasons.

"“Miami: Miami needs to find its Jordan Miller replacement. Cleveland fitting into that ‘Canes offense would be a no-brainer because of the pressure he can put on the rim and the shooting Miami seemingly always has.Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier are elite teammates who would take some of the offensive load off Cleveland’s plate. Cleveland and Omier would be able to do some nasty things defensively together.”"

Cleveland has the ability to be an elite player. Miami has a roster built to contend for a national championship in 2023-24. With Cleveland on the roster, the Hurricanes’ national championship aspirations would improve. Cleveland was the 25th prospect, seventh small forward and third in Georgia in the Class of 2021.

The Miami basketball program also faces the prospect of Isaiah Wong entering the NBA Draft. A departure by Wong would create more floor spacing to frequently put the ball in Cleveland’s hands. Trotter referred to Cleveland as a point forward in his article. Miami is expected to add two transfers during the 2023 offseason.