The Miami basketball program is one of three schools that is a finalist for Florida State transfer forward Matthew Cleveland according to a report from Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports on Saturday night. Cleveland averaged 13.8 points per game, 7.4 rebounds and shot 44.5 percent from the floor.
Auburn is the favorite to receive a commitment from Cleveland at 38.1 percent and Missouri is second at 33.3 percent according to On3. Cleveland played in high school for Alpharetta, Georgia which is about two hours from Auburn. Miami and Missouri have received visits from Cleveland per 247 Sports.
Travis Branham of 247 Sports reported that Cleveland is working on scheduling a visit to Auburn. Cleveland scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds on 12-27 shooting versus the Miami basketball team this season. Cleveland had an infamous 40-foot buzzer beater to defeat Miami in February at the Watsco Center.
Cleveland is a perfect replacement for departing wing Jordan Miller. Miller averaged 15.2 PPG, 6.2 rebounds and shot 54.4 percent from the floor. At 6’6, 190 pounds Cleveland is a bit smaller than Miller who is 6’7, 195 pounds. Like Miller, Cleveland is an elite rebounder for his size. Miami needs another rebounder with Norchad Omier.
Branham stated that Cleveland is looking for a winning program, a place to contribute in a winning culture, continue to grow and expand his game, work on his efficiency, get bigger and stronger, make it to the NCAA Tournament and grow as a leader and teammate. Cleveland did not play in the NCAA Tournament with Florida State.
Cleveland will have two seasons of eligibility remaining with his new program. Miami lost four players to the transfer portal and ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong who is entering the NBA Draft. Miami is likely to add two transfers to their 2023-24 roster. Michael Nwoko and Kyshawn George are 2023 Miami freshmen signees.
Cleveland is the 12th-ranked player available in the transfer portal according to On3. Miami was one of 20 schools Cleveland considered before narrowing his list to Auburn, the Hurricanes and Missouri. There is no indication of when Cleveland could make a decision on when he will announce which program he will transfer to.