It's been about two weeks since legendary Miami Hurricanes basketball coach Jim Larranaga made the tough decision to step down from his role. Larranaga had been with Miami for the past 14 years, making history with the team during his time on campus.
However, at 75 years old, Larranaga just didn't have it in him anymore. It wasn't an easy decision, but one he had to make. Since Larranaga stepped down, he's been showered with love by coaches and players across the country. You can add Leonard Hamilton to the list.
With Florida State and Miami set to face off on Wednesday night, it will be the first time in well over a decade that Hamilton will face the Hurricanes without them being led by Larranaga. When asked about things, Hamilton didn't hesitate in praising his former rival coach on what he was able to accomplish in Coral Gables.
Leonard Hamilton showed Jim Larranaga a ton of love for what he got done at Miami
"I was not surprised. I think that he showed a lot of courage in being true to himself," Hamilton said via the Tallahassee Democrat. "Unfortunately, a lot of coaches feel that way, but we all have to make an adjustment. He did what he thought was best for the program, to his credit, for him personally. I have to give him props."
When Larranaga stepped down, Miami was 4-8 on the season. Not only that, but he voiced his displeasure with the direction college athletics had been turning due to NIL, while also realizing now was probably the time for him to step aside and let someone else take over the program.
While Larranaga's tenure didn't end on the best note, with Miami struggling the past two seasons, it doesn't take away from the fact that he helped power the Hurricanes to the Final Four in 2023 for the first time in school history. That's what he'll surely be remembered for.
Under Larranaga's direction, Miami was able to reach new heights. The current team is struggling and it has been a year to forget thus far, but the search for a new full-time leader will continue. Larranaga was incredible at the helm, something Leonard knows and can appreciate.