Miami moved up to the 18th-ranked 2025 class with a commitment from 7'0 center Ben Ahmed on Thursday. Ahmed is the 78th-ranked prospect, ninth center and second player in Connecticut out of Putnam Science Academy. Miami has two 2025 commitments with shooting guard Matthew Able preceeding Ahmed.
Ahmed chose Miami over Cincinnati and Xavier. Miami hosted Ahmed for his official visit last weekend. The Hurricanes initially offered Ahmed a scholarship in August. Ahmed re-classified from the 2026 class. Miami gains a huge presence in the middle. Ahmed has a 7'3 wingspan and weighs 303 pounds.
The current limitation for Ahmed is his lack of mobility away from the basket and lift at the rim per the 247Sports Director of Scouting, Adam Finkelstein. A team that plays a slower pace is currently a better fit for Ahmen per Finkelstein. Miami has preferred a quicker pace over the past few seasons.
According to Finkelstein, Ahmed is an exceptional rebounder who consistently posts double-doubles. A lack of size has hindered Miami for the past few seasons. Miami finished last in the ACC in defensive rebounds in 2023-24. Miami has made adding size a priority during the offseason.
NEWS: 4⭐️ Ben Ahmed has committed to Miami, source told @On3Recruits.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) October 10, 2024
The 6-10 center is a top-50 prospect nationally, per On3. https://t.co/TrwTjkaq8B pic.twitter.com/09BfktTGsq
Centers Lynn Kidd and Kiree Huie and forward Brandon Johnson joined Miami as transfers for the 2024-25 season. Huie, Johnson and Kidd are all seniors who Miami will have to replace for the 2025-26 season. Ahmed is a potential anchor on the post that Miami can develop for 2024-25 and beyond.
Expect Miami to be active again in the transfer portal during the spring of 2025. Seven players on the 2024-25 Miami roster are entering their final seasons of eligibility. The frontcourt will be a particular area to watch. Small forward Matthew Cleveland will also be gone after the 2024-25 season with Huie, Johnson and Kidd.