Miami adds 6-foot-10 forward Chris Birden Jr. to growing 2026 roster

Miami added another frontcourt piece on Tuesday when 6-foot-10 power forward Chris Birden Jr. committed to Jai Lucas and the Hurricanes. Birden, a New Orleans native who plays at South Kent School in Connecticut, chose Miami over Texas State, Western Carolina, Northeastern, East Tennessee State and California Baptist.

Miami lands 6-foot-10 forward Chris Birden Jr.

One of the biggest reasons Miami won this recruitment was the connection to associate head coach Charlton Young. Birden's father, Chris Birden Sr., was Young's college teammate and roommate at Georgia Southern, where the two helped lead the program to the 1992 NCAA Tournament. That family tie gave Miami a foundation in the recruitment, and Young has stayed in touch with Birden, believing he has pro potential.

Birden made his official visit to Coral Gables from Oct. 2-5. That trip helped push Miami to the front of the pack. Birden will most likely be in a developmental role in the 2026-27 season for the Hurricanes, with a potential to break into the lineup later in his career if he stays with Miami.

The Hurricanes' 2026 roster is taking shape

The Hurricanes have officially added Villanova guard Acaden Lewis, Robert Morris guard DeSean Goode and Georgia center Somto Cyril. Miami already has a high-level young forward in Shelton Henderson, who started all 35 games as a freshman and averaged 13.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. The expectation for Miami is that they will be able to build on the success and turnaround from last year.

Lewis started 33 games at Villanova in 2025-26 and averaged 12.2 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. At Georgia, Cyril put up 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks while shooting 75.9% from the field. At Robert Morris, DeSean Goode put up 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 62.9% from the floor.

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