With the additions of point guard Tre Donaldson, forward Malik Reneau and center Ernest Udeh Jr. as transfers last week, expect new head coach Jai Lucas to target wings who can score next as he builds his inaugural Miami roster. Miami has already contacted multiple scoring wings.
According to various reports throughout social media, Lucas and his staff have been busy contracting multiple transfers since the portal opened on March 24. Lucas has to build an entirely new roster entering the 2025-26 season. Donaldson, Reneau and Udeh provide Miami was a good foundation and three likely starters.
Miami has been linked to multiple guards and one specific name to watch is Rodney Rice from Maryland. Depending on the outlet, Rice is listed as a combo or shooting guard or forward. The list is extensive for Rice, but his experience playing at Maryland matches Donaldson, Reneau and Udeh coming from a power conference.
Rice averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 37.1 percent on three-point attempts. Before playing for Maryland during the 2024-25 season, Rice had experience in the ACC, playing eight games for Virginia Tech during the 2022-23 season.
Ernest Udeh Jr. has committed to @CanesHoops . Udeh, a former McDonalds All American from TCU will look to make an impact for the Hurricanes joining a loaded transfer class with Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson. @MalikReneau @ernestudehjr @CerebroSports https://t.co/pAnEbcMubO
— Transfer Tapes (@TransferTapes) April 4, 2025
The ability of Rice to make three-point shots at a high rate would complement the penetration of Donaldson and the post play from Reneau and Udeh. Nearly 20 schools have contacted Rice as a transfer. Rice is the 17th overall prospect and fifth combo guard in the portal.
Lucas has emphasized transfers from power conferences with the additions of Donaldson, Reneau and Udeh. Lucas has only worked as an assistant at major power conference programs, Texas, Kentucky and Duke. Expect Lucas to continue targeting transfers from power conferences for his inaugural Miami roster.
Donaldson led Michigan to an appearance in the South Regional final, Reneau played in the NCAA Tournament in 2023 when Indiana was eliminated by Miami and Udeh began his career at Kansas before transferring to TCU.