Miami's Ernest Udeh Jr. secures two-way deal with Cavaliers after going undrafted

Former Miami center, Ernest Udeh Jr., has agreed to a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal gives Udeh an NBA foothold after a one-year stint with the Hurricanes turned him into one of the ACC's most reliable defensive big men.

Udeh arrived at Miami after stops at Kansas and TCU and became a foundation piece for Jai Lucas. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 6.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28 minutes per game. He also shot 72.7% from the field and earned All-ACC Defensive Team honors.

Ernest Udeh Jr. lands with Cleveland Cavaliers

Udeh rebounded at a high level, protected the rim and finished efficiently without needing the ball on offense. Udeh led the nation in defensive rebounding rate during his final college season.

One of his best games came against then-No. 11 UNC. Udeh finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Hurricanes' February win over North Carolina, helping Miami control the paint in a 75-66 victory.

Udeh averaged 5.5 points and 6.4 rebounds across two seasons at TCU before transferring to Coral Gables. Before transferring to TCU, Udeh spent his freshman season at Kansas in 2022-23. Udeh averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game while shooting 75.6% from the field.

A two-way deal gives Udeh a chance to split time between Cleveland and the Cavaliers' NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.

For Udeh, the Cleveland Charge will be a chance to get consistent professional minutes while continuing to work on the parts of his game that will decide whether he can stick at the NBA level.

Udeh joins a Cavaliers organization that made one draft selection in 2026. Cleveland initially selected UConn forward Alex Karaban at No. 29 overall, then traded his rights to Sacramento for the No. 34 pick and a future second-rounder. The Cavaliers used No. 34 on Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas.

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