Miami forward and leading scorer Malik Reneau was named as the 34th-best player in the 2026 NCAA Tournament by ESPN. Reneau has been one of the biggest reasons for the epic turnaround for Miami in 2025-26. The ACC named Reneau first-team All-Conference in 2025-26.
Reneau was part of a complete roster overhaul by Jai Lucas for the 2025-26 season. Lucas mixed a roster of transfers, freshmen and international players to a third-place finish in the ACC. Reneau scored in double figures in 30 out of 33 games and posted at least 20 points 17 times in 2025-26.
At 6'9, 233 pounds, Reneau is a difficult matchup inside and also makes 35.3 percent of his three-point attempts with a 57.9 eFG percentage while shooting 78.8 percent from the free throw line. In the clutch, Miami will go to point guard Tre Donaldson or Reneau.
After he scored 42 points in consecutive games against Louisville, Reneau was neutralized with eight points and six rebounds on one of six from the field as Miami lost 84-62 to Virginia in the ACC Tournament semifinals. Miami needs more production from Reneau to beat Missouri in the NCAA Tournament.
"34. Malik ReneauMyron Medcalfe, ESPN
Miami | F | Sr.
At Indiana, the 6-foot-9 forward had a promising junior season under former head coach Mike Woodson. Now under Jai Lucas at Miami, Reneau has played to his full potential averaging 18.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 59% shooting inside the arc. A string of strong performances from Reneau -- 24 points against Louisville, 26 against NC State, 16 against North Carolina -- were critical to the Hurricanes earning their first NCAA tournament berth since 2023."
Reneau will likely match up with Missouri's best player, Duke transfer Mike Mitchell. Lucas and Mitchell were at Duke for two seasons together. At 6'8 and 220 pounds, Mitchell matches up well with Reneau. Mitchell leads Missouri at 18.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 3.6 APG.
Reneau is averaging double figures for the third time in his collegiate career. Entering the game against Missouri, Reneau has two games of NCAA Tournament experience. Reneau played with Indiana in the 2023 NCAA Tournament against Kent State and ironically, Miami.
Reneau scored four points on two out of four from the field and finished with four points in a 71-60 Miami win over Kent State. Miami held Reneau without any stats other than a foul as the Hurricanes won 86-69 on their way to the Final Four. Reneau should have a different experience in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.