2 Miami basketball transfers named best pure fits by position nationally

Brad Crawford of 247Sports named Miami basketball players center Lynn Kidd and forward Brandon Johnson among "The best pure fits by position in the 2024 college basketball transfer portal" in his article published on Monday. Crawford chose 10 positions beyond the traditional center, guard and forward.

Kidd is listed as a true center, while Johnson is a stretch power forward with a three-point range. The 2024 Miami roster will have a more traditional lineup with the addition of Johnson and Kidd, compared to the lineup used in the last two seasons.

Kidd takes the place of undersized center Norchad Omier, who transferred to Baylor after considering entering the NBA Draft. Johnson will take the place of Matthew Cleveland at power forward. Cleveland is returning to Miami and will be back in his more traditional position as a small forward.

Kidd averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds while leading the ACC with a 66.8 field goal percentage. After beginning his career at Clemson, Kidd has improved his numbers each season in college. Kidd had a breakout season in 2023-24. Last year was the first of his collegiate career Kidd averaged in double figures.

"5. Lynn Kidd, from Virginia Tech to Miami: Kidd is not some awesome defender at the rim, but the 6-foot-10 big man should give Miami's defense some much-needed size on the back line. But his best asset is his low-post dominance. Kidd was one of the top post-up scorers in college basketball last year, and double-teaming him should be hard with Miami's cavalry of snipers. "

- Brad Crawford, 247Sports

The snipers surrounding Kidd will be fifth-year senior guard Nijel Pack in his third season with Miami, sophomore Paul Djobet and blue-chip 2024 signees Jalil Bethea and Austin Swartz. Bethea is projected as a 2025 NBA lottery pick. Miami will be able to play inside-out with Kidd at center and their perimeter players led by Pack.

"5. Brandon Johnson, from East Carolina to Miami: Johnson is severely underrated. He owns deep range and he's fearless. That's exactly what Miami is looking for in its free-flowing offense. Johnson is poised for a terrific year for the 'Canes. Don't be surprised if he pulls from the ocean (and it goes in)."

- Brad Crawford, 247Sports

Johnson has averaged double figures and over eight rebounds in each of the last two seasons at East Carolina. In 2023-24, Johnson averaged career highs with 14.0 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, shot 42.0 percent for the floor and his best 36.5 percent on threes with 1.7 steals.

Cleveland, Johnson and Kidd provide Miami with a versatile frontline. Cleveland can play the three and four while occasionally being at the two. Johnson can play the three and four. Johnson and Kidd are not great shot blockers. Miami finished 238th nationally in points against in 2023-24. That has to change this season.

Miami also added 6'9 Idaho State forward Kiree Huie and 6'8 Yale forward Yussif Basa-Ama for depth on the frontline next season. Huie adds a defensive presence in the post Miami lacked last season. Basa-Ama adds depth and size but was not an impact player at Yale.

Jim Larranaga has almost completely remade the roster during the 2024 offseason. Djobet and Pack are the only returnees in 2024-25. Pack is the only holdover from the 2023 Final Four team. Jim Larranaga has always utilized transfers during his Miami tenure. Larranaga is banking on Miami returning to where they were in 2022 and 2023.