Miami basketball front court solidified with Matthew Cleveland return
The return of Matthew Cleveland solidifies the Miami basketball frontcourt for the 2024-25 season. Cleveland will likely return to his more natural small-forward spot. Cleveland primarily played power forward for Miami in 2023-24. Miami adds Virginia Tech Center Lynn Kidd and East Carolina forward Brandon Johnson as transfers.
Cleveland transferred to Miami from Florida State during the 2023 offseason. In 29 games, Cleveland was second on Miami averaging 13.7 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game with 1.7 assists. Cleveland shot 48.9 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent on threes and 79.5 percent on free throws.
Cleveland is the second starter to return to Miami for the 2024-25 season. Miami lost guard Kyshawn George to the NBA Draft and guards Bensley Joseph and Woogla Poplar and forward Norchad Omier to the transfer portal. Omier declared for the NBA Draft but is not projected to get selected.
Seldom used Miami reserves A.J. Casey, Michael Nwoko, Jakai Robinson and Christian Watson also entered the transfer portal. Miami now has eight scholarship players on its 2024-25 roster. Rising sophomore wing Paul Djobet is also returning to Miami for the 2024-25 season.
— Matthew Cleveland (@MCleveland35) April 27, 2024
Miami signed the 10th-best 2024 class. Five-star guard Jalil Bethea projects to be a starter in the backcourt with Pack. Four-star guard Austin Swartz should be a key player off the bench as an elite shooter. Three-star forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu was the third signee in the 2024 Miami class.
Miami has five more scholarships available for next season. Expect Jim Larranaga and his staff to search for depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt. Miami is woefully thin on the frontline entering the 2024-25 season. After losing seven players off the 2023-24 roster, getting Cleveland back is critical.
Next. How Wooga Poplar transfer impacts Miami roster. How Wooga Poplar transfer impacts Miami roster. dark
The 2024-25 season will be critical for Cleveland in his more natural position. Cleveland can work into the 2025 NBA Draft with a strong 2024-25 season. Cleveland signed with Florida State in the 2021 class as the 25th-best prospect, seventh small forward and third player in Georgia per the 247Sports composite rankings.