Isaac Trotter examined the six newcomers to Miami from other programs in his post on Tuesday "Realistic expectations for every 2024-25 ACC basketball transfer" The expectations vary in the 2024-25 season for the six incoming transfers to the Miami basketball program.
Trotter projects two of the incoming transfers for Miami to start, three to be in the rotation and the sixth to provide depth but unlikely to see significant playing time. The 2024 Miami basketball transfer class is 29th in the 247Sports composite rankings. Two 2024 Miami incoming transfers ranked in the top 100 nationally.
Miami added center Lynn Kidd, forwards Brandon Johnson, Kiree Huie and Yussif Basa-Ama and guards Jalen Blackmon and A.J. Staton-McCray. One of the stated goals for Miami head coach Jim Larranaga in the season-closing press conference was to increase the size on the 2024-25 Miami roster.
Kidd and Johnson are expected starters with Matthew Cleveland on a much bigger frontline for Miami in 2024-25. Huie is projected to be a key frontcourt reserve who will provide Miami with a defensive presence they did not have last season.
Miami transfer | Position | Height/Weight | Previous School |
|---|---|---|---|
A.J. Staton-McCray | Shooting Guard | 6-5 / 180 | Samford |
Kiree Huier | Center | 6-9 / 200 | Idaho State |
Yussif Basa-Ama | Power Forward | 6-9 / 200 | Yale |
Jalen Blackmon | Combo Guard | 6-3 / 180 | Stetson |
Lynn Kidd | Center | 6-10 / 220 | Virginia Tech |
Brandon Johnson | Power Forward | 6-8 / 222 | East Carolina |
Trotter praised Kidd as one of the best low post scorers in college and having great hands. At 6'10, Kidd should provide Miami with better interior defense, but he is not a great shot blocker. With Blackmon, Nijel Pack and 2024 signee Jalil Bethea on the perimeter, Trotter said double-teaming Kidd will be difficult.
Trotter stated, "Johnson is severely underrated (and) He owns deep range and he's fearless." Previously 247Sports named Kidd and Johnson as perfect transfer fits. Johnson provides Miami with size and shooting as a stretch four who should fit in well in the Jim Larranaga offense.
Trotter projects Blackmon as part of the backcourt rotation for Miami. Expect Blackmon to begin the season starting next to Pack with Bethea coming off the bench. Blackmon and Pack would be a small backcourt, but Miami has a bigger frontline this season. Blackmon was 14th nationally averaging 21.3 points per game in 2023-24.
The Kidd
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) June 25, 2024
Get to know our new guy, @lynnkidd20 👀 pic.twitter.com/DNfAhVnzWp
"Staton-McCray looks every bit the piece of an elite role player" per Trotter. At 6'5, Stanton-McCray should be able to guard both backcourt positions and small forward. In addition to being stellar defender, Stanton-McCray shot over 40 percent on three-point attempts in the last two seasons.
The realistic expectation by Trotter that Huie will be the backup center for Miami is accurate. Huie averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for Idaho State last season. Miami will have far more experience and size on the interior in 2024-25. Huie and Kidd will be key players.
Basa-Ama played in 13 games off the bench with one start, averaging 1.1 PPG and 1.1 rebounds in 2024-25. Miami will have good insurance off the bench behind Johnson, Kidd and Huie with Basa-Ama in case of injuries or foul trouble. Miami significantly upgraded its depth and size through the 2024 transfer portal.