Why Miami basketball can absorb Bensley Joseph entering transfer portal
After three years with the Miami basketball program, Bensley Joseph is seeking a new opportunity by entering the transfer portal on Monday for his senior season. Joseph is the fourth Miami player to enter the transfer portal in the last two days. The spring transfer portal window officially opened on Monday.
Sophomores A.J. Casey and Christian Watson and freshman Michael Nwoko are also transferring. Miami should have depth in the backcourt to absorb the loss of Joseph. Guards Kyshawn George, Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar have not made their intentions known for the 2024-25 season.
Miami signed five-star guard Jahlil Bethea and four-star shooter Austin Swartz in the 2024 class. Bethea is expected to start for Miami next season and is projected as a consensus 2025 NBA Draft lottery pick. George and Poplar are projected first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft by some outlets.
Joseph was a valuable player for Miami during his three seasons with the Hurricanes. In 105 games with 29 starts, Joseph averaged 5.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists at Miami while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 37.9 percent on three-point attempts. Joseph was the only Miami player to play in all 32 games in 2023–24.
UM has four players already listed in transfer portal, per 247Sports and on3: Bensley Joseph, Michael Nwoko, Christian Watson, AJ Casey. Full story, Larranaga comments to come. @HeraldSports @MiamiHerald @CanesHoops
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) March 18, 2024
Jim Larranaga spoke to reporters on Monday and said he expects to lose five players but only specified Casey and Watson. Larranaga did not specify if the five players leaving were as transfers or entering the NBA Draft. With the number up to four with Joseph leaving, Miami could exceed five departures.
In addition to George, Pack and Poplar potentially entering the NBA Draft, forward Norchad Omier could also decide to turn professional. George is a freshman. Omier, Pack and Poplar all have one season remaining. Larranaga and his staff will likely have to rebuild about half the roster for the second consecutive year.