Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Hurricanes burst on the college basketball scene this year seemingly out of nowhere. Players like Shane Larkin helped the team bring “swag” back to “The U” as well as helping the program reach levels of success they have never had before. Now, the Hurricanes have to balance the fun that comes in the offseason after having a terrific season with the tough task of parlaying last year’s success to the next season.
One way they plan on doing so is bringing in some quality recruits. Not all of which have to bee a top-tier kid out of high school. In fact, it seems like Jim Larranaga likes playing guys who are a little bit older anyway. Which is not to say he doesn’t have some young, talented players, but having veterans around — when everyone else has freshmen — has helped Miami be a team full of men competing a slew of squads full of kids.
Well, the school has been able to bring in a fresh face to the program while being able to stay older. The Hurricanes have announced that junior college star, James Kelly, has signed his letter of intent to go to school and play for the university.
Kelly is a 6’7″, 240 pound man-beast who previous played some Division II hoops. He averaged a double-double per outing, scoring over 18 points and grabbing 10 boards a game.
While this won’t set the college world on fire as far as excitement, the pickup of another quality big who has some experience is a big get for Larranaga — who needs to replace some bodies after his senior laden team of last season.
Joe is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JosephNardone
