First ranking of the season for Miami puts the Hurricanes back in the national conversation as Selection Sunday nears
For the first time since December of 2023, the Miami Hurricanes Men’s Basketball team has officially cracked their way into the AP Top 25 on Monday morning, coming in at #22. The boost in their ranking comes following a 76-54 win over Boston College on Saturday, with them currently sitting at 23-6 (11-4 ACC) as they close in on Selection Sunday.
Miami’s rise into the top 25 comes based off their solid resume in year one under head coach Jai Lucas, that includes multiple Quad 1 wins over Wake Forest, #11 North Carolina and NC State. Two of those three wins came against top 30 teams via NET Rankings, which have helped differentiate the Canes from the crowded pack of bubble teams, locking them in for the NCAA Tournament.
Miami currently sits at #30 on the NET Rankings, which not only helps in boosting their strong résumé as the regular season comes to an end, but also shows that they’re in a good spot as they head into the ACC Tournament starting March 10th.
The Hurricanes are peaking at the right time, having won 6 of their last 7 games, with their one loss coming on the road against now ranked #13 Virginia. Analytics currently having Miami projected as high as a top 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with multiple bracketologists placing the Hurricanes comfortably within the field.
Recent bracket predictions from CBS Sports on Monday afternoon have Miami coming in as a 7 seed in the East bracket, with a first-round matchup against 10th seed UCF, with the winner facing either #2 Illinois or #15 Central Arkansas in the Round of 32.
With just two games remaining for the Hurricanes (at SMU, Louisville), it gives the Hurricanes a few more opportunities to polish their NCAA Tournament résumé with Quad 1 wins. Miami’s performance down the stretch could still very well improve their seeding come Selection Sunday, as Jai Lucas and his Hurricanes look to finish with 25 regular season wins for the first time in program history.
As for Canes fans, the long-awaited return to the AP Top 25 in year one under Coach Lucas is a signal that Miami basketball is here, and ready to make some noise in March.
(Photo: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep)
