Only two other players in the ACC since 2010-11 compiled a stat line like Jordan Usher’s Wednesday night against FSU. (photo by Danny Karnik)
After finishing 10-17 a year ago, including a season-ending loss to Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, Miami was picked 12th in the preseason ACC media poll.
That prediction didn’t age well – namely because the Hurricanes did age well.
Miami boasts the nation’s ninth-oldest team at 21.38 years per player, with three sixth-year seniors in its regular rotation. They’ve also reinvented themselves offensively under head coach Jim Larranaga, playing more five-out motion – think Notre Dame – and using fewer static pick-and-rolls than years past.
That change has allowed Miami to showcase an experienced group of playmaking guards led by preseason first-team All-ACC pick Isaiah Wong (16.4 ppg) and sixth-year senior Kameron McGusty (17.9 ppg). Both are smooth, three-level scorers who attack switches, use leverage, and rank among the ACC’s leaders in pick-and-roll efficiency. Point guard Charlie Moore (12.2 ppg), last seen banking in a game-winning, halfcourt buzzer beater against Virginia Tech, gives the Hurricanes the kind of crafty passer they had lacked in recent seasons. Six-foot-11 Sam Waardenburg and 6-7 Jordan Miller are able to capitalize off the gravity their guards command in the halfcourt.
Add it all up and the previously unheralded Hurricanes rank 18th in the country in offensive efficiency (1.15 PPP), a number that’s enhanced by their low turnover rate (No. 5 NCAA). They also lead the ACC in three-point percentage in conference play (42.5 pct.), which makes it difficult for teams to keep the ball on one side of the floor against their pick-and-roll.
Tech caused problems with its energy and hand activity against Florida State. The Hurricanes commit fewer turnovers and are a better three-point shooting team than the Seminoles. Can they continue to have crisp closeouts and leech Miami of its efficiency Saturday?
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Miami marks the final stop in a winding career for Moore, who has also played at Cal, Kansas and DePaul. And yet, he initially didn’t plan to attend any of those schools: Moore originally committed to Josh Pastner at Memphis, way back on November 12, 2015. Pastner recalls taking multiple visits to Moore’s living room in Chicago. Adele’s “Hello” was the No. 1 song in America the week he committed.
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Kyle Sturdivant does not do a good job protecting opponents’ ankles.
He’s done a much better job protecting the basketball.
Not to be overshadowed by his work crossing defenders into oblivion, the junior has slowly found his bearings as Georgia Tech’s point guard.
- First 13 games: 24 assists, 20 turnovers (+4)
- Last 6 games: 15 assists, 3 turnovers (+12)
Ball security, like shooting, has been contagious for Tech lately: Florida State led the ACC in steals but finished with a season low-tying five against the Jackets. Miami leads the ACC in steals in conference play, averaging 9.9 a game. Sturdivant will have to beware of Moore (No. 2 ACC spg), a 5-11 guard who excels at shooting gaps and crawling underneath taller ballhandlers.
