The Jai Lucas era for Miami Hurricanes basketball is 13 games in. After non-conference play, UM has compiled a record of 11-2. With a completely new roster, the 2025-26 Canes have already surpassed the win total from the disastrous 2024-25 season, in which Miami went 7-24.
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A group, mostly comprised of former Florida high school stars, has injected new life into this once-dormant program. Even though it’s still early, it is hard not to be encouraged about this mostly stress-free start to this season. Yes, teams don’t show their true colors until conference play begins, but this squad has been rocking.
Former Indiana big man Malik Reneau has risen to expectations, acting as the team’s main option and being the star of this season’s team. His sidekicks include the board-collecting Ernest Udeh and young freshman Shelton Henderson, who has already taken steps towards being a star at this level.
The backcourt duo of Tre Donaldson and Tru Washington has coalesced to a tee. Both have brought big-game experience, aggressiveness, lots of scoring, and shutdown defense. Their play styles have matched harmoniously. Timotej Malovic, nicknamed “Threemo,” has provided much-needed shooting. Freshman Dante Allen has shown flashes of being a great floor general, although he hasn’t played since late November thanks to an injury.
Fellow Euros, Salih Altuntas and Noam Dovrat have provided solid minutes off the bench. The potential is there. The talent and skill are the best the program has seen in years. There is some legitimate depth. Not to mention, Miami has also picked up two quality wins over Georgetown in the ESPN Events Invitational and against Ole Miss.
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The Ole Miss victory back on December 2 was the program’s first true road win since a victory at Notre Dame in January of 2024. Although postseason predictions are still too early to make calls on, this Miami team looks to have all the ingredients needed to make the NCAA Tournament.
If this team were to accomplish that goal, it would be regarded as one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in college basketball history. As of now, it doesn’t sound too outlandish. The many pairs of eyeballs surrounding the college hoops world have taken notice of Miami’s fast start, as Lucas’ squad is getting a hint of consideration for being regarded as a Top 25 team.
In the recent week 8 poll, UM has received four votes, and they could soon make the national rankings with a solid start to ACC play. Not only are the intangibles there, but the desire and grit are as well. The team has also been given more motivation, following tragic news.
On December 19, it was revealed that key backup forward and Miami native Marcus Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. No question, it’s a devastating blow to the rotation. However, when the adversity of life has hit teams across sports, it has always brought the players closer together. Miami will be no different.
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The Canes rank well in several team statistical categories. Offensively, UM is one of the most balanced and highest-scoring teams in Division 1. Nationally, they rank 17th in total points (1,163), seventh in both field goals (431) and field goal percentage (.523), sixth in assists (259), and 37th in offensive rebounds (174).
Lucas has installed an approach that is similar to Dean Smith, the former legendary head coach from North Carolina. There isn’t one player who takes up most of the shots. While Malik Reneau averages 13.4 shot attempts per game, Tre Donaldson, Tru Washington, and Shelton Henderson have all gotten their looks and touches.
Everyone gets the ball at some point, and everyone gets to shoot. This team doesn’t depend on the three-ball and prefers to play inside-outside. They have only attempted 268 shots from beyond the arc, ranking 250th amongst all Division 1 teams.
However, they have shot it decently, ranking 74th in three-point shooting percentage (.366). On the defensive end, the Canes have wreaked havoc on the opposition. They are 30th in the country in total rebounds (530). Opponents have only been able to shoot at 40.1 percent, which ranks 312th in the nation.
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Opponents have also shot a dreadful true shooting percentage of .499. UM has only allowed 880 points through the first 13 games, ranking their opponents’ scoring total at 238th in all of college basketball. Miami has accumulated 195 total turnovers, which is inside the top 40. Needless to say, this team does many things well.
While one can look at Miami’s schedule and see a slate filled with smaller local schools, the coaches and players have laid the foundation for a potential run through the ACC this season. There are a few big issues that have popped up. The most consistent one has been the team’s inability to shoot consistently from the foul line.
As of now, Miami ranks 327th in the country, shooting at a woeful 66 percent clip from the charity stripe. The only other power conference team that is below them is Cincinnati from the Big 12 (.637). They also need to be a bit better when guarding the perimeter.
Opponents are shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc against the Hurricanes. Several players, such as North Florida’s Kamrin Oriol, BYU’s Kennard Davis Jr., Georgetown’s Caleb Williams, and Bethune-Cookman’s Jakobi Heady, have all put on great shooting exhibitions against UM.
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Still, the team’s performance has been solid and thrilling. Each player has stood out and shone. Dunk parties have been held at the Watsco Center. Dominating outings have been enjoyed by the sparse but growing crowds during home games.
The team’s chemistry and vibes couldn’t be better. The overall position the team is in has brought lots of passion, energy, and excitement. It has been a welcome change considering how last season went. Miami opens up ACC play against the 7-6 Pitt Panthers next Tuesday at home.
