Photo Courtesy: UCF Athletics
WEIS WORDS
By John Weis (’94)
Next UCF Opponent: Miami Hurricanes (5-1, 0-0 ACC)
2021-2022 Record: 26-11 (14-6 ACC)
Coach: Jim Larranaga (39th Season, 701-476 Overall, 231-142 at Miami)
Last Game: 11/23 Home vs. St. Francis NY (W, 79-56)
Opening Tip: 11/27 5:00 Addition Financial Arena (TV: ESPNU)
Opponent at a Glance
A challenging in-state opponent arrives in Orlando to take on UCF in their first game after the Thanksgiving holiday. Sporting a 5-1 record, the Miami Hurricanes are young and talented, and are looking to build on last season’s 26-11 season and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Their biggest win in the young season was a 10-point home conquest of Big East team Providence on November 19. It was coach Jim Larranaga’s 700th career win, and it came against his Alma Mater. In doing so, he became only the 34th Division I coach to reach that lofty milestone.
Their lone loss came against 23rd-ranked Maryland, a game that saw the Terrapins shoot a blistering 60 percent from the floor and outrebound the ‘Canes 39-20.
Outlook
With only one senior among their top six scorers, the ‘Canes appear to be in good shape for years to come. Through the first half-dozen games, Miami is being led by 6’4” Junior Isaiah Wong, who is tallying 14.3 points and a team-leading 3.8 assists per contest. Arkansas State transfer Norchad Omier, last year’s Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, has stepped in and provided significant frontcourt punch to the tune of 14.0 points and 10.2 rebounds a game – and he’s just a Sophomore.
Returning starter Jordan Miller, a 6’7” Senior (13.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg), provides needed veteran leadership. Also scoring in double figures is 6’0” Sophomore Nijel Pack (12.5), who is in his first year as a Hurricane after spending his Freshman year at Kansas State. Other contributors include 6’5” Sophomore Wooga Poplar (8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg); and 6’2” Sophomore guard Bentley Joseph (5.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg).
Through their first six contests, Miami is averaging 76.0 points per game while giving up 64.7.
UCF and Miami have played twice in recent years, with each side scoring a victory. The ‘Canes captured the first matchup in the 2019-2020 season, besting the Knights 79-70. UCF extracted a measure of revenge last year, earning a high-scoring 95-89 win behind 23 points from Darin Green Jr, as well as an amazing 40 bench points.
Notes
In addition to the aforementioned 700-win career milestone, Larranaga is also recognized as the winningest coach in Miami history. He achieved that feat late last season and continues adding to his total at age 73.
If you’re older than 50 (or are a basketball historian), you’ll recognize the name of former Hurricane legend Rick Barry, the unquestioned all-time best in program history. He’s the only player to ever win scoring titles in college, the ABA and the NBA. In his senior year at Miami (1965), he tossed in a remarkable 37.4 points per game in an era where there was no three-point shot. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, and was included in the illustrious “50 Greatest Players in NBA History” list compiled in 1996.
John Weis is a freelance Writing/PR professional. His company, Weis Words (www.weiswords.biz) serves national clients such as advertising agencies, public relations firms and sports organizations, as well as small businesses and private individuals. A native Central Floridian and basketball enthusiast, he spent six seasons as Broadcast Coordinator for the Orlando Magic Radio Network early in his career. He graduated from UCF in 1994 with a degree in Communications and can’t wait for the Knights to move to the Big XII.
