Going Forward… Canes’ basketball

Miami basketball just finished a record-tying season. The Canes delivered a 19-win turnaround from last year's 7-24 record, tying a Division I record with a 26-9 record under new first-year head coach Jai Lucas. In the process, Miami returned to the NCAA Tournament.

So, where does Miami go from here?

Coach Lucas has laid the program foundation during his first season at the helm. However, he must replace three senior players, PF Malik Reneau, PG Tre Donaldson and C Ernest Udeh.

Miami is returning rising sophomore SF Shelton Henderson and expect larger roles for SG Marcus Allen and SG Tru Washington.

The Canes have received a verbal commitment from PF Caleb Gaskins. Caleb, at 6'9"/219, is rated 97, rated the #4 power forward and the #20 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.

Replacing three valuable seniors Reneau, Donaldson and Udeh, will be a big task. Miami needs acquire blue chip talent from the high school ranks or transfer portal at point guard and center.

From the high school ranks, Miami now appears to be focused on combo guard Brandon McCoy (Chatsworth, CA - Sierra Canyon) and center Cody Peck (Davidson, NC - Davidson Day). McCoy, at 6'-5"/190 , is rated 98, rated the #2 combo guard and the #14 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Peck, at 6'-10"/205, is rated 91, rated the #8 center and the #82 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. A freshmen class of Gaskins, McCoy and Peck would be considered a very strong class.

But would Miami stop there?

Perhaps, but in this era of college athletics, the transfer portal sometimes takes away. We expect one or two losses from attrition. Who? That is what the coach staff must find out, adjust and pla nin this off-season. With a couple of outgoing transfers, it’s anybody’s guess on who the staff would prioritize in the portal.

BOTTOM LINE:

Coach Lucas must replace key losses to keep the amazing momentum going in Coral Gables.

GO CANES!