TOP of the Board: ’26 Basketball Portal

April 13, 2026

UPDATE: MIAMI LANDS THEIR POINT GUARD!

Miami has begun their second major rebuild since head coach Jai Lucas arrived last season. Ten players either graduated or transferred this off-season. Miami must replace ten players on the 2026-27 roster.

Coach Lucas and his staff received some very good news on Sunday. Former Georgia big man Somto Cyril announced he would be transferring to Miami.

Somto is the first brick in the current rebuild. Somto will fill the big shoes of graduating center Ernest Udeh. Somto brings size, experience and production to Coral Gables.

But that’s only the beginning. Who else is Miami targeting for a roster spots?

Miami is reported to have interest in more than a dozen players in the transfer portal. Let’s first examine the Canes’ priorities. You wouldn’t be wrong if you said “everywhere.” But let’s prioritize the needs to order draw up the tactical plan.

POINT GUARD:

It all starts with the point guard or play maker of the team. Last season Miami had All-ACC second team point guard Tre Donaldson at the point. The Canes need such a cornerstone to again be competitive in the ACC.

Acaden Lewis (Villanova) COMMITTED!

Alex Wilkens (Furman)

Markus Burton (Notre Dame)

SHOOTING GUARD:

Miami must find more offensive production at shooting guard. The Canes were inconsistent at the position last season.

Juke Harris (Wake Forest)

Jalil Bethea (Alabama)

Jamier Jones (Providence)

POWER FORWARD:

Miami has signed 5-star true freshman power forward Caleb Gaskin. While Caleb has a tremendous ceiling, he’s still a freshman. Miami needs an experienced and proactive hand to guide Caleb development and team with Somto in the front court.

BrysonTiller (Kansas)

Eric Dibami (FIU)

Bangot Dak (Colorado)

BOTTOM LINE:

Coach Lucas prioritizes strong defense. He likes big and tough players at every position. Look for Miami’s targets to fit that mold first. Somto Cyril is the start.

GO CANES!