The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team recently concluded a remarkable season, finishing with a 26-9 record and a strong 13-5 in ACC play. This impressive turnaround saw them reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the retirement of legendary coach Jim Larranaga. However, their journey ended in the Round of 32 with a 79-69 loss to Purdue, signaling a new chapter for coach Jai Lucas and his squad.
A pivotal offseason looms as key players like Tre Donaldson, Malik Reneau, and Ernest Udeh Jr. depart after career-defining seasons. Their exits open the door for returning players to step into larger roles. Yet, Tru Washington, a standout guard, has chosen a different path, reportedly entering the transfer portal.
Washington, hailing from Arizona, played a crucial role this season, averaging 11.9 points with a shooting efficiency of 44.3 percent overall and 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. His contributions extended beyond scoring, adding four rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. After transferring from the New Mexico Lobsters, he quickly became a key figure in the Hurricanes' resurgence.
Though he started most of the season, Washington's role shifted after missing three ACC games for personal reasons. Coach Lucas adjusted the lineup, promoting Dante Allen to the starting five. Despite coming off the bench, Washington remained a vital contributor, averaging 11.9 points on 44.6 percent shooting and an impressive 54.5 percent from three in the final stretch of the regular season.
In the NCAA Tournament, Washington faced challenges, averaging 10 points on 31.6 percent shooting and 22.2 percent from three-point range across two games against Missouri and Purdue. Despite the struggles, his presence on the court was significant, underlining his impact on the team's success.
As the Hurricanes focus on building for the future, Coach Lucas aims to maintain the momentum and culture established this season. With Dante Allen confirmed to return, securing forward Shelton Henderson's commitment will be crucial as they navigate the offseason and prepare for another competitive run.