If Miami is set to make a splash in the NCAA tournament, they'll likely need to navigate at least one nail-biter at the foul line. The Hurricanes kick off their journey on Friday against No.
10 Missouri in St. Louis, with a potential second-round clash against No.
2 Purdue looming.
Miami's Path to the Final Four: Mastering the Free Throw
The Hurricanes boast an impressive offensive game, averaging 81.9 points per contest and shooting a solid 50.1% from the field. However, their Achilles' heel lies at the free-throw line, where they've managed just 68.5% this season. For a team that doesn't rely heavily on threes, this is a vulnerability they can't ignore.
So, who should Miami trust at the stripe in crunch time? Enter Tre Donaldson.
Tre Donaldson: Miami's Go-To Guy in the Clutch
Donaldson has proven his mettle with a 77.2% free-throw percentage, hitting 95-of-123 attempts. He averages 16.5 points and 5.8 assists per game, making him a reliable option when the pressure is on.
He's shown his clutch capabilities, sinking crucial free throws in Miami's 81-77 victory over Wake Forest after they took the lead with just 44.2 seconds remaining. Donaldson was also the hero on February 17, nailing the game-winning free throw with 12 seconds left in a 67-66 win over Virginia Tech. Earlier in the season, he went 8-of-9 from the line in a 91-81 win over Georgia Tech.
The Case for Malik Reneau
While Donaldson shines in pressure moments, Malik Reneau stands out as Miami's top high-volume free-throw shooter. Reneau boasts a 78.8% success rate, hitting 152-of-193 attempts.
He leads the team in made free throws and has had standout performances, like his perfect 10-for-10 against Pitt and a career-high 14 made free throws against Louisville. However, Donaldson's late-game heroics give him the edge when the stakes are highest.
Miami's Winning Formula
With a roster packed with scoring talent, the Hurricanes have the potential to rattle any opponent. But if their tournament fate hinges on free throws, Donaldson is the player they want at the line. While Miami's overall free-throw shooting might not be flawless, Donaldson is their best bet for sealing the deal, with Reneau as a strong backup option.