No. 14 Miami is getting its first meaningful tune-up of the season, and the opponent fits the moment: No. 24 Vanderbilt.
The Hurricanes’ exhibition matchup gives Jai Lucas and his team a chance to see where they stand before opening against No. 1 Florida. Lucas said the idea was to make the exhibition feel as real as possible, especially with that opener looming.
"That's why we wanted to make sure our exhibition game was a big-time game because of what the first game is," Lucas said. "And so playing somebody who has size, playing somebody from the same conference, playing somebody who also is really, really good and really well coached was important. So, you take it and we'll treat it like a real game.
"Now, I probably will say we'll probably play more people than we would in a real game. Like everybody will get an opportunity.
We've done that with some of our stuff that we've done so far. And so just getting a good look.
It still is an exhibition game, and that's why you play it, to try to get a better feel. But we'll treat it as much like a real game as possible."
Lucas also made clear that the exhibition is about more than just competition. It’s early enough in the year that protecting bodies matters, too, and he expects to use a lot of players while keeping an eye on health.
During Miami’s open practice, Georgia transfer Cyril was limited, staying in the 5v5 to finish or do any individual drills and spending time on the bike with trainers on the sideline.
Miami’s roster has also been visibly banged up in camp, with several players taped and bandaged during the open practice. That kind of wear and tear comes with a team that won 26 games a year ago and is trying to build on that success.
Lucas said the depth on this roster is one of the biggest reasons he feels good about where Miami is headed.
"Yeah, I mean, for me, it's hard to say, because you win 26 games," Lucas said. "That's not easy to do.
But I do like the group we have. I do like the piece that we brought in.
I like where we're headed. I do feel we're a lot deeper than we were last year, and so that was a big priority this offseason to make sure we have just some more depth off the bench, and we can play a bunch of different ways, and we can play small, we can play big.
We can do a lot of different things with this roster, and that's the thing I'm most excited about."
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Steins praise has been especially notable because it comes from a coach who saw Curtis up close before he ever arrived in Nashville. Curtis has already flashed the physical traits and upside that made him such a sought-after recruit, and now he gets another opportunity to translate that promise into results against an SEC opponent. For Vanderbilt, the timing matters too, with Curtis still searching for his first conference win as the Commodores get ready for Kentucky. [Read more 🡒]
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Sebastian Williams-Adams Gets A Personal Test In Vanderbilt Debut
Sebastian Williams-Adams is about to get a familiar sort of introduction in his Vanderbilt debut, one that comes with far more personal weight than a typical exhibition opener. The sophomore transfer from Auburn is expected to see his first game action for the Commodores against Miami, a matchup that offers an early look at how he fits under Mark Byington as Vanderbilt tries to expand his offensive options.
The game also brings Williams-Adams back into a basketball circle that has shaped him for years. Miami coach Jai Lucas and longtime friend Shelton Henderson have both known him since childhood, adding another layer to a night already tied closely to his development, and mentor John Lucas II is expected to be in the crowd as well. For Williams-Adams, it is less about shaking off debut nerves than taking on a personal test in front of people who have been part of the journey from the start. [Read more 🡒]