Miami Hurricanes Began Official Basketball Practice
The Hurricanes opened their training sessions with a revamped roster featuring twelve new team members.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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The University of Miami men's basketball team held its first official practice on Monday in Coral Gables. Head coach Jai Lucas oversaw the session while integrating a roster that includes 12 new players.
Why it matters
The team faces a difficult schedule designed to bolster its ranking, as the coach prioritized challenging non-conference matchups to prepare for high-stakes road games. These preparations coincide with the expansion of the NCAA tournament field.
The Hurricanes finished the previous season with a 26-9 record and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. The tournament field has expanded from 68 to 76 teams for the upcoming season.
The players
Jai Lucas
He is the head coach of the University of Miami men's basketball team tasked with managing a major roster overhaul.
Malik Reneau
He is a player currently engaged in a legal battle against the NCAA to secure a fifth year of eligibility after going undrafted.
Shelton Henderson
He is a returning player for the Hurricanes who averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season.
Dante Allen
He is a returning member of the team who provided significant depth during the previous 26-9 campaign.
Acaden Lewis
He is a transfer player who joined the University of Miami program after previously playing for Villanova.
The details
The team is currently working to integrate its 12 new additions, including transfer Acaden Lewis from Villanova, alongside returning players. Coach Lucas has scheduled several high-profile non-conference games to improve the strength of the team's schedule.
Timeline
Monday: The team held its first official practice.
Nov. 2: The season opener against the Florida Gators occurs in Tampa.
Thanksgiving: The team competes in the Players Era 16 tournament in Las Vegas.
Dec. 12: The Hurricanes host Alabama.
Dec. 29: The team begins ACC conference play.
Season Trajectory
The Hurricanes' scheduling decisions follow the pattern set by the expansion of the NCAA tournament field, as teams seek to qualify for a larger bracket. This aggressive approach aims to secure a more favorable position in the expanded playoff landscape.
The upcoming season opener against Florida in Tampa and the home game against Alabama on Dec. 12 serve as critical benchmarks for the team's postseason resume. The outcome of these games will directly impact the Hurricanes' strength of schedule and initial standing in the expanded NCAA bracket.
The takeaway
The Hurricanes are banking on a challenging non-conference slate to navigate a transition year with a heavily turned-over roster. Implementing this strategy early may determine the team's ability to remain competitive during the ACC conference schedule.
Further reading
For more on local college sports, check out our Basketball coverage.
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