Miami Basketball Has Scored Big In The Transfer Portal, But 'Big' Questions Remain

Will Miami add more players from the Transfer Portal?

Miami landed another key piece to their retool yesterday in East Carolina forward Brandon Johnson, but what does this mean for the Hurricanes going into next season? 

After adding Virginia Tech center Lynn Kidd from the Transfer Portal last week, Jim Larrañaga and his staff continued to push their agenda on adding size with the addition of Johnson. In 31 games for the Pirates this past season, he averaged 14.0 points per game and shot 36.5% from beyond the arc. He also averaged 8.6 rebounds per game. Standing at 6-foot-8, his versatility will benefit Miami across its frontcourt.

While many assume he’ll play the four alongside Kidd next season, Norchad Omier’s return is still very well in play as the Hurricanes await his decision. An All-ACC Second Team selection, Omier would bring the physical presence that could give Miami one of the best frontcourts in the nation. 

Not only is Miami awaiting the decision of Omier, but they are also waiting to see what’s next for Matthew Cleveland and Wooga Poplar following Kyshawn George declaring for the NBA Draft. If Omier does return, it would likely force out Cleveland and Poplar as Miami’s starting lineup would be complete with Nijel Pack and McDonald's All-American Game participant Jalil Bethea rounding it out with the two transfer additions. 

Assuming Miami’s starting five next year would be Pack, Bethea, Johnson, Omier and Kidd, they still have the bench and depth concerns to address for next season. While Paul Djobet has yet to announce his decision, he’ll likely return with an increase in role based upon the departures. That leads just Austin Swartz and Isaiah Johnson-Arigu as the only other additions to the bench unit. 

With that being said, Miami will remain active in the transfer portal and look across the undecided 2024 recruits to fill out their team. Top needs will definitely be adding quality size to their depth as well as a ball-handler to lead the second unit. 

Only a year ago Miami was starring in the Final Four against the best team in college basketball over the last two seasons in UConn. While the Huskies look like they might go back-to-back, Miami’s recruiting and Transfer Portal acquisitions push them toward being a top college basketball team for the 2024-25 season.