What Will Miami Receive With FSU Transfer Matthew Cleveland?

Miami fans waited a while before they landed their first transfer, and the wait was well worth it when the announcement was made Sunday afternoon.

While Miami fans really only know Matthew Cleveland for his heroic game-winning buzzer beater this past season for Florida State, that was only a glimpse as to what kind of player he really is.

For a baseline reference, Cleveland's 2022-23 season averages were as follows:

13.8 PPG

7.4 RPG

1.8 APG

0.8 BPG

0.8 SPG

44.5/35.0/69.0 shooting splits

As is the case with most players, his stats far from tell the story, especially since he was the top scoring option for a FSU team that was 9-23.

With that being said, here's what the film shows about Cleveland's game.

Defensive Stopper

If you are building a ideal defensive build for a basketball player, Cleveland is pretty much on par for what you want. At 6-foot-7 with long arms, Cleveland has the size to compete across the perimeter with wings and guards.

Watching his tape, it's apparent that Cleveland has a great feel for playing the passing lanes. While the stats do not show that he's one of the top wings at generating steals, Cleveland has two steals in seven of his 30 games this past season.

He also has great lateral quickness, and combined with his long arms, he's able to keep quicker guards in front of him.

Those long arms also help him contest and block shots as well. Whether he's chasing down a player or blocking them in their face, Cleveland's shot blocking is shown in the numbers as he had two or more blocks in seven of his 30 games this past season.

Some film on Matthew Cleveland. https://t.co/sRGNEHyg2R
— Order On The Court ⚖️ (@DataMizzou) April 12, 2023

In terms of his improvement defensively, it would be beneficial to see Cleveland add some muscle mass this offseason. Especially if Miami is going to play Cleveland at the four, it would help Cleveland to be able to handle switches when he's matched up against a traditional big.

Offensive Swiss-Army Knife

After watching just a couple minutes of film, it's clear why Cleveland looks to be the successor to Jordan Miller in Miami's offense.

Cleveland's bread and butter is his finishing around the rim, where he made 56% of his attempts. Whether it was a floater, runner, dunk or layup, a majority of Cleveland's shots came around the basket.

While Cleveland has shown the ability to shot the ball from the mid-range and three, he is still taking strides in improving that area of his game. His jump shot mechanics aren't necessarily fluid, and could see some adjusting as time goes on.

Cleveland has only had one game in his two-year career so far where he displayed he can be a threat from outside, shooting 3 for 4 from range against Notre Dame this past season. Cleveland has shot 28.7% from three in his career to this point on 94 attempts.

However, Cleveland's offensive game is more defined by his other skills, which include his ability to play in transition and as a ball-handler.

Similar to how Miller was a facilitator in Miami's offense this past season, Cleveland posses the same skillset to utilize his vision combined with his height to make reads. While Cleveland profiles as more of a secondary/tertiary ball-handler, he could provide some great pick and rolls with Norchad Omier if he returns.

Regarding the fast break, Cleveland is just a great athlete and combined with his ability to force turnovers allows for him push the pace in transition.

Lastly in regards to his offense, it must be noted that Cleveland has shown an ability to make clutch shots. Cleveland has recorded a game-winning buzzer beater in both of his two seasons in his collegiate career.

AT THE BUZZER!!!!!

Matthew Cleveland with the best game winner you’ll see this season! What a shot! https://t.co/FQb2qY4mLb
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 26, 2022

What To Expect From Cleveland Next Season

Cleveland enters an ideal situation as he continues his development. Given that Cleveland's game benefits of the spacing of his teammates, last season at Florida State was tough as he had a lack of perimeter shooting alongside him.

Now with the likes of Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar and Bensley Joseph to help space the floor, Cleveland will have the spacing to drive to the rim and have capable shooters to kick out to.

Additionally, his defense will be a huge plus, allowing for him to play through switches effectively.

Given the statistical jump he made from his from his first year to his second and the situation he'll be in at Miami this coming season, Miami Hurricanes fans can expect for him to average around 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists while being one of the top defenders in the ACC.

If Miami is able to land a transfer at the guard position and another quality depth piece, Miami should enter next season with favorable odds to make another NCAA Tournament run.

2024 Miami Commitments

2023 Miami Football Schedule

AllHurricanes.com is your home for all things Miami Hurricanes football, recruiting, basketball and other athletics, all the time. Follow along on social media at @AllHurricanes on Twitter and All Hurricanes on Facebook for round-the-clock news and analysis.