Miami Hurricanes Basketball: Grading 2011-12 Additions as 'Canes Enter ACC Play

The Miami Hurricanes (9-4) are approaching conference play in the ACC with a ton of momentum.

They owe it all to their new additions for the 2011-2012 season.

The 'Canes have won four consecutive games—the past three by double-digits—and their team chemistry is only improving.

There's widespread optimism that Miami will fare better in the ACC than it ever has. The bar is set pretty low—the team hasn't finished in the top half of the standings in four seasons. The conference title has always been a pipe dream.

If the 'Canes seriously contend this year, it will be because of the players that head coach Jim Larranaga has added to the roster.

Let's grade the newcomers individually.

G Trey McKinney Jones

Trey McKinney Jones has become a staple in the Miami Hurricanes' starting lineup.

Despite his athleticism, he doesn't stuff the stat sheet or make many flashy plays. He has shown confidence in his three-point shot, though, and he nails long-range attempts at a respectable percentage.

Jones is very effective playing off the ball. He constantly badgers opposing defenses by making cuts along the base line and around the perimeter.

He is also a sound defensive player who rebounds well for his size.

2011-2012 Stats

MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	FT%	3P%
26.3	8.5	4.5	2.0	0.6	0.1	.482	.857	.354

Grade: B+

C Kenny Kadji

Preseason injuries to big men Julian Gamble and Reggie Johnson made Kenny Kadji integral for this team in the early going. Through mid-December, he was the only available player taller than 6'7"!

His Miami Hurricanes career has not been struggle-free.

He was a weak offensive player in his first handful of games, unwilling to establish himself in the low post, even in one-on-one matchups. He didn't fire from deep, either.

That all changed a month ago when Kadji decided that there were occasions for him to be aggressive with the ball in his hands.

Kadji is equipped with an ugly but effective shot from the top of the key and beyond. His wingspan is vast enough to grab offensive boards and score on put-backs.

Kadji gets other players in foul trouble while being careful not to commit many on his own.

There is still room for him to improve as a passer.

2011-2012 Stats

MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	FT%	3P%
23.8	10.5	5.3	0.5	0.5	1.8	.543	.596	.571

Grade: B+

PG Shane Larkin

Without a doubt, Shane Larkin is the most athletic player on the 2011-12 Miami Hurricanes.

The true freshman is lightning-fast and the heir apparent to Malcolm Grant at point guard.

His court vision is impressive, as are his array of shots and ability to drive to the basket.

Larkin is too modest, though. He has yet to reach double-digit field-goal attempts this season despite playing ample minutes (if you got it, flaunt it).

I've noticed that he is an impatient defender. Larkin often tries to anticipate the opposing ball-handler's next move. This leads to a lot of steals, but just as many open lanes to the basket.

The future of Miami basketball is bright will Larkin leading the 'Canes.

2011-2012 Stats

MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	FT%	3P%
25.3	8.8	2.7	2.4	1.8	0.1	.421	.926	.436

Grade: A-

G Bishop Daniels

It's looking more and more like star recruit Bishop Daniels will be redshirted.

Although he has been practicing, the highly-touted shooting guard hasn't played a game yet. A foot injury has cost him 13 games and counting.

The Miami Hurricanes have a populous backcourt, anyway. Garrius Adams, Rion Brown, Malcolm Grant, Trey McKinney Jones, Shane Larkin and Durand Scott are all mainstays in Jim Larranaga's rotation.

For now, we can only rely on this ESPN scouting report from April 2011 for insight. That and his YouTube highlights.

2011-2012 Stats

MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	FT%	3P%
0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	.000	.000	.000

Grade: ???

Head Coach Jim Larranaga

Don't forget about Jim Larranaga—he's the biggest addition of all to this program!

He has been a refreshing change from loathed former head coach Frank Haith.

Coach L. is more vocal on the bench, charismatic in interviews and press conferences, and influential across the Coral Gables campus.

He has revitalized an offense that was characterized by stagnation in the 2010-11 season.

Larranaga kept the Miami Hurricanes competitive against elite teams like the Memphis Tigers and Purdue Boilermakers. The 'Canes were without center Reggie Johnson in both instances.

He has already secured two commits from the class of 2012.

2011-2012 Stats

W	L	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%
9	4	73.6	34.4	12.2	.446

Grade: B+