UM men ranked 12th in preseason Coaches Poll

CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes return a talented core from last season’s NCAA Tournament squad. They’ve added the top recruiting class in program history, and now, they’ll start the season ranked in at least one major men’s college basketball poll.

Miami, which went 21-12 last season and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, was ranked No. 12 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, which was released Thursday.

The Hurricanes are one of five ACC teams appearing in the preseason ranking with Duke (No. 1), North Carolina (No. 9), Notre Dame (No. 14) and Louisville (No. 16).

It’s the highest preseason the program has ever received, according to Miami.

Expectations are high for the Hurricanes thanks in part to the return of seven players from last year’s team including Bruce Brown, who averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. Also back are fellow starters Ja’Quan Newton, who averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists and Anthony Lawrence II, who averaged 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds.

To that, the Hurricanes have added former McDonald’s and Jordan Brand AllAmerican Lonnie Walker IV and Jordan Brand Regional Team Chris Lykes.

Walker has been dealing with a knee injury during the offseason, but is expected to be available for Miami’s season opener against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 10.

Miami is one of several schools nationwide linked with an FBI probe into corruption in college basketball, though through his attorney, coach Jim Larrañaga has denied any impropriety as the ongoing probe continues. selection