Men's Basketball Preseason Prospectus
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Building a basketball tradition. That was head coach Leonard Hamilton’s goal when he took over the University of Miami men’s basketball program in 1990. Entering the 1999-2000 season, Hamilton and the Hurricanes look to add another building block to the foundation they have set over the last five seasons.
Miami returns nine lettermen, including four starters, from last season’s squad that finished with a 23-7 overall record, 15-3 in the BIG EAST, went to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season and recorded a No. 10 national ranking in the final Associated Press college basketball poll.
SENIORS ANCHOR STRONG NUCLEUS
Miami’s senior class of Mario Bland, Johnny Hemsley and Vernon Jennings return to give the Hurricanes a strong nucleus for the 1999-2000 season. The trio have played an integral part of the Hurricanes’ accent into the national spotlight.
During their first three seasons at Miami the three have led the Hurricanes to a 57-30 (.655) record, three consecutive winning season, and three straight postseason appearances including NCAA Tournament bids in 1998 and 1999. Miami’s NCAA Tournament bid in 1998 marked the school’s first since 1960.
“Mario, Johnny and Vernon have really contributed to the elevation of the expectations of the program,” said head coach Leonard Hamilton. “The three have set a high standard that everyone entering the program has to live up too.”
Additionally, Miami’s 57 wins are the most in a three year period since UM won 57 games from 1963-66 while its .655 winning percentage is the highest since Miami posted a 52-26 (.667) record from 1964-67. Should Miami earn a post season bid in 1999-2000, the trio would become the first Hurricanes to reach post season play in four consecutive seasons.
“You have to respect what our three seniors have been able to accomplish,” added Hamilton. “They came to the University of Miami without a lot of fan fare. But with sheer hard work they have helped develop a solid basketball program.”
With the graduation of third-team All-America Tim James (18.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg) the Hurricanes will look to the three seniors to help fill the void.
Miami’s top returning scorer is 6-5 swing man Johnny Hemsley. Hemsley, one of the most explosive scorers in the BIG EAST, was a first-team All-Conference selection last season after averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Hemsley led the team with 29 double-figure scoring games, which included eleven 20-point games and two 30-point games.
Hemsley, the 1998-99 BIG EAST Most Improved Player, is the lone first team All-BIG EAST selection returning for the 1999-2000 season.
In the post Mario Bland will lead the Hurricanes. Bland, an undersized center at 6-6, uses his 265 pound frame, quick feet and ball handling skills to outmaneuver opponents.
“Mario may play center but he also one of the best ball handlers on the team,” said Hamilton. “He is a nice perimeter shooter who can drive to the basket and use either hand. His size and ball handling skills help make up for his lack of height.”
Last season Bland ranked third on the team in scoring (11.2 ppg), second in rebounding (6.0 rpg) and second in double-doubles (5) while shooting a team best 125-of-212 (.590) from the field. Bland also displayed his ability to hit from long range connecting on 6-of-11 (.545) from three-point range.
Bland, who has hit 57.6 percent (295-512) from the field over his career, set a UM single-season field goal percentage record in 1997-98 connecting on 61 percent (122-200) of his attempts.
Bland also anchors a Miami interior defense which allowed just five centers to score in double figures and only one to record double figure rebound totals all of last season. Last season opposing centers averaged just 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Arguably one of the Hurricanes most important performers is 6-4 guard Vernon Jennings. Jennings started at the point for Miami last season and averaged 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.7 assist and 2.0 steals per game. His 167 assists a year ago led the BIG EAST and set a UM single season record.
Jennings’ game was much more than just assists last season. Jennings showed he could score when needed pouring in 19 points in Miami’s 72-64 win over eventual Final Four participant Ohio State. His team leading 60 steals last season ranks as the third highest single season total in Miami history.
“Vernon has a tremendous feel for the game,” said Hamilton. “No matter what position he’s playing he always makes decisions that have a great impact on what happens on the floor.”
Jennings has the ability to play point guard, shooting guard and small forward and remains one of the most versatile players in the BIG EAST.
“Vernon’s versatility and savvy had a lot to do with our success last season,” added Hamilton. “He may have been our most valuable player last season because he did all the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Even with the efforts of Miami’s returning seniors Hamilton understands that it will require a team effort to offset the loss of James.
“It would not be fair to expect one person to replace Tim James,” said Hamilton. “Our approach has always been to win by committee which means we expect all of our players to step up their level of play.
“What concerns me more than replacing Tim’s physical skills is replacing the intangibles he brought to the team. His quiet leadership and confidence along with his ability to remain calm and focused under pressure might not be as easy to replace.”
STARTING BACKCOURT RETURNS
Joining Jennings in the Hurricanes backcourt is 6-7 sophomore guard John Salmons. Salmons played in 29 contests as a freshman, starting the final 12 games of the season, and averaged 5.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Salmons has a strong all-around game and is equally adept on the perimeter or in the post. His ability to play four different positions makes him a potent weapon in the Miami attack.
Last season Salmons emerged as one of the Hurricanes’ top defenders and was often assigned to the opponent’s top offensive threat. Salmons size and long arms gave opponents problems all season long as he recorded 28 steals and 23 blocks.
Ohio State shooting guard Michael Redd shot just 6-20 from the floor against Salmons as the Hurricanes defeated the Buckeyes on December 27. On February 13 Salmons blanketed Providence forward Jamel Thomas holding the first-team All-BIG EAST selection to 16 points, six under his average, on 4-of-15 shooting in a 69-65 Miami win. Salmons matched up with Connecticut forward Richard Hamilton on February 20 and held the All-America to 7-of-22 shooting as Miami pulled of a 73-71 upset at Gampel Pavilion. Due in large part to Salmon’s efforts Miami held its opponent’s leading scorer to under his season average in 20 of 30 games.
“Salmons had a good season last year and we expect him to continue to elevate his game,” said Hamilton. “Last season John developed into one of our better defenders. This season we feel he can also be a capable offensive player for us.”
Adding depth to the Miami backcourt will be 6-0 point guard Michael Simmons and 6-2 combo guard Paulo Coelho.
Simmons enters his sophomore season having played in 27 games, including 12 starts, as a freshman. Simmons averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 assists in 14.0 minutes per game. Simmons had a 1.3-to-1 assist to turnover ratio last season while his 6.3 assists per 40 minutes average ranked second on the team to Jennings.
Coelho, also a sophomore, saw action in 20 games last season and is expected to see time at both point guard and shooting guard.
EXPERIENCE UP FRONT
Up front the Hurricanes return a strong trio in Bland, 6-9 forward Elton Tyler and 6-9 forward/center Dwayne Wimbley. The three give the Hurricanes a nice blend of power and finesse. Last season the three combined to shoot a fantastic 57.9 percent (198-342) from the field.
Tyler, the odds on favorite to replace third-team All-America and 1998-99 BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year Tim James at power forward, has played in every game (58) since joining the Hurricanes as a freshman in 1997-98.
Last season Tyler played in all 30 games, making three starts, and averaged 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 45-of-77 (.584) from the floor. In one of the most memorable games of the season Tyler scored 12 points in Miami’s 73-70 victory over No. 9 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden. In the game Tyler came up big going 5-for 7 from the field including the go ahead basket with seven seconds remaining.
Wimbley, who shared the team’s Sixth Man Award along with Tyler following the 1998-99 season, played in 29 games a year ago and averaged 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game. Wimbley ranked second on the team with a 7.9 rebounds per 40 minutes average and will again be looked upon to give Miami strong defense and rebounding.
Also adding depth up front will be 6-6 junior forward Jerry Schlie. Schlie, the lone Hurricane from the state of New York, played in 13 games last season and helps the Hurricanes on the perimeter with his ability to hit from long range.
STRONG RECRUITING CLASS
Once again Coach Hamilton has put together a strong recruiting class signing a guard and forward.
Looking to fill the void left by the graduation of forward Tim James, the Hurricanes added 6-8 forward James Jones (Hialeah, FL/Miami American).
Jones, the Florida 6A Player of the Year, led Miami-Dade County in scoring (25.2 ppg) while also averaging 12.4 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game.
“James is an extremely talented individual both on and off the court,” commented Hamilton. “He is a versatile athlete who we feel will fit very well into our system. He is also a tremendous student who is well respected in the community.”
Jones was a Florida Mr. Basketball finalist as well as an Honorable mention All-America selection by numerous preseason publications including Street and Smith, Blue Ribbon, and Athlon Sports.
Joining the Hurricane backcourt will be 6-7 guard Leroy Hurd (Moss Point, MS/Moss Point). Hurd was a Mississippi first team All-State selection as a senior averaging 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game in leading Moss Point High School to a 21-9 record and the Division 7-5A title.
Hurd, an honor student, played all three perimeter positions for the Tigers last season including point guard. Hurd was also a member of the Moss Point track team and holds the school record in the high jump (6′-10″).
“Leroy represents what a true student-athlete should be,” said Hamilton. “He is very good student, a nice person and a tremendous athlete. He is a versatile player who can handle the basketball and score from the perimeter.”
ON THE SCHEDULE
The 1999-2000 schedule will be one of the most difficult in school history. Miami will play at least seven teams that competed in last season’s NCAA Tournament including North Carolina, Kentucky and defending NCAA Champion Connecticut. In addition to its always difficult BIG EAST schedule the Hurricanes will take on such established programs as Memphis and North Carolina Charlotte and will compete in the San Juan Shootout against teams such as Auburn, Detroit, Pepperdine and Virginia Tech.
Hurricanes Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Leonard Hamilton (Tennessee-Martin, 1971)
Miami Record: 121-136 (.471)/9 seasons
Career Record: 177-199 (.471)/13 seasons
Assistant Coaches:
Dwight Freeman (Western State, 1982)
Stan Jones (Memphis State, 1984)
Scott Howard (Iowa State, 1983)
1998-99 Season Recap
Overall Record: 23-7
BIG EAST Record (Finish): 15-3 (2nd)
BIG EAST Tournament: 1-1 (defeated Georgetown, 65-54, lost to St. John’s, 62-59)
NCAA Tournament: 1-1 (defeated Lafayette, 75-54, lost to Purdue, 73-63)
Postseason History
NCAA Appearances: 3 (1960, 98, 99)
NCAA Record: 1-3 (.250)
NIT Appearances: 5 (1961, 63, 64, 95, 97)
NIT Record: 1-5 (.167)
1999-00 Team Information
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/2
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1
Starters Returning
Name POS HT WT CL PPG RPG APG NotesJohn Salmons G/F 6-7 200 So. 5.6 4.9 2.0 23 blocks, 28 stealsMario Bland C 6-6 265 Sr. 11.2 6.0 1.2 FG - 59.0 percentJohnny Hemsley G/F 6-5 195 Sr. 17.8 4.7 2.3 1st Team All-BIG EASTVernon Jennings G 6-3 203 Sr. 5.2 2.8 5.6 BIG EAST Assist Leader
Others Returning
Name POS HT WT CL PPG RPG APGDwayne Wimbley C 6-9 245 Jr. 2.4 1.9 0.1Elton Tyler F 6-9 215 Jr. 3.7 2.4 0.5Jerry Schlie F 6-6 200 Jr. 0.8 0.5 0.1Jo?o Paulo Coelho G 6-2 185 So. 1.0 0.3 0.8Michael Simmons G 6-0 185 So. 2.7 1.2 2.2
Letterwinners Lost
Name POS HT WT PPG RPG APG*Tim James F 6-7 221 18.6 8.2 0.8Kevin Houston G/F 6-4 215 7.1 3.8 0.5*starter
Newcomers
Name POS HT WT CL Hometown (School)James Jones F 6-8 211 Fr. Hialeah, FL (Miami American)Leroy Hurd G/F 6-7 205 Fr. Moss Point, MS (Moss Point)
1999-2000 University of MiamiPreseason Men’s Basketball Roster
No Name Pos Ht Wt Cl. Previous School/Hometown51 Mario Bland F 6-6 265 Sr. Callaway/Jackson, MS13 Jo?o Paulo Coelho G 6-2 185 So. Figueira da Foz, Portugal31 Johnny Hemsley G/F 6-5 195 Sr. Southern/Baltimore, MD00 Leroy Hurd G/F 6-7 205 Fr. Moss Point/Moss Point, MS30 Vernon Jennings G/F 6-4 203 Sr. Maine Central Institute/College Park, GA33 James Jones F 6-8 211 Fr. Miami American/Hialeah, FL45 John Salmons F 6-7 200 So. Plymouth Whitemarsh/Plymouth Meeting, PA11 Jerry Schlie F 6-6 200 Jr. Sachem/Holbrook, NY 3 Michael Simmons G 6-0 185 So. Mercersburg (PA) Academy/Rialto, CA25 Elton Tyler F 6-9 215 Jr. West Roxbury/Dorchester, MA34 Dwayne Wimbley F 6-9 245 Jr. St. Thomas Aquinas/Fort Lauderdale, FL
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI MEN’S BASKETBALLPreseason Notes
(23-7, 15-3 BIG EAST)
NCAA Championship – East Regional – No. 2 Seed
#10 Final Ranking – Associated Press, #12 Final Ranking – USA Today/ESPN
MIAMI BACK IN THE DANCE, AGAIN:
Miami’s selection to the 1999 NCAA Championship marked the Hurricanes second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Miami’s NCAA tournament berth in 1998 the Hurricanes had received only one bid to the “Big Dance” and that was in 1960. Last season the Hurricanes were seeded No. 2 in the East Region marking the highest NCAA seed in school history. The Hurricanes’ 75-54 win over Lafayette in the opening round marked Miami’s first NCAA Tournament victory in school history. Miami has advanced to post-season play in four of the last five seasons.
MIAMI TIES SCHOOL RECORD FOR VICTORIES:
Miami’s win over Lafayette in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament marked the Hurricanes’ 23 win of the season. The 23 wins tied the school record for wins in a season (23) set in 1959-60 (23-4) and matched in 1962-63 (23-5).
HURRICANES END SEASON NATIONALLY RANKED:
The University of Miami ended the season ranked 10th in the final Associated Press College Basketball Top-25 poll and 12th in the season ending ESPN/USA Today Coaches Top-25 poll.
HEMSLEY ONLY RETURNING FIRST TEAMER:
Senior Johnny Hemsley is the only returningAll- BIG EAST first-team selection from last season. Hemsley, the 1998-99 BIG EAST Most Improved Player, averaged 17.8 points and 4.7 rebounds last season.
The other first team selections: Connecticut’s Richard Hamilton (7th pick, Washington),St. John’s Ron Artest (16th pick, Chicago), Miami’s Tim James (25th pick, Miami) and Jamel Thomas of Providence have either graduated or moved on to the NBA.
GETTING IT DONE AT BOTH ENDS OF THE FLOOR:
Miami ranked 21st in the nation in field goal percentage and 13th in the nation in field goal percentage defense. Miami joins Duke, Maryland, College of Charleston, Kentucky, Utah, and North Carolina as the only schools to rank nationally in both categories. Additionally, the Hurricanes led the BIG EAST in both categories.
HEMSLEY FOR THREE:
Johnny Hemsley was 9-12 from three-point range against Lafayette in the Hurricanes’ NCAA opening round victory setting a school record for three-point field goals made. His nine treys also tied the East Regional record set by Garde Thompson against Navy in 1987. On the season Hemsley has connected on 70 treys placing him second on the all-time single season list.
Single Season Three-Point Field Goals:
79 Steven Edwards, 1992-93 70 Johnny Hemsley, 1998-99
VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS:
The Hurricanes’ 73-71 win over No. 2 Connecticut at Gampel Pavilion marked the third time last season that Miami knocked off a ranked opponent on the road. Miami was 4-3 against ranked teams last season including a 3-1 mark against ranked teams on the road. Miami has defeated at least one ranked opponent at Miami Arena in each of the last five seasons.
Miami Victories Over Ranked Teams:Jan. 30, 1961 Louisville (#7 AP) 71-69Dec. 21, 1962 Duke (#2 UPI) 71-69Feb. 2, 1965 Miami, OH (#20 UPI) 100-85Jan. 12, 1989 Kansas (#12 AP) 87-86Jan. 14, 1992 St. John's (#17 AP) 45-42Jan. 2, 1993 Georgetown (#10 AP) 80-69Feb. 20, 1993 St. John's (#25 AP) 82-77Feb. 4, 1995 Georgetown (#13 AP, #13 USAT) 67-61Jan. 3, 1996 Syracuse (#11 AP, #12 USAT) 75-66Dec. 7, 1996 Syracuse (#19 AP, #17 USAT) 67-63Jan. 11, 1997 @ Villanova (#8 AP, #7 USAT) 61-59Nov. 21, 1997 NC Charlotte (#17 AP, #17 USAT) 89-72Jan. 6, 1998 Connecticut (#8 AP, #8 USAT) 76-67Feb. 28, 1998 West Virginia (#19 AP/#19 USAT) 70-66Jan. 6, 1999 St. John's (#10 AP/#9 USAT) 84-79Feb. 3, 1999 @ St. John's (#9 AP/#10 USAT) 73-70Feb. 8, 1999 @ Syracuse (#18 AP/#17 USAT) 76-63Feb. 20, 1999 @ Connecticut (#2 AP, #2 USAT) 73-71
ROAD WARRIORS:
Miami registered a 12-4 record, 2-1 at neutral sites, when away from home this season. Miami was 8-1 in BIG EAST road games this season and was 10-3 on the road during the regular season. The 10 road wins were the most since 1959-60.
MAKING HISTORY:
With its 73-71win over Connecticut (2-20-99) at Gampel Pavilion, Miami became the first school in BIG EAST history to defeat Connecticut, Syracuse, St. John’s and Georgetown on the road in the same season.
STANDING ROOM ONLY:
Miami’s clash with No. 1 ranked Connecticut on Jan. 20 in the Miami Arena drew a school record crowd of 15,147 easily surpassing the old mark of 11,263 set on Mar. 4, 1995 also versus Connecticut.
Miami, which set a single season attendance record this season, drew the fifth largest crowd (10,497) in school history in its season finale against Rutgers.
Top Five Home Attendance Figures:Att. Opponent Result Date15,147 Connecticut L 70-68 1-20-9911,263 Connecticut L 75-67 3-4-9511,051 *Ohio State W 72-64 12-27-9810,896 Georgetown L 75-58 2-15-9210,497 Rutgers W 68-63 2-27-99*National Car Rental Center, Sunrise, FL
PLAYING SPOILER:
Miami’s win over No. 10 St. John’s on Jan. 6 marked the fifth consecutive season that the Hurricanes have defeated a ranked opponent in the Miami Arena. In their last eight contests against ranked teams at the Miami Arena the Hurricanes have posted a 5-3 record.
AT THE HALF:
If you want to beat Miami you better be leading at the half. Miami was 18-2 last season when leading at halftime. The ‘Canes were 12-1 in 1997-98 when leading at the half and 12-4 in 1996-97 (with all four losses on the road). In 1995-96 Miami was a perfect 11-0 when taking a halftime lead. UM has compiled a 53-7 (.883) record over the last four seasons when leading at the half.
MIAMI DOMINATES IN THE ARENA:
This year marks the 11th season that Miami has called the Miami Arena home. The ‘Canes have compiled an 105-58 (.644) overall record at the Arena, including an 11-2 mark last season. UM has posted a 57-16 (.781) home record over the last four seasons including a 46-12 (.793) record in its last 58 home games since 1995-96. UM is 33-12 (.733) in its last 45 BIG EAST home games dating back to the 1994-95 season.
Miami Home Record Last Four Plus Seasons: Overall BIG EAST1994-95 11-4 6-31995-96 12-4 7-21996-97 12-3 6-31997-98 11-3 7-21998-99 11-2 7-2Total 57-16 (.781) 33-12 (.733)
Top 5 BIG EAST Home Winning Percentages (1994-Pres.)Overall:1. Connecticut 71-10 (.877)2. Villanova 59-13 (.819)3. Georgetown 59-15 (.797)4. MIAMI 57-16 (.781)5. Syracuse 59-22 (.728)
Conference Games Only:1. Connecticut 36-9 (.800)2. Villanova 35-10 (.778)3. MIAMI 33-12 (.733)4. Georgetown 30-15 (.667)5. Syracuse 27-18 (.600)
COACH ON THE FLOOR:
Midway through the second half of Miami’s win over Ohio State last season, guard Vernon Jennings mentioned to the UM coaching staff that if the Hurricanes ran a different offense they would get Tim James better looks at the basket. Coach Hamilton listened and James scored 18 of his 29 points in the second half including three consecutive baseline jumpers in a 7-0 run that pushed the Hurricanes lead to 11 with 11:20 to play.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES:
Against Providence (2-13-99), Tim James recorded his team and league leading 10th double-double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Mario Bland, who recorded four double-doubles in the final eight games of the season, ranked second on the team with five double-doubles.
1998-99 Hurricane Double-Doubles:
11/13/98 – Mario Bland vs Florida Atlantic (18 pts, 10 reb)
11/13/98 – Kevin Houston vs Florida Atlantic (12 pts, 10 reb)
11/27/98 – Mario Bland vs Northern Iowa (16 pts, 10 reb)
12/5/98 – Tim James vs Kentucky (22 pts, 10 reb)
12/22/98 – Tim James vs Memphis (23 pts, 10 reb)
12/27/98 – Tim James vs Ohio State (29 pts, 11 reb)
12/30/98 – Tim James vs Georgetown (21 pts, 15 reb)
1/13/99 – Tim James vs Rutgers (10 pts, 10 reb)
1/16/99 – Tim James vs West Virginia (18 pts, 10 reb)
1/27/99 – Tim James vs Seton Hall (31 pts, 10 reb)
2/3/99 – Tim James vs St. John’s (16 pts, 10 reb)
2/6/99 – Tim James vs Georgetown (21 pts, 12 reb)
2/6/99 – John Salmons vs Georgetown (13 pts, 11 reb)
2/13/99 – Tim James vs Providence (22 pts, 11 reb)
2/16/99 – Mario Bland vs Villanova (11 pts, 10 reb)
2/20/99 – Mario Bland vs Connecticut (16 pts, 14 reb)
2/27/99 – Mario Bland vs Rutgers (10 pts, 12 reb)
3/14/99 – Mario Bland vs Purdue (14 pts, 11 reb)
WORKING OVERTIME:
Miami’s game against Connecticut on Jan, 20 marked the Hurricanes first overtime contest since a 76-68 victory over St. John’s in the opening round of the 1997 BIG EAST Tournament.
UM has amassed a 5-2 record (including tournament games) in BIG EAST overtime contests (3-2 at home). Miami’s game against St. John’s on Feb. 20, 1996 is its only double-overtime game in a BIG EAST contest since joining the league in the 1991-92 season.
The ‘Canes, who have never had more than three overtime games in any season (3-0 in 1986-87 and 0-3 in 1990-91), own a 21-19 overall record in overtime contests during their history (4-3 in double-overtime games and a 17-16 mark in single-overtime contests). UM has never played a triple-overtime game.
Miami is 5-5 in overtime games under head coach Leonard Hamilton. Below is a list of UM’s overtime games under Hamilton:
12-19-90 (2OT) SMU 93, MIAMI 88 (@SMU)
12-27-90 (2OT) Miami (OH) 101, MIAMI 99 (N)
3-4-92 Seton Hall 90, MIAMI 82 (@UM)
2-25-95 MIAMI 77, Boston College 72 (@BC)
2-28-95 MIAMI 76, Pittsburgh 68 (@UP)
12-23-95 Clemson 66, MIAMI 52 (@ UM)
2-20-96 (2OT) MIAMI 96, St. John’s 91 (@UM)
1-18-97 MIAMI 68, Georgetown 65 (@UM)
3-5-97 MIAMI 76, St. John’s 68 (@ MSG)
1-20-99 Connecticut 70, Miami 68 (@UM)
WINNING WAYS:
Miami’s 23-7 record last season marked its fifth consecutive winning season. The last time Miami recorded at least five straight winning seasons was the 1968-69 campaign when the ‘Canes registered their 10th straight winning season.
SUCCESS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE:
Entering the 1999-2000 season the Hurricanes are the only team in the state of Florida to register a winning record in each of the last five seasons. The Hurricanes’ 87-57 (.604) mark since the 1994-95 season is the top winning percentage and most victories among the state’s 11 Division I programs.
School 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 TotalMIAMI 15-13 15-13 16-13 18-10 23-7 87-57 (.604)Florida 17-13 12-16 13-17 14-14 22-9 78-70 (.527)FSU 12-15 13-14 20-12 17-13 13-17 76-72 (.514)FIU 11-19 13-15 16-13 21-8 13-16 74-71 (.510)USF 18-12 12-16 8-19 16-13 14-14 68-74 (.479)UCF 11-16 11-19 7-19 17-11 19-10 65-75 (.464)Stetson 15-12 10-17 9-18 11-15 14-13 59-75 (.440)J'ville 18-9 15-13 5-23 8-19 12-15 58-79 (.423)Beth-Cook 12-16 12-15 12-16 1-24 11-16 48-87 (.355)FAU 9-18 9-18 16-11 5-22 6-20 45-89 (.336)FAMU 5-22 8-19 8-19 10-16 12-19 43-95 (.312)
THE BUILDING BLOCKS:
Seniors Mario Bland, Johnny Hemsley and Vernon Jennings have been an integral part of the Hurricanes’ accent into the national spotlight. During their first three seasons at Miami the three have led the Hurricanes to a 57-30 (.655) record, three consecutive winning season, and three straight postseason appearances including NCAA Tournament bids in 1998 and 1999. Miami’s NCAA Tournament bid in 1998 marked the school’s first since 1960.
Additionally, Miami’s 57 wins are the most in a three year period since UM won 57 games from 1963-66 while its .655 winning percentage is the highest since Miami posted a 52-26 (.667) record from 1964-67.
Should Miami earn a post season bid in 1999-2000, the trio would become the first Hurricanes to reach the post season in four consecutive seasons.
MIAMI vs. NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS:
Since becoming the 10th member of The BIG EAST Conference beginning with the 1991-92 season, the Hurricanes have compiled a 47-24 (.662) record against non-conference opponents, including a 36-11 mark (.766) at the Miami Arena. Miami was 7-2 versus non-conference opponents in 1997-98 matching the most single season non-conference wins set by the 1993-94 team. The Hurricanes went 7-3 last season against non-conference foes with all three losses coming on the road or at a neutral site.
SETTING ATTENDANCE RECORDS:
In each of the last three seasons the Hurricanes have continued to increase their home attendance. Miami’s average attendance increased over 23 percent from 1997-98, 44 percent from 1996-97 and 102 percent from 1995-96. Last season the Hurricanes recorded three of the top 10 largest crowds in school history at the Miami Arena (15,147 vs. Connecticut, 10, 497 vs. Rutgers, 8,210 vs. Pittsburgh) and set an overall attendance record for the third consecutive season.
JENNINGS WINS BIG EAST ASSIST TITLE:
Miami point guard Vernon Jennings won the BIG EAST assist title with an average of 6.06 per game in league play. Jennings handed out 109 assists in 18 games setting a Miami BIG EAST single season record. Jennings is the second Hurricane in as many seasons to lead the league in a statistical category. Mario Bland led the league in field goal percentage last season.
JENNINGS SETS ASSIST RECORD:
Vernon Jennings recorded a team-high eight assists against St. John’s (3-5-99) and in doing so set a Miami single season assist record. Jennings ended the season with 167 assists surpassing the old mark of 154 set by Michael Gardner in 1992-93.
JENNINGS MOVES UP LADDER:
Heading into the 1999-2000 season senior Vernon Jennings has 302 career assists. Jennings ranks sixth on UM’s all-time career list.
1. Kevin Norris (1994-98) 4932. Kevin Presto (1985-89) 4123. Thomas Hocker (1987-90) 3844. Michael Gardner (1991-94) 3195. Steven Edwards (1992-96) 3126. VERNON JENNINGS (1996-present)302
ON THE MARK:
Miami’s returning trio of post players (Mario Bland, Elton Tyler, Dwayne Wimbley) were extremely accurate in the paint last season. Last season the three combined to hit 198-342 (.579) of their field goal attempts. Mario Bland led the three hitting on 125-of-212 (.590) field goal attempts.
Player Field Goals FG %Mario Bland 125-212 .590Elton Tyler 45-77 .584Dwayne Wimbley 28-53 .528Total 198-342 .579
EASY AS 1, 2, 3:
The Hurricanes enter the 1999-2000 season having hit at least one three-point field goal in each of the past 221 games, extending the school-record. Overall, the ‘Canes have hit at least one trey in 375 of its 376 games since the NCAA adopted the three-point shot in 1986. The only game Miami has failed to hit a three-point field goal was against Howard University on Dec. 6, 1991 when the ‘Canes were 0-15 behind the three-point arc.
HURRICANES HIT 100:
Miami defeated Villanova 103-82 on Feb. 17 marking the most points scored by a Hurricane team in a BIG EAST game. The Hurricanes reached the century mark for the first time under head coach Leonard Hamilton and the first time since a 101-97 double overtime win over Florida State on Jan. 18, 1990. The last time a Miami squad reached 100 points in a non-overtime game was March 2, 1989 when the Hurricanes defeated Savannah State 107-98.
BOMBS AWAY:
Senior Johnny Hemsley connected on 70 three-point baskets last season to improve his career total to 100. Hemsley ranks in a tie for fifth on Miami’s all-time career list.
1. Steven Edwards (1992-96) 2652. Kevin Presto (1985-89) 1703. Jake Morton (1988-93 1364. Kevin Norris (1994-98) 1345. JOHNNY HEMSLEY (1996-present) 100 Samaar Logan (1989-92) 100
SELECT COMPANY:
Entering the 1999-2000 season the Hurricanes are one of just three BIG EAST schools to post a winning overall record each of the past five seasons. Joining the Hurricanes are Syracuse and Connecticut.
JAMES AND HEMSLEY ON FIRST TEAM:
Senior forward Tim James and junior guard/forward Johnny Hemsley were both named to the BIG EAST All-Conference first-team by a vote of the league’s coaches. Miami is the first team since Syracuse in 1994-95 (John Wallace and Laurence Moten) and joins Syracuse (seven times), Georgetown (twice), Pittsburgh, St. John’s and Villanova as the only teams to place two players on the All-BIG EAST first-team.
All-BIG EAST First Team*Richard Hamilton, ConnecticutJohnny Hemsley, Miami*Tim James, MiamiJamel Thomas, ProvidenceRon Artest, St. John’s
All-BIG EAST Second Team
Khalid El-Amin, Connecticut
Troy Murphy, Notre Dame
Bootsy Thornton, St. John’s
Etan Thomas, Syracuse
Marcus Goree, West Virginia
All-BIG EAST Third Team
Vonteego Cummings, Pittsburgh
Isaac Hawkins, Pittsburgh
Rob Hodgson, Rutgers
Jason Hart, Syracuse
John Celestand, Villanova
BIG EAST All-Rookie Team
Kevin Braswell, Georgetown
Anthony Perry, Georgetown
*Troy Murphy, Notre Dame
Dahntay Jones, Rutgers
*Erick Barkley, St. John’s
*denotes unanimous selection
HEMSLEY NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Johnny Hemsley was named the BIG EAST Player of the Week three times last season. Hemsley won the award for the first time last season on Dec. 21 following his career-high 24 point performance in Miami’s 76-55 win at Georgia State. Hemsley was named the BIG EAST Player of the Week for the second time on Jan. 4 following his career-high 35 point performance in Miami’s 64-63 win at Georgetown on Dec. 30. Hemsley’s third honor came on Feb. 22 when he was named BIG EAST Co-Player of the Week after averaging 22.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in the Hurricanes to two victories. Hemsley shared the honor with Providence forward Jamel Thomas.
HURRICANES TAKE HOME HARDWARE:
University of Miami head basketball coach Leonard Hamilton was named BIG EAST Coach of the Year, senior forward Tim James (Miami Northwestern) was named BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year and junior guard Johnny Hemsley (Baltimore, MD) was named the league’s Most Improved Player last season by a vote of the conference coaches.
Hamilton won the BIG EAST Coach of the Year award for the second time during his career after guiding the Hurricanes to the best conference finish, 15-3, in school history. The Hurricanes also registered an 8-1 road record and became the first school in BIG EAST history to record road wins over Connecticut, Georgetown, St, John’s and Syracuse in the same season. Hamitlon, who also won the award in 1995, joins Jim Calhoun (four times), Lou Carnesecca (three times), Jim Boeheim, John Thompson and P.J. Carleisimo as the only coaches to win the award more than once.
James, a two-time first team All-BIG EAST selection, was named BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year with Connecticut’s Richard Hamilton after averaging 18.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game during the regular season. James is the first Hurricane to be named BIG EAST Player of the Year.
Hemsley emerged as a consistent scoring threat for Miami recording a team best 29 double-figure scoring games while averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Hemsley improved his numbers in every statistical category last season including scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage.
1998-99 BIG EAST AWARDS
BIG EAST Co-Players of the Year Richard Hamilton, Connecticut Tim James, Miami
BIG EAST Rookie of the Year Troy Murphy, Notre DameBIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year Etan Thomas, Syracuse
BIG EAST Most Improved Player Johnny Hemsley, Miami
BIG EAST Coach of the Year Leonard Hamilton, Miami
A REVERSAL OF FORTUNES:
Since the start of the 1994-95 season UM has compiled a 52-38 (.578) record in BIG EAST regular season games. Only Connecticut, Villanova, and Syracuse have more conference wins over that period. Miami was 8-46 (.148) in its first three seasons of BIG EAST play.
Conference Records Since 1994-95:
Connecticut 71-19 .789 Villanova 58-32 .644 Syracuse 55-35 .611 MIAMI 52-38 .578 Georgetown 47-43 .522 St. John's 47-43 .522 Providence 42-48 .467 Seton Hall 36-54 .400 Boston College 33-57 .367 West Virginia 33-39 .458 Pittsburgh 31-59 .344 Notre Dame 27-45 .375 Rutgers 26-46 .361
A SWEEPING SUCCESS:
With their win over Rutgers on Feb. 27 the Hurricanes completed their fourth series sweep of the season. Miami has now registered 10 BIG EAST regular season two-game sweeps since joining the league in the 1991-92 season. Miami has now recorded at least one series sweep in each of the last five seasons. Below is a list of UM’s BIG EAST series sweeps:
1994-95: Providence St. John's Boston College1995-96: Notre Dame1996-97: Georgetown1997-98: Notre Dame1998-99 Boston College St. John's Georgetown Rutgers
ASSOCIATED PRESS
(March 8, 1999)
Record Points 1. Duke (69) 32-1 1,749 2. Michigan St. (1) 29-4 1,654 3. Connecticut 28-2 1,635 4. Auburn 27-3 1,469 5. Maryland 26-5 1,434 6. Utah 27-4 1,396 7. Stanford 25-6 1,316 8. Kentucky 25-8 1,165 9. St. John's 25-8 1,12210. Miami, Fla. 22-6 1,08911. Cincinnati 26-5 1,08212. Arizona 22-6 1,06313. North Carolina 24-9 89514. Ohio St. 23-8 83215. UCLA 22-8 80116. Coll. of Charleston 28-2 69517. Arkansas 22-10 51818. Wisconsin 22-9 46419. Indiana 22-10 37320. Tennessee 20-8 35621. Iowa 18-9 282 22. Kansas 22-9 26823. Florida 20-8 23924. N.C. Charlotte 22-10 22025. New Mexico 24-8 95
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Temple 71, Oklahoma St. 56, Gonzaga 53, Syracuse 49, Texas 47, Minnesota 40, Missouri 37, Louisville 30, Rhode Island 27, Tulsa 26, Murray St. 17, Iowa St. 12, Purdue 12, Detroit 11, Kent 11, Miami, Ohio 10, Creighton 9, Villanova 7, George Washington 4, Weber St. 3, New Mexico St. 2, Penn 2, Siena 2.
USA TODAY/ESPN
Record Points 1. Connecticut(26) 34-2 650 2. Duke 37-2 624 3. Michigan State 33-5 596 4. Ohio State 27-9 557 5t.Kentucky 28-9 511 5t.St. John's 28-9 511 7. Auburn 29-4 477 8. Maryland 28-6 429 9. Stanford 26-7 40010. Utah 28-5 34411. Cincinnati 27-6 33012t.Miami, Fla. 23-7 29612t.Gonzaga 28-7 29614. Temple 24-11 28515. Iowa 20-10 27016. Arizona 22-7 25717. Florida 22-9 17818. North Carolina 24-10 17219. Oklahoma 22-11 15820. Miami (Ohio) 24-8 15721. UCLA 22-9 13822. Purdue 21-13 13623. Kansas 23-10 13324. SW Missouri State 22-11 9625. Arkansas 23-11 81
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Indiana 64, Oklahoma State 49, Wisconsin 43, North Carolina-Charlotte 34, College of Charleston 29, New Mexico 28, Detroit Mercy 19, California 18, Creighton 15, Syracuse 15, Texas 15, Tennessee 9, Louisville 6, Murray State 6, Weber State 6, Minnesota 4, New Mexico State 4, Clemson 3, Missouri 1.
1998-99 FINAL BIG EAST STANDINGS
BIG EAST OVERALL W L Pct. W L Pct.Connecticut 16 2 .889 34 2 .944MIAMI 15 3 .833 23 7 .767St. John's 14 4 .778 28 9 .757Villanova 10 8 .556 21 11 .656Syracuse 10 8 .556 21 12 .636Rutgers 9 9 .500 19 13 .594Providence 9 9 .500 16 14 .533Seton Hall 8 10 .444 15 15 .500Notre Dame 8 10 .444 14 16 .467Georgetown 6 12 .333 15 16 .484Pittsburgh 5 13 .278 14 16 .466West Virginia 4 14 .222 10 19 .345Boston College 3 15 .167 6 21 .222
1999 AT&T BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP:First Round – Wednesday, March 3 No. 9 Seton Hall 79, No. 8 Notre Dame 69 No. 4 Syracuse 96, No. 13 Boston College 55 No. 5 Villanova 73, No. 12 West Virginia 61 No. 10 Georgetown 68, No. 7 Providence 66 No. 6 Rutgers 64, No. 11 Pittsburgh 51 Quarterfinals – Thursday, March 4 No. 1 Connecticut 57, No. 9 Seton Hall 56 No. 4 Syracuse 70, No. 5 Villanova 62 No. 2 MIAMI 65, No. 10 Georgetown 54 No. 3 St. John’s 77, No. 6 Rutgers 62Semifinals – Friday, March 5 No. 1 Connecticut 71, No. 4 Syracuse 50 No. 3 St. John’s 62, No. 2 MIAMI 59 Championship – Saturday, March 6 No. 1 Connecticut 82, No. 3 St. John’s 63
1998-99 MIAMI BIG EAST TEAM RANKINGS
(Regular Season Games)
Scoring Offense 5th 73.7 Scoring Margin 4th +8.0FG Percentage 1st .4853PT FG Percentage 7th .328FT Percentage 7th .704Assists 7th 15.42 apgScoring Defense 5th 65.7FG % Defense 1st .3863PT FG % Defense 6th .318Rebounding Margin 4th +4.5Turnover Margin 12th -1.50 tpgAssist/Turnover Ratio 11th 0.80 ratioBlocked Shots 3rd 5.08 bpgSteals 9th 8.77 spg
1998-99 INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
(Regular Season Games)
Scoring Tim James 3rd 18.9 ppg Johnny Hemsley 5th 17.4 ppgFG Pct Tim James 5th .485 Johnny Hemsley 8th .443FT Pct Johnny Hemsley 7th .7883PT FG Made Johnny Hemsley 3rd 2.04 pg3PT FG % Johnny Hemsley 11th .371Rebounding Tim James 3rd 8.3 rpgOff. Rebounds Tim James 11th 2.73 rpgDef. Rebounds Tim James 2nd 5.62 rpgAssists Vernon Jennings 1st 5.50 apgAst/TO Ratio Vernon Jennings 7th 1.74 ratioSteals Vernon Jennings 9th 2.00 spgBlocked Shots Tim James 4th 2.12 bpg
