Canes Prep For 1999-2000 Hoops Season

Oct. 20, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami men’s basketball teamstarted their preparation for the 1999-2000 season with their firstpractice on Saturday, October 16, 1999. The ‘Canes look to continue theirrecent string of success and make their third straight NCAA Tournamentappearance and fourth straight postseason appearance.

Miami, which is coming off a 23-7 record (15-3 BIG EAST), returns startersMario Bland, Johnny Hemsley, Vernon Jennings, and John Salmons, as well asletter winners Joao Paulo Coelho, Michael Simmons, Elton Tyler, and DwayneWimbley. Hemsley returns as one of thirty preseason candidates for theNaismith Award, which is given annually to the nation’s most outstandingcollege basketball player.

Last year, Miami tied the school record for wins in a season (23) and seta UM record for BIG EAST wins (15). Miami finished last season ranked10th in the Associated Press poll and 12th in the USA Today/Coaches poll.This year, Street & Smith has Miami ranked at No. 18 in its preseasonpoll.

Miami will host two exhibition games at the Knight Sports Complex on theCoral Gables Campus on Wednesday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m. against LatviaSelect and Thursday, November 11, at 7:00p.m. against Upstate Basketball.The Hurricanes regular-season home opener is scheduled for Tuesday,November 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Arena.

Tickets are available through the Hurricane Ticket Office in the HechtAthletic Center at 5821 San Amaro Drive in Coral Gables, Monday throughFriday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. to noon,or by calling 305-284-CANES in Dade or 1-800-GO-CANES. Tickets are alsoavailable online at www.hurricanesports.com.