Men's Basketball Prepares For Bethune-Cookman

Nov. 29, 1999

BETHUNE-COOKMAN COLLEGE (2-1)vs.#25 UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (2-0)

Tuesday, November 30, 1999 — 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Miami Arena (15,388)

WQAM (560 AM), WVUM (90.5 FM)

TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:

Bethune-Cookman enters tonight’s game with a 2-1 record following an82-71 loss at Siena on Sunday.

The Wildcats are averaging 82 points per game this season whileshooting a blistering 91-177 (.514) from the floor. Bethune-Cookman, whichboasts for players averaging in double-figures, has been led in scoring thisseason by 6-3 guard Freddie Cole.

Cole is averaging 20.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game whileshooting 10-20 (.500) from the field, 6-10 (.600) from three-point range and14-16 (.875) from the line.

THE SERIES:

Miami and Bethune-Cookman meet for the fourth time with theHurricanes holding a 3-0 series advantage. Miami and Bethune-Cookman lastmet on December 10, 1993 with the Hurricanes taking an 82-54 decision atMiami Arena.

December 5, 1988   UM 88, BCC 72   Miami, FLFebruary 4, 1993   UM 78, BCC 54   Miami, FLDecember 10, 1993  UM 82, BCC 54   Miami, FL

Probable Hurricane Starters

NO   NAME               POS   HT    WT   CL   PTS   REB05   John Salmons        F   6-7   200   So.  7.5   6.525   Elton Tyler         F   6-9   215   Jr. 12.5   5.551   Mario Bland         C   6-6   265   Sr. 10.0   8.030   Vernon Jennings     G   6-4   203   Sr.  9.0   5.031   Johnny Hemsley      G   6-5   195   Sr. 20.5   5.5

Probable Wildcat Starters

NO   NAME               POS   HT    WT   CL   PTS   REB03   Brent King          F   6-5   190   So.  8.5   3.512   Valder Ned          F   6-6   210   Sr. 10.0   7.023   Derricus Lockwood   F   6-6   210   Jr. 13.5   5.521   Freddie Cole        G   6-3   185   Sr. 20.0   5.020   Tyris Livas         G   5-10  165   Sr.  2.0   2.5

UP NEXT:

Following tonight’s game the Hurricanes hit the road to face Memphison December 4 at the Pyramid in Memphis, TN. Miami then returns home for twonon-conference games against UNC Charlotte (Dec. 7) and Hartford (Dec. 11).Both games will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Arena.

TV/RADIO COVERAGE:

Tonight’s game is not being televised but you can catch all theaction on the Hurricane Radio Network (WQAM – 560 AM). Marc Vandermeer(play-by-play) and Joe Zagacki (analysis) will provide complete gamecoverage. The game can also be heard on the UM student radio network, WVUM(90.5 FM).

THE COACHES:

Leonard Hamilton, in his 10th season at Miami and 14th as acollegiate head coach, has brought the University of Miami men’s basketballprogram in to the national spotlight. The 1998-99 BIG EAST Conference Coachof the Year, Hamilton has guided the Hurricanes to four postseasonappearances in the last five seasons including back-to-back NCAA Tournamentappearances in 1998 and 1999. Last season Hamilton led Miami to a 23-7record and a No. 10 national ranking by the Associated Press. The 20-winseason marked the first for Miami since the 1964-65 season while the APranking was the first since the 1959-60 season.

Prior to his arrival at UM, Hamilton spent four seasons at OklahomaState where he led the Cowboys to their first back-to-back postseason berthsin 36 years. Hamilton’s record at UM is 123-136 (.475) while his career markstands at 179-199 (.475).

Bethune-Cookman head coach Horace Broadnax is in his third season asa collegiate head coach, all with the Wildcats. Broadnax’s record stands at14-42 (.250).

VS THE STATE OF FLORIDA:

With its win over Central Florida Miami improved its record againstteams from the state of Florida to 285-141 (.669). Miami has won its last 20games against teams from the state of Florida. Miami has not lost to aFlorida school since a 72-64 season opening loss to Florida International onDec. 1, 1992.

A WIN TONIGHT WOULD:

• Improve Miami’s record to 3-0 on the season.
• Mark Miami’s 21st consecutive win over teams from the state of Florida.
• Be Miami’s seventh consecutive win at Miami Arena.
• Improve Miami’s record to 38-11 (.776) against non-conference opponents atMiami Arena.
• Improve Miami’s home record to 59-16 (.787) since 1994.

HEMSLEY LOOKS FOR 1,000:

Johnny Hemsley enters tonight’s game with 996 career points. Withfour points against Bethune-Cookman Hemsley would become the 22nd player inUM history to score 1,000 career points.

AGAINST THE MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERNCE (MEAC):

Bethune-Cookman marks the first MEAC school the Hurricanes have metsince December 9, 1995 when Miami defeated Florida A&M, 77-53, at the MiamiArena.

The Hurricanes are 14-1 (.933) all-time against MEAC schools.Miami’s lone loss against a MEAC opponent came on December 6, 1991 whenHoward defeated the Hurricanes 64-55 at Miami Arena.

MIAMI DOMINATES IN THE ARENA:

This year marks the 11th season that Miami has called the MiamiArena home. The ‘Canes have compiled an 106-58 (.644) overall record at theArena, including a 1-0 mark this season. UM has posted a 58-16 (.781) homerecord since 1994. UM is 33-12 (.733) in its last 45 BIG EAST home gamesdating back to the 1994-95 season.

Miami Home Record Last Four Plus Seasons:

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)

MIAMI vs. NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS:

Since becoming the 10th member of The BIG EAST Conference beginningwith the 1991-92 season, the Hurricanes have compiled a 49-24 (.671) recordagainst non-conference opponents, including a 37-11 mark (.771) at the MiamiArena. Miami was 6-2 versus non-conference opponents in 1998-99.

SUCCESS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE:

Entering the 1999-2000 season the Hurricanes are the only team inthe state of Florida to register a winning record in each of the last fiveseasons. The Hurricanes’ 87-57 (.604) mark since the 1994-95 season is thetop winning percentage and most victories among the state’s 11 Division Iprograms.

MIAMI BACK IN THE DANCE, AGAIN:

Miami’s selection to the 1999 NCAA Championship marked theHurricanes second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Miami’sNCAA tournament berth in 1998 the Hurricanes had received only one bid tothe “Big Dance” and that was in 1960. Last season the Hurricanes were seededNo. 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’sfirst NCAA Tournament victory in school history. Miami has advanced topost-season play in four of the last five seasons.

VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS:

The Hurricanes’ 73-71 win over No. 2 Connecticut at Gampel Pavilionmarked the third time last season that Miami knocked off a ranked opponenton the road. Miami was 4-3 against ranked teams last season including a 3-1mark against ranked teams on the road.

Miami Victories Over Ranked Teams:

ROAD WARRIORS:

Miami opened its 1999-2000 season with an 81-54 road win overCentral Florida. Last season Miami registered a 12-4 record (2-1 at neutralsites) when away from home last season. Miami was 8-1 in BIG EAST roadgames and 10-3 on the road during the regular season. The 10 road wins werethe most since 1959-60.

GETTING IT DONE AT BOTH ENDS OF THE FLOOR:

Miami ranked 21st in the nation in field goal percentage and 13th inthe nation in field goal percentage defense. Miami joins Duke, Maryland,College of Charleston, Kentucky, Utah, and North Carolina as the onlyschools to rank nationally in both categories. Additionally, the Hurricanesled the BIG EAST in both categories.

AT THE HALF:

If you want to beat Miami you better be leading at the half. Miamiwas 18-2 last season when leading at halftime. The ‘Canes were 12-1 in1997-98 when leading at the half and 12-4 in 1996-97 (with all four losseson the road). In 1995-96 Miami was a perfect 11-0 when taking a halftimelead. Miami is 2-0 this season when leading at halftime. UM has compiled a55-7 (.887) record over the last five seasons when leading at the half.

WORKING OVERTIME:

Miami’s game last season against Connecticut on Jan. 20 marked theHurricanes first overtime contest since a 76-68 victory over St. John’s inthe opening round of the 1997 BIG EAST Tournament.

UM has amassed a 5-2 record (including tournament games) in BIG EASTovertime 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 joiningthe league in the 1991-92 season.

The ‘Canes, who have never had more than three overtime games in anyseason (3-0 in 1986-87 and 0-3 in 1990-91), own a 21-19 overall record inovertime contests during their history (4-3 in double-overtime games and a17-16 mark in single-overtime contests). UM has never played atriple-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:

PLAYING SPOILER:

Miami’s win over No. 10 St. John’s last season marked the fifthconsecutive season that the Hurricanes have defeated a ranked opponent inthe Miami Arena. In their last eight contests against ranked teams at theMiami Arena the Hurricanes have posted a 5-3 record.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS:

Seniors Mario Bland, Johnny Hemsley and Vernon Jennings have been anintegral part of the Hurricanes’ accent into the national spotlight. Duringtheir first three seasons at Miami the three have led the Hurricanes to a57-30 (.655) record, three consecutive winning season, and three straightpostseason 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 periodsince UM won 57 games from 1963-66 while its .655 winning percentage is thehighest since Miami posted a 52-26 (.667) record from 1964-67.

Should Miami earn a post season bid in 1999-2000, the trio wouldbecome the first Hurricanes to reach the post season in four consecutiveseasons.

MAKING HISTORY:

With its 73-71 win over Connecticut last season 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.

DOUBLE-DOUBLES:

Last season Mario Bland ranked second on the team with fivedouble-doubles. Bland recorded four of those double-doubles in the finaleight games of the season. Miami Heat first round draft choice Tim James ledMiami with 10 double-doubles.

1998-99 Hurricane Double-Doubles:

HEMSLEY A NAISMITH CANDIDATE:

Johnny Hemsley has been selected as one of 30 preseason candidatesfor the 1999-2000 Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year Award.Hemsley is one of six BIG EAST athletes recognized as a preseason candidatefor the Naismith Award. Joining Hemsley on the list are Erick Barkley (St.John’s), Khalid El-Amin (Connecticut), Kevin Freeman (Connecticut), TroyMurphy (Notre Dame) and Etan Thomas (Syracuse). The candidates were selectedby a vote of the Board of Selectors comprised of leading basketball coaches,journalists and basketball analysts.

WINNING WAYS:

Miami’s 23-7 record last season marked its fifth consecutive winningseason. The last time Miami recorded at least five straight winning seasonswas the 1968-69 campaign when the ‘Canes registered their 10th straightwinning season.

SIMMONS OUT 3-6 WEEKS:

Sophomore Michael Simmons is expected to miss 3-6 weeks followingsurgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot on November 18. The 6-2guard played in 27 games last season, making 12 starts, and averaged 2.7points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

ONLINE ALL THE TIME:

Check out the Hurricanes’ website at www.hurricanesports.com for allthe latest information on University of Miami athletics.

UM TICKETS ON SALE:

Single-game tickets for all 15 University of Miami men’s basketballhome games at the Miami Arena are on sale at the Hecht Athletic CenterTicket Office on the UM campus, the Miami Arena, and through TicketMaster.

Sidecourt reserved seats are $13 and endcourt reserved seats are $10for each of Miami’s six non-conference games, not including Kentucky. Alltickets for the Kentucky game on Jan. 29 are $20 and include admission tothe Miami women’s contest against Connecticut immediately following themen’s game.

Single game tickets for UM’s eight BIG EAST contests are $18 forsidecourt reserved and $15 for endcourt reserved. For the fourth straightseason a youth (17 and under) endcourt reserved ticket can be purchased for$7.

The Hurricane Ticket Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Fans wishing to place ordersby phone can call the UM Ticket Office at (305) 284-CANES in Dade and1-800-GO-CANES outside Dade County. Tickets can also be purchased by callingTicketMaster at (305) 358-5885 in Dade, (954) 523-3309 in Broward, and (561)966-3309 in Palm Beach County.

HURRICANES END 1998-99 SEASON NATIONALLY RANKED:

The University of Miami ended the season ranked 10th in the finalAssociated Press College Basketball Top-25 poll and 12th in the seasonending ESPN/USA Today Coaches Top-25 poll.

Prior to last season’s debut at No. 25 in the Jan. 18 AssociatedPress poll Miami had not been ranked in the Associated Press poll since theend of the 1959-60 season when the Hurricanes were ranked No. 10 in thecountry. Miami reached a season-high of No. 9 in the nation in the March 1Associated Press poll. Miami’s highest ranking came on Mar. 1, 1960 when theHurricanes were ranked No. 8 by the Associated Press.

MIAMI IN THE PRESEASON POLLS:

The University of Miami men’s basketball team debuted at No. 25 inthe preseason Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll and No. 24 inthe preseason ESPN/USA Today college basketball poll. The preseasonrankings are the first since the 1964-65 season when Miami opened theseason ranked 16th in the nation by United Press International. Prior tothis season Miami had never been ranked in the preseason by the AssociatedPress.

MIAMI IN THE 1999-00 POLLS:

Miami remained at No. 24 in the latest ESPN/USA Today collegebasketball poll and are located in the “Others Receiving Votes” section ofAssociated Press poll. The 168 points in the AP poll places the Hurricanesat No. 26 in the nation.

UM in the 1999-00 polls:

ASSOCIATED PRESS (11/29/99)

Others receiving votes: MIAMI (FL) 126, St. John’s 80, Oklahoma 77,Wake Forest 73, Creighton 13, Georgia Tech 13, Iowa 10, Tulsa 9, Murray St.6, Siena 5, Notre Dame 4, UNLV 4, Virginia 3, Wyoming 3, Dayton 2, Oregon 2,Southern Miss. 2, Delaware 1, Xavier 1.

ESPN/USA TODAY (11/29/99)

Others receiving votes: Gonzaga 64, Oklahoma 53, St. John’s 39, WakeForest 33, Tulsa 10, Xavier 10, Georgia Tech 6, Detroit Mercy 5, Mississippi5, Delaware 4, Siena 4, California 3, Dayton 3, Georgetown 2, Murray State2, North Carolina State 2, Kent 1, Louisville 1, UNC Charlotte 1, Notre Dame1, Samford 1.

JENNINGS MOVES UP LADDER:

Vernon Jennings recorded a team-high six assists against CentralFlorida increasing his career total to 308. Jennings needs five assists tomove past Steven Edwards (312) into fifth-place on UM’s all-time careerlist.

JENNINGS WINS BIG EAST ASSIST TITLE:

Miami point guard Vernon Jennings won the 1998-99 BIG EAST assisttitle with an average of 6.06 per game in league play. Jennings handed out109 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 astatistical category. Mario Bland led the league in field goal percentagelast 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 154set by Michael Gardner in 1992-93.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING:

Last season the Hurricanes shot over 50 percent from the floor on 12occasions. Miami shot 50 percent or better from the floor only five times in1997-98. Against Villanova (2-16-99) the Hurricanes shot a season high 60.6percent from the field. The percentage was the highest for the Hurricanessince connecting on 40-61 (.655) in a 107-98 win over Savannah State onMarch 2, 1989.

Miami 50 Percent Shooting Performances:

EASY AS 1, 2, 3:

The Hurricanes have hit at least one three-point field goal in eachof the past 223 games, extending the school-record. Overall, the ‘Canes havehit at least one trey in 377 of its 378 games since the NCAA adopted thethree-point shot in 1986. The only game Miami has failed to hit athree-point field goal was against Howard University on Dec. 6, 1991 whenthe ‘Canes were 0-15 behind the three-point arc.

ON THE MARK:

Miami’s returning trio of post players (Mario Bland, Elton Tyler,Dwayne Wimbley) combined to hit 198-342 (.579) of their field goal attemptslast season. Mario Bland led the three hitting on 125-of-212 (.590) fieldgoal attempts.

BOMBS AWAY:

Senior Johnny Hemsley connected on 70 three-point baskets lastseason to improve his career total to 100. Hemsley ranks in a tie for fifthon Miami’s all-time career list.

MAKING SOMEONE ELSE BEAT YOU:

Last season the Hurricanes made it very difficult for opponentsleading scorers. In 20 of 30 games the Hurricanes held the opponent’sleading scorer to under his season average. Miami held opponent’s leadingscorers to 144-396 (.364) shooting from the floor.

LOCKING UP:

In Miami’s win over Central Florida the Hurricanes went on a 12-0run in the second half holding the Golden Knights scoreless over a 5:08span. Last season Miami made a habit of holding opponents scoreless for longstretches. Eight times last season the Hurricanes held an opponent scorelessfor over five or more minutes.

MIAMI RANKS FOR THIRD STAIGHT SEASON:

Last season the Hurricanes ranked nationally in field goalpercentage defense for the third consecutive season. The University of Miamiended the season ranked 13th in the nation in field goal percentage defense(.384). In 1997-98 the University of Miami led the nation holding teams to37.9 percent shooting from the floor. In 1996-97 Miami held opponents to 38percent shooting from the field to rank sixth nationally.

POSTING GREAT NUMBERS:

The Hurricanes did a great job last season of controlling opponentscenters. Of the 30 games the Hurricanes played last season only fiveopponent centers managed to score in double figures while only one grabbed10 or more rebounds. Miami limited opponent’s centers to an average of 6.4points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

In the first two games this season the Hurricanes have held theopposition’s starting centers to a combined total of seven points and fiverebounds.

HEMSLEY ON PRESEASON FIRST TEAM:

University of Miami senior Johnny Hemsley was named to the preseasonAll-BIG EAST first team by a vote of the league’s coaches at the BIG EASTConference Men’s Basketball Media Day at the Grand Hyatt in New York.

1999-00 PRESEASON AWARDS

All-BIG EAST First Team
Khalid El-Amin, Connecticut
Johnny Hemsley, Miami
Troy Murphy, Notre Dame
Erick Barkley, St. John’s
Etan Thomas, Syracuse

All-BIG EAST Second Team
Kevin Freeman, Connecticut
Isaac Hawkins, Pittsburgh
Bootsy Thornton, St. John’s
Jason Hart, Syracuse
Marcus Goree, West Virginia

Player of the Year: Khalid El-Amin, Connecticut

Rookie of the Year: Ajou Deng, Connecticut

HURRICANES TABBED FOURTH:

The men’s basketball team was selected to finish fourth in theconference behind Connecticut, Syracuse, and St. John’s. Miami, whichreturns four starters from last season’s squad, received one first placevote.

1999-00 BIG EAST Coaches’ Preseason Poll

SELECT COMPANY:

Entering the 1999-2000 season the Hurricanes are one of just threeBIG EAST schools to post a winning overall record each of the past fiveseasons. Joining the Hurricanes are Syracuse and Connecticut.

ON THE RISE:

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, andSyracuse have more conference wins over that period.

Conference Records Since 1994-95:

HURRICANES TAKE HOME HARDWARE:

Last season University of Miami head basketball coach LeonardHamilton was named BIG EAST Coach of the Year, senior forward Tim James(Miami Northwestern) was named BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year and juniorguard Johnny Hemsley (Baltimore, MD) was named the league’s Most ImprovedPlayer last season by a vote of the conference coaches.

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 Dame

BIG 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

WINNING WAYS IN THE NCAA:

After a 10-4 mark last season, BIG EAST teams have compiled a 155-91record in the NCAA Tournament play. The .630 winning percentage is thesecond best in the nation amongst conferences. The ACC is first with a .670winning percentage.

LEAGUE SCHEDULE REDUCED TO 16 GAMES:

For the first since 1990-91, each BIG EAST team will play only 16regular season conference games. The league has played 18 conference gamessince 1991-92. The 16 game schedule offers schools more flexibility inscheduling. BIG EAST teams have a better opportunity to improve their RPI(ratings percentage index) rankings and the league’s representation in theNCAA Tournament. the reduction to a 16-game league schedule has eliminatedDecember play dates.

STARTING AGAIN:

Nearly every BIG EAST team returns a majority of its starters fromlast season. Three squads – Boston College, Georgetown and Syracuse – bringback all five starters from 1998-99.

BEATING THE BEST:

BIG EAST teams were 16-13 against opponents ranked in the AP polllast season giving the league the highest victory total and best record ofany conference in the nation.

A SWEEPING SUCCESS:

With their win over Rutgers in last season’s regular season finalethe Hurricanes completed their fourth series sweep of the season. Miami hasregistered 10 BIG EAST regular season two-game sweeps since joining theleague in the 1991-92 season. Miami has now recorded at least one seriessweep in each of the last five seasons. Below is a list of UM’s BIG EASTseries sweeps:

POWER SCHEDULE:

Miami’s schedule includes 11 schools that rank in the top-50all-time in terms of winning percentage in NCAA history. The BIG EASTConference alone has eight teams that rank in the top-50 all-time. Miamiwill play 14 of its 29 regular season games against schools that rank in thetop-50 all-time. Seven of those games will be played at Miami Arena. BIGEAST opponents in CAPS.

1999-00 BIG EAST STANDINGS (games through Nov. 27)

THIS WEEK IN THE BIG EAST:

Monday, November 29 Coppin State at Connecticut 7:00
St. Peter’s at Seton Hall 7:00
Hartford at Boston College 7:30
Colgate at Syracuse 7:30
Fairleigh Dickinson at Villanova 7:30

Tuesday, November 30
Duquesne at West Virginia 7:00
Bethune-Cookman at Miami 7:30
Boston University at Providence 7:30
Notre Dame at Indiana 8:00

Wednesday, December 1
Norfolk State at Pittsburgh 7:30
Coppin State at St. John’s 7:30

Friday, December 3
Richmond vs. Syracuse 8:00

Saturday, December 4
Tennessee at Pittsburgh Noon
Virginia at St. John’s Noon
McNeese State at West Virginia Noon
Massachusetts at Boston College 1:00
Seton Hall vs. George Washington 1:00
Providence at N.C. State 2:00
Vanderbilt at Notre Dame 2:00
Md.-Baltimore County at Rutgers 7:30
UNC-Asheville at Connecticut 8:00
Miami at Memphis 8:30
Syracuse vs. Long Beach State/St. Joseph’s TBD

1999-00 MIAMI BIG EAST TEAM RANKINGS (games through Nov. 27)

1999-00 INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (games through Nov. 27)