Larkin Cleared To Play Immediately For Miami

Nov. 15, 2011

More Information: Game Preview – Rutgers at UM

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami freshman guard Shane Larkin has received an NCAA waiver that will allow him to compete immediately for the men’s basketball team.

UM head coach Jim Larranaga intends to play Larkin in tonight’s game against Rutgers (7 p.m. at the BankUnited Center). Larkin initially signed and attended summer school at DePaul.  After transferring to UM, he needed an NCAA waiver to play for the Miami Hurricanes in 2011-12. 

“We have been very hopeful that Shane Larkin would be eligible to play this season and are tremendously grateful to the NCAA for approving his waiver,” said Larranaga.

“Shane adds a lot of speed, quickness and ball-handling ability to our already strong backcourt.  We look forward to working him into the rotation.”

The son of Cincinnati Reds legend Barry Larkin, Shane averaged 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game as a senior at Dr. Phillips High in Orlando.  He ended his high school career with a school record 320 steals and was second in career scoring behind 2010-11 All-SEC selection Chris Warren (Ole Miss).

A two-time all state player, he was also runner up for the 6A Player of the Year as a junior and senior.  His high school resume landed him among the top 20 point guards in the country by Scout.com and earned him a No. 72 national ranking.

The Canes, who won their first regular season game last Friday against Tennessee Tech, are battling through injuries to junior center Reggie Johnson, senior forward/center Julian Gamble and freshman guard Bishop Daniels. Additionally, the University of Miami decided to sit out senior guard DeQuan Jones for the entire 2011-12 season.

UM hosts BIG EAST foe Rutgers at 7 p.m. at the BankUnited Center.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-GoCanes or by Clicking Here.