Beverly Next in Line
By Alex Schwartz
HurricaneSports.com
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Harlond Beverly is aware of who came before him and knows he has big shoes to fill.
A 6-foot-4-inch guard, the Miami freshman was one of the most highly-touted players in the country in the class of 2019. The Detroit native, who comes to The U by way of Montverde Academy (Fla.), placed No. 54 nationally in the 247Sports composite rankings.
Beyond his stature as a ballyhooed recruit, though, Beverly is also stepping into a spot at Miami that has consistently featured high-level success during Jim Larrañaga’s eight-year tenure.
While different in their own ways, players such as Bruce Brown Jr., Sheldon McClellan, Trey McKinney-Jones, Davon Reed and Lonnie Walker IV have all occupied the role of a long wing for Coach L, en route to NBA careers.
“That was the focal point of the recruitment,” Beverly said. “UM showing me highlights of guys that they had prior to me and showing how they can take things . . . they weren’t necessarily as good at and making them better. So, I feel like that was great. It was very appealing for me, so I can improve.”
Beverly cited Brown and Walker as players the staff showed him a lot of, also mentioning Shane Larkin, the 2013 ACC Player of the Year and also an NBA player, albeit as a point guard.
Miami, one of two ACC schools to have a player selected in the NBA Draft each of the last three years, clearly knows what it takes to develop wings. However, Beverly also knows much of the onus to keep the lineage alive falls on him.
“I have to give 100 percent every day,” Beverly said. “That’s what [the coaches said] they did, that’s how they improved every day. So, if I want to be where they are at, I’ve got to do the same thing.”
Beverly sees similarities between his style and that of both Brown and Walker, specifically referencing his defensive abilities and overall knowledge of the game.
The 2018 Michigan Class D Player of the Year at Southfield Christian, Beverly does not model his game after anyone who came before him in Coral Gables, or anyone else for that matter, but rather says, “I just want to be the best version of me.”
What does that entail? Well, Beverly lists his height, athleticism, defense, passing and scoring ability as his strengths on the hardwood.
Those are some of the traits possessed by Hurricanes who filled his role before him and found major success.
“It means I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Beverly said of being next in line behind that group. “I’m excited for the season. I can improve; I’m just excited for it.”
That excitement will become reality Nov. 5 at the Watsco Center, when Miami hosts Louisville, expected to be ranked top-10 nationally, in the season opener.
