If you've kept a close eye on the Noles this year, you know they have the makings of a very good squad.
Any team coached by Leonard Hamilton is going to be very sound defensively. But this year they have pushed the pace some and shown they can score as well (at times).
Wins over a very good VCU squad, an underrated UMass team, coupled with beat downs of Clemson and Maryland have this team top 20 in the vaunted Pomeroy rankings.
Sophomore Aaron Thomas is a name that ACC fans will get to know soon enough. And seniors Okaro White and Ian Miller are excellent complimentary players who can step in the spot light when needed.
Here's what the 'Canes need to do in order to pick up what would arguably be their best win of the season:
Penetrate and dish.
FSU is a long and skilled defensive team that has two 7 footers in Boris Bojanovsky and Michael Ojo defending the rim. Miami needs Garrius Adams and Manu LeComte to get into the teeth of that defense and find open shooters. Rion Brown and Davon Reed will be the likely benefactors if Adams and LeComte can get inside. They can also look for James Kelly, Tonye Jekiri, and Erik Swoope to finish from in close. If UM is taking a lot of shots off the dribble, it is going to be a long night.
Take care of the ball.
Thomas, Miller, and Devon Bookert will kill UM with transition dashes to the basket if Miami is sloppy with the ball. The Hurricanes absolutely must turn this into a half court bloodbath to win.
Pressure the ball in the match-up zone.
The Noles can be forced into errors if you get in their hip pocket. Florida State turned the ball over 16 times in their last loss to Virginia. Miami has done a better job of late getting into passing lanes. If FSU turns the ball 15 times or more, UM should win. If it is 10 or fewer, they are in big trouble.
Just a few hours until tip off at the BUC. Enjoy!!