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Balance That Roster: 'Canes Land PF/C Ivan Cruz Uceda

It's been a good week for recruiting big men in Coral Gables for 2014-2015. Earlier in the week, 4* C/PF Omar Sherman committed to Miami and now he's joined by Ivan Cruz Uceda, a big body with Euro-roots and the ability to step outside 3-point range and cause some damage. EDITOR'S NOTE: We were able to talk to Uceda today and have updated this piece to include some quotes at the end.

By Josh Kaufman
USA TODAY Sports

With Kenny Kadji battling for a spot on the very young and very talented Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami will go at least a season without a "stretch-4". It appears Cruz Uceda was recruited to fill that important role in Coach Larranaga's balanced offensive approach.

PF/C Cruz Uceda stands at 6'10 230 and like many European imports, he plays both inside and outside and loves to shoot the three ball. Cruz Uceda wasn't recruited out of his native Spain so he came to the United States and has been playing his college ball in Harcum College, a JUCO in Pennsylvania. He averaged 16 points a game and almost 11 rebounds during his freshman season.

Uceda was being recruited by Iowa State, Penn State and others, but he decided to commit to the University of Miami in the middle of his visit. He [Uceda] also makes it the fourth commitment of this recruiting cycle for Coach Larranaga and his staff, joining Ja'Quan Newton, James Palmer and newly committed Omar Sherman.

24/7 Sports has Larranga's 2014-2015 recruiting class ranked #17 - before the commitment of Cruz Uceda - which should sent it a few notches higher. With this year's promising additions of JUCO big man James Kelly and polished Belgian PG Manu LeComte, the 'Canes are leaving no stone unturned on the recruiting trail and are working feverishly to balance the roster into the future.

Junior College rankings are not out at the moment, but we believe Cruz Uceda will be somewhere in the top-50 when they are released. Uceda will have two-years left of eligibility when he arrives in Coral Gables. (UPDATE: NextUpRecruits.com ranks Uceda as the 16th best JUCO in the country).

If you want to get a little bit more familiar with Uceda, here's the recent interview our own Charlie Strauzer had with him.

Assist to Juan Toribio on this update!

WELCOME TO THE U, IVAN

*UPDATED: Quotes from Uceda given to Charlie Strauzer:

SOTU: What made you commit during your visit?

Uceda: "I decided to commit (to Miami) because I felt really comfortable with all the player and the coaches and they have a great sports management program"

SOTU: When do you plan to enroll at Miami?

Uceda: "I will probably come here in the summer so I will start (playing) next fall"