Miami Basketball Boasting a Deep Bench, Sparked by Freshman

If you don't believe that the Miami Hurricanes young role players have been impressive, just ask the man in charge.

"If you look at the Florida game all four of our freshmen [DeAndre Burnett, Ja'Quan Newton, Omar Sherman, James Palmer] came off the bench and every one of them made a contribution." - Miami Head Coach Jim Larranaga

And the contributions have not stopped post Gainesville.

Sunday night in the Gildan Charleston Classic, Miami found themselves in a dog fight with Charlotte early on.

But in the final moments of the first half, Palmer stepped up and knocked down two huge trifectas from the right corner to gives the 'Canes some breathing room.  They would go on to blow the doors open in an impressive second half en route to a 77-58 win.

Palmer (8.4 ppg, a white hot 59% 3P %) would finish with 12 points on 5-7 from the floor, none bigger than the two triples he hit in the closing moments of the opening stanza.

The 6'4 combo guard from Washington D.C. is not alone.

Fellow first year players Omar Sherman and JaQuan Newton have also been impressive.

Sherman a 6'8 stretch four, is averaging 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg.  He has also been stout defensively down low, and knocked down 39% of his long range bombs, including a huge one down the stretch Vs UF back on 11/17.

Newton has come off the bench and played both guard spots like a seasoned vet.  The top prep player from the Philadelphia in the class of 2013, has been both tough and reliable and has 3 assists in three of his past four games.

The trio all bring different skill sets to the equation but one thing they have in common is that all three are playing beyond their years.

Sherman, Newton, and Palmer have all defended well, not to mention played the type of unselfish basketball that has helped the undefeated 'Canes (5-0) rack up 16 assists per contest and shoot 50% from the floor as a team.

UM's bench consisting primarily those three has also pitched in nearly 20 points a game.

Not too shabby for a group of first year players.

Miami's bench also promises to get deeper when 6'10 C/F Ivan Cruz Uceda fulfills his 17 game NCAA suspension.

Not to mention sharp shooting RS freshman G Deandre Burnett, who has been slowed in the early season with injuries.

"Two words: bucket-getter," Larranaga said, when asked to describe Burnett.

One thing is for certain,  with so much skill and youth on the 'Canes bench, the future is bright.

That includes the remainder of 2014-15 and of course beyond.

Miami returns to action tonight Vs the very same 49ers team they defeated Sunday.  The game starts at 9PM EST and can be seen on Fox Sports Network and heard on WQAM.

Sunday's Highlights: