As 'Canes Push for Postseason, Rion Brown continues to Elevate

Where would Miami be this season with out Rion Brown?

Although the team has had its' up and downs, The 6'6 senior's play has been a bright spot all season.

As Coach Larranaga was quick to point out, the Hurricanes have been dependant on Brown from the get go.

"I think Rion has had a great great year" Larranaga noted.  "We as a team got off to a slow start. Our inexperience really showed. But Rion kept us going with some very solid leadership and some very good play on the perimeter."

While other members of the 'Canes have had their moments, Rion Brown has clearly been the team's best player. After spending his first three seasons as a sixth man and spot starter he has relished the opportunity to be the team's leading scorer.

On Sunday, he became the 35th member of Miami's 1,000 point club, scoring 22 points in a 69-42 win over visiting Boston College.

It was his tenth consecutive game in double figures and the 21st overall this season.

But equally as important, it was his defense that helped keep ACC 3rd leading scorer Olivier Hanlan in check (just 2-7 from the floor) .

Brown has been an above average defender since the time he stepped on campus, and everyone knows that when he is on he can fill it up from deep.  But this season he has also expanded his game and showed the ability to score with a well rounded medium game, more drives to the bucket, and of course at the rim.

But RB has also significantly improved his passing (2.3 apg) and especially his work on the glass (team leading 6.3 rpg).

Add that to the clutch shooting he has displayed, a team leading 15 ppg, and a very solid 80% clip from the charity stripe, and you have the makings of a potential ALL ACC campaign.

"In conference play he has been at his best and even improved" marveled Coach L. "His rebounding, his defense, his ball handling, his decision making, have all been outstanding."

With UM starting to play their best basketball of the season, it is no coincidence that Brown has also picked it up.

The Hurricanes clearly will only go as far as their 6'6 senior leader will take them.  And the way he is playing of late that might end up being a very good thing.

Be sure to check out the action as Brown and UM battle ACC leader #14 Virginia (23-5, 14-1) Wednesday Night 2/26 at 7PM in Charlottesville.