The University of Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Team appeared to get one step closer to some very big news today:
BOLT: TaShawn Thomas cancels his visit to Oregon per @jeffborzello http://t.co/skBQrLB4DR
— Matt Prehm (@Prehmmr247) May 6, 2014
Which leaves us here......
TaShawn Thomas cancelled his visit to Oregon?! Aww yeah. Miami or Oklahoma it is. Choose wisely, kids.
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) May 6, 2014
TaShawn Thomas Miami vs OU, word is he could decide as early as next week on his new home. Expect a waiver request to be made @Ktizzle42
— Charlie Strauzer (@strauzer) May 6, 2014
So what would Thomas arrival mean to UM?
Before we get to that, it is important to point out that Thomas has used 3 years of eligibility already, and has just one left.
There is a very good chance he applies for a waiver and immediate eligibility.
But despite leaving Houston on some very difficult terms, (allegedly there were some very restrictive terms on how and when he could leave) it is probably 50/50 that the NCAA grants the waiver.
Additionally it will not be easy to beat Oklahoma out for his services. Remember it was OU that beat Miami out for 4 star combo forward Dante Buford, just last year.
But let's just say the 6'8 240 pound Thomas arrives.
Hold on to your horses 'Canes fans. This is a guy who is a legit double double threat and is coming off a season in which he averaged 15.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.7 BPG, & 1.2 SPG on .591 % from the floor.
That's a pretty good all around game.
But don't take my word for it, here is a closer look (UHAthletics):
Some of the skills that are evident and part of the scouting report include: soft hands, good touch, uses his body well, and good feel with his back to the basket.
On top of that he regularly played some of his best hoops against top competition.
On 12/31/13 against future National Champion UConn he went for 23 and 8. In 2 contests Vs then defending champs Louisville he averaged 13.5 ppg and 8 rpg.
So he would NOT appear to be overwhelmed should he come to the ACC.
In summary, Miami fans should cross their fingers. Thomas is a not just a unique talent, but also the perfect compliment for UM's current roster.
He would take pressure off the development of Tonye Jekiri, and the adjustments of Omar Sherman and Ivan Cruz Uceda, down low.
Not to mention a nice option as a receiver for the passes of Angel Rodriguez and Manu Lecomte as well as an offensive rebounder for the volume of shots UM's talented perimeter players like Deandre Burnett, Sheldon McClellan, and Davon Reed promise to take.
Stay tuned 'Canes fans.