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The Hurricanes will enter the 2017-18 season with higher expectations than last year. ESPN ranked the incoming class 10th overall. The highest ranking a Miami squad has ever received. Head coach Jim Larranaga has plenty of young talent in this freshman class. Each member of this class has an opportunity to contribute to the team. ‘Canes fans be sure to become familiar with their names: guard Lonnie Walker IV, guard Chris Lykes, forward Sam Waardenburg and forward Deng Gak.
Lonnie Walker
Height/Weight: 6-4, 192 LBS
Hometown: Reading, PA (Reading HS)
247Sports Composite Rating: Five-star
All-American Lonnie Walker was sidelined with a meniscus injury, but will be ready to go for the season opener. The freshman was also named to the 2018 Jerry West Award Preseason Watch List. Look forward to Walker making an immediate impact on the team. He can be electric weapon for the Hurricanes.
Chris Lykes
Height/Weight: 5-7, 160 LBS
Hometown: Mitchellville, MD (Gonzaga College HS)
247Sports Composite Rating: Four-star
Freshman Chris Lykes’ athleticism will shine over him being limited by his size. Lykes is a proven scorer, explosive, and can dunk. The newcomer has a high basketball IQ and can facilitate for the team at point.
Sam Waardenburg
Height/Weight: 6-9, 205 LBS
Hometown: Henderson, New Zealand (Rangitoto College)
247Sports Composite Rating: Three-star
Sam Waardenburg redshirted his first year and has had time to adjust to the game at the collegiate level. Waardenburg stayed active during the summer competing for New Zealand at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. His experience playing international ball makes him one of the ‘Canes fiercest competitors.
Deng Gak
Height/Weight: 6-10, 195 LBS
Hometown: Sydney, Australia (Blair Academy)
247Sports Composite Rating: Four-star
Freshman Deng Gak is a skilled player and has no fear of contact. The big man is a proven winner. He can protect the rim, block shots and score buckets. He can help Miami put up points with his mid-range jumper if the coaches put him in the rotation.
This freshman group is loaded with talent and will be instrumental to the ‘Canes success this season. They all have the skills to make this team better than last year’s squad. These four players can play a large role in how far Miami goes this season.