Canes Hoops: Position Preview - Bigs (PF/C)

WHO'S BACK? HEIGHT WEIGHT YEAR

C Ebuka Izunda 6-10 231 So.

F Dewan Huell 6-11 220 So.

F Chris Stowell 6-7 208 Sr.

C Rodney Miller 7-0 258 So.

WHO'S NEW? HEIGHT WEIGHT YEAR

F Sam Waardenburg 6-9 205 Fr.

F Deng Gak 6-11 209 Fr.

Izunda will be a key big off the bench for Miami. He averaged 4.2 points and 3 rebounds during the 2016-2017 season. His athleticism will be impactful on the defensive end.

Huell will start and play a larger role this season than last season. He started 16 of 32 games he played in last year. In those games, he averaged 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images

Stowell, a walk-on, played in six game last year and figures to have the same kind of impact as before, since there are other more talented players ahead of him in the rotation.

Miller will come off the bench this season. The center can grab boards and protect the rim. He shot 45.5 percent (5-11) from the field and 44.4 percent (4-9) at the line last year.

Waardenburg a redshirt freshman should expect to earn his minutes off the bench. His size and shooting abilities will give Miami much needed fire power.

Gak is expected to redshirt. He hopes to continue his development, add strength and skill, and aid the ‘Canes in the future.

BOTTOM LINE

Expectations soared for the Men’s Basketball team this year after it was picked to finish fourth in the ACC preseason pool, tied for highest-ever finish since joining the conference, and voted 12^th in the preseason coaches poll. If the impressive, young talent in the front court can contribute early on, they will help Miami in its pursuit of an ACC title.