CLICK HERE TO LISTEN: “THE SPORTS BOSSES 2-21-17 HR 1”

After opening the link, choose the episode title above. For ‘Canes insight, listen to the first 7-8 minutes of the show. Here’s a breakdown of the topics:

2:00 - 4:00 — Breaking down Miami’s 54-48 victory of No. 18 Virginia. With a 19-8 record — 9-6 in ACC play — a bid to the Big Dance should be nearing mortal lock at this point in the regular season. Monday’s game was directly out of Tony Bennett and the Cavalier’s defensive playbook, so, how exactly did the Hurricanes get the job done and pull out a victory?

4:01 - 5:40 — Why exactly did Virginia come in Monday with a No. 18 national ranking — rocking the same 18-9, 8-6 ACC record as Miami? The polls have shown an understanding of the ACC’s spot atop the best conferences in college hoops and with 8, 9 ... potentially 10 ACC teams getting an invite to March Madness, why aren’t the ‘Canes getting the credit they deserve?

5:41 - 6:39— What’s up with Ja’Quan Newton and will he be back in the starting lineup for Saturday’s matchup against Duke? Most likely, yes, he’ll be inserted back into the starting point guard position, but, not without hesitation. Miami sent a message by going 3-0 in his absence, thus, the pressure is on ‘Quan to keep this win-train chugging along.

6:45 - 8:50 — What’s the deal with Coach Jim Larranaga? The man is a magician. Is it the system or is it him? I’d say it’s the person, not the tactics. The players feed off of the Coach L’s energy, and it’s starting to show in the recruiting process, as well. With a talented cast and more 5-Star recruits on the way, it’s fun times surrounding the ‘Canes Hoops program.

-@FialkowPunch