Earlier today, Jack McClinton announced he’d return to The U for his senior season. McClinton was an All-ACC First Team selection last season and the first Hurricane in history to garner such an honor.
“Jack is the heart and soul of this team,” said head coach Frank Haith. “He is a tremendous young man with an unmatched work ethic, who has just worked incredibly hard for everything he has achieved. There is no question we are a better team with Jack McClinton on the court, and I truly believe he is one of the most talented and dedicated players in all of Division I basketball.”
The 6’1″ guard led the league in three-point field goals per game (2.94) and free throw percentage (.919) while ranking second in three-point field goal percentage (.427) and fifth in scoring with 17.7 points per game – with an 18.8 point average in ACC games.
Joining McClinton next year will be Villanova transfer Malcolm Grant. Grant was a freshman point guard for the Wildcats last season and asked for/received his release a few weeks back.
Grant appeared in 29 games as a freshman (2007-08) – averaging 5.6 ppg and starting in four games. He supposedly parted ways with Villanova due to a lack of minutes and playing time. As for his choice to head south to The U, Grant fell in love with the program. He also had a relationship with coach Haith, who recruited him out of high school.
“He’s a multi-faceted guard,” said high school coach Todd Myles. “He’s a great passer and great scorer.”
Score two big ones for Miami basketball this off-season with the addition of Grant and recommitment from McClinton. 2008-09 just got that much more interesting. (Note: Grant will have to sit out the ’08 season due to transfer rules.)
On the baseball front, the Canes remain a top the polls. The #1 Hurricanes racked up a 4-1 record this past week. A 14-game win streak was snapped against hometown ‘rival’ Florida Atlantic. The U is now 1-1 against FAU on the season and will face the Owls on Wednesday evening for the ‘rubber match’ up in Boca Raton.
Miami also took out Florida Gulf Coast before heading to Atlanta for a three-game series with tenth-ranked Georgia Tech. Friday’s game was postponed due to the untimely death of Yellow Jackets pitcher Michael Hutts.
The series resumed with a double-header on Saturday. Miami rolled, 10-5 in game one behind the arm of Chris Hernandez and bat of Dave DiNatale. Hernandez allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings and struck out three. DiNatale went 3-for-5 with two RBI.
Hours later it was the Blake Tekotte show. Two home runs. 12 total bases. 4-for-4 with four runs scored and seven RBI as the Miami cruised to a 15-5 win in game two of the doubleheader.
Sunday’s game was a 9-3 Miami victory for the sweep. The Jackets got out to a two-run lead after two, which the Canes tied up in the top of the third. Miami broke the game open over the next four innings, scoring six more.
The weekend sweep brought the Canes to 30-3 on the year and set the stage for a #1 vs. #2 match up this weekend in Tallahassee when Miami takes on second-ranked Florida State.
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