Kudos to former Miami Hurricanes point guard Shane Larkin as the junior-to-be made the right choice, giving up his final two years of eligibility, striking while the iron was hot and playing his way into the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Sugar Shane was technically drafted by Atlanta at eighteen, but in a deal with the Mavericks, he is headed to Dallas.
Dallas wound up trading down twice to attain Larkin, who averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals during his sophomore season. The Mavericks are trying to clear cap room for Dwight Howard, who is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers. Should the deal go through, Larkin could be traded in July.
Not the most ideal situation for a kid who is ready to start balling at the next level, but a crash course lesson in real life and the business side of professional sports.
Larkin is now the highest drafted Cane behind Rick Barry, who went second overall in 1965 and is now the highest UM player drafted since John Salmons went twenty-sixth in 2002.
Larkin’s stock rose in the post-season, wowing at the NBA Combine in Chicago weeks back and showing that his athleticism trumps his 5-foot-11 frame.
Congrats to #0. His legacy at The U is cemented, a driving force and floor general for the 2012-2013 season that ended with a Sweet Sixteen berth and two-seed in the NCAA Tournament back in March.