The Beast : Canes Get Kinged

Our good friends Steve Gorten and Shandel Richardson from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel bring us the news that the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team will be dawning LeBron James Nike gear next season.

As much as South Floridians may be down on The King for his disappearing act in The Finals, this is great news for the University of Miami. Both Ohio State and Kentucky will also get to wear James’ Nike gear next season – the Buckeyes from his home state and the Wildcats, as James has history with UK head coach John Calapari.

Miami basketball needed a push anywhere it can get one. The hiring of former George Mason head coach Jim Larranaga was a coup for ‘The U’ and adding more excitement to the off-season, some big time branding from Nike and arguably the biggest name in the game.

UM has always been one of Nike’s showcase schools, but to have the opportunity to wear gear endorsed by LeBron is monumental.

To some this is just new gear, but it goes beyond jerseys, shorts and shoes. This is about the promotion of a program that has been very close to falling off the radar the past few years. The addition of a quality coach and new unis will help give the Canes in the fight to regain relevance.

After a few months on the job, it’s obvious that Coach L has a ton of connection that are paying dividends both on and off the course. The James endorsement helps solidify that. Fans are all about flash and entertainment. We want a show and we like the spotlight on us.

I can only imagine that with the NBA in a lockout, that LBJ will make a few appearances at the Bank United Center next season. He visited the practice facility last year and now not only will UM basketball get some pointers from The King, but some fashion tips, as well. We’ll take it.

This may also give some incentive for casual fans who aren’t diehard Canes to buy some orange and green basketball gear, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a school that needs as many revenue sources as exist.

Congrats to Coach L, his staff and new athletic director Shawn Eichorst for locking down this deal with Nike and LeBron. In some ways, Hurricane basketball just got its first victory and it’s only July.

Lastly, don’t forget that Canes305 and I are taking your questions throughout the summer. We have another three weeks or so until camp opens and we’re ready and waiting to answer all your U-related questions.

Ask us anything about the program, anything about allCanes or anything about Hurricane athletics in general and we’ll post the best questions here. Tweet us, drop a line on Facebook or email us your questions. Go Canes.

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