The Beast : What a week …

This was an action packed week for Hurricane sports. The return of football. Basketball coming to an end for both the men and women. Baseball turning things around and continuing on with their win-streak.

A pro timing day took place for some footballers getting ready to go next level, while some legendary Canes were inducted into the Hall of Fame (a heartfelt congrats for Dan Morgan, Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss and Bobby Hill.)

All that is behind us and lying ahead, a three-game series with Georgia Tech at A-Rod Park and tomorrow’s annual allCanes autograph session, in-store, featuring Leonard Hankerson, Orlando Franklin, Colin McCarthy, Damien Berry and DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Looking back at this past week, a disappointing ending on the hardwood for both squads. On the men’s side, it’s hard to argue that time team underachieved. My gut tells me this was one of the hardest season Frank Haith has even been a part of.

It’s one thing when you don’t think you’re very talented and fail to accomplish big things. It’s another when you think you’ve built up some talent and still don’t accomplish what you set out to do.

This team needs to find some leadership, a true point guard and some basketball smarts. As I watch the Big Dance unfold, I’m jealous when I see all those teams with true floor generals.

You need a smart quarterback in football, a smart catcher in baseball and a smart point guard in basketball. I don’t mind the combo guard philosophy, but it’s clear this team needs more direction on the floor. I don’t think it’s a ‘coaching’ issue as much as a recruiting issue.

I really liked what I saw from Rion Brown this year and think he’ll definitely grow into something special and I’ve heard amazing things about Kenny Kadji, which is promising.

Outside of a dismal first half against Alabama, I’ve never thought that a lack of effort was an issue. Mistake-prone? Yes. Not trying? No. Bottom line, I applaud this team for not giving up, but as fans we expect more and I’m sure this team does, too.

On the other end of the spectrum, Katie Meier for President. The women’s coach replaced a legend in Ferne Labati, came in with a plan and things are coming to fruition. What she accomplished with this group of girls is truly amazing.

I’ve had a chance to talk with several players and the head coach this past season, I’ve taken in a few practices and I’ve seen them behind the scenes. They’re the real deal and what you see is what you get. They’re fun, upbeat, smart, joyful, emotional and are really freakin’ good.

Miami ran into a juggernaut in Oklahoma; a team with more than its share of post-season experience, but don’t let a second-round loss take away from your admiration of this team. They’re all coming back next year and this program will get an influx of new players who are expected to be beyond outstanding.

The Canes could be even better next year, with Coach Meier really on the brink of something special – speaking of which, congrats to the Lady Canes’ leader for being tapped into Iron Arrow, the highest honor attainable at the University of Miami.

Regarding football, there’s not too much to say right now but with a few open scrimmages on deck, we’ll break things down pretty hard. The depth charts have again changed, which isn’t worth getting worked up over as there’s a lot of time between now and September.

I still don’t have a good feeling for things yet, but it’ll be much easier to wrap my arms around this squad after taking in a few scrimmages. What I will tell you is that every single person I’ve spoken with this spring has raved about true freshman corner Thomas Finnie standing out on defense. Pretty amazing that a kid who hasn’t yet been to his senior prom has come in and dominated – and keep in mind that this guy wasn’t even on Miami’s radar until Al Golden rolled into town. Truly a great story.

I got a chance to do an exclusive one-on-one with Jacory Harris earlier today, which you’ll hear on next week’s edition of allCanes Radio. I think you’ll like what he has to say about both the new offense and the team, as a whole.

Lastly, we’re really excited for tomorrow’s in-store signing session at allCanes. This is the first time in a while that I’ve been fired up about our prospects going into the NFL Draft as a class. The past four or five years have been tough, but these guys have really given it their all.

To have that final chance to say ‘thanks’ to Colin, Damien, Big O, DVD and Hank – it’s a pretty special thing and we hope you will head over after the Canes / Yellow Jackets game tomorrow afternoon. The guys will be signing from 5pm to 6pm and I’ll be hanging out as you guys wait in line to get your stuff signed. It’ll be a great time and if you have any questions between now and then, email us or call 800.226.4247.

We’re going to run an allCanes Radio Twitter contest this coming week, so make sure you’re following us at @allCanesBlog. The winner will get a *free ad* for their business on allCanes Radio for the next month. Follow our Twitter feed for more details and Go Canes!

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