The Great Kartik talks Miami Basketball…

King was a gamer, whose somewhat poor offensive skills never stopped him from making key blocks on defense and great rebounding on the both ends of the floor. King showed his heart and hustle by dominating Shelden Williams last year in the ACC Tournament against Duke.

Not only is King’s loss the worst possible blow to an already struggling Miami team, but it is a loss for a fan like me who enjoyed his work ethic and the pride he brought to the arena every night. King gave the Canes its first legitimate shot blocking and rebounding presence since the graduation of the great Tim James in 1999.

I hope the NCAA gives King an extra year of eligibility even though he played in two too many games for a redshirt. A competitor like King deserves another year to ply his trade in the ACC. Anthony King: the heart and soul of Miami Basketball. Thank you for a wonderful career if this is in fact the end.

Other Canes notes:

Coach Frank Haith has been impressed with the defensive skills of Senior walk-on forward Keaton Copeland from Miramar. Expect Copeland to fit a major role in the Hurricanes rotation for the rest of the season, especially with King, and fellow Flanagan High grad Adrian Thomas out for the season. Copeland is the type of local walk-on that Haith wants to attract to Miami, since many of the top local kids fly below the radar of national recruiting services.

Anthony Harris had a career high 33 points in the win at U Mass after scoring just 7 in the loss to Nebraska. It seems the Canes come and go with Harris, which is bad thing because a team that beats U Mass on the road should be able to handle Nebraska at home! Harris has to be a leader now that King is gone for the year. Hopefully he can rise to the challenge.

If Harris can keep himself together, expect to see more three guard looks on the floor with Harris, Denis Clemente and Jack McClinton playing at the same time. Miami’s frontcourt is somewhat slow, and Haith is determined to get a quicker team for defensive purposes.

Haith has not been happy with the lack of defensive intensity from Ray Hicks and Jimmy Graham. Don’t be surprised to see a major reduction in minutes for both frontcourt players if they don’t get their act together.

The Canes host Wake Forest tonight at the Bank United Center. Tip off time is 7:30 and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU. The Canes have an opportunity to start 2-0 in the ACC for the first time ever.