Previewing Miami MBB’s Loaded Non-Conference Slate: Part 1

While its non-conference schedule is not yet finalized, Miami men’s basketball team is set to face at least five major conference opponents for the first time since 2015.

Here’s what you need to know about these teams heading into the 2023-24 season, starting with UM’s confirmed and potential opponents in the 2023 Baha Mar Classic.

vs. Georgia* (Nov. 17)

Miami will play Georgia in the first round of the Baha Mar Classic in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The Bulldogs missed the NCAA Tournament for the eighth consecutive season last year, finishing with a 16-16 record. Georgia did, however, acquire a surplus of talent through both the transfer portal and the high school recruiting ranks.

Portal additions include VCU transfer forward Jalen Deloach and Nova Southeastern forward RJ Sunahara, who led the Sharks to a Division II championship last year and was honored with the NABC National Player of the Year award. The Bulldogs also brought in consensus four-star prospects Silas Demary Jr. and Dylan James, as well as three-star forward Mari Jordan.

Georgia lost its three leading scorers to either professional leagues or the transfer portal but retained third-year guard Justin Hill, who averaged 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season.

vs. Kansas State* (Nov. 19) tentative

Depending on the result of its first-round matchup, Miami will play either Kansas State or Providence in the championship or consolation game.

Kansas State emerged as one of the best teams in the country last year, as seniors Keyontae Johnson and Marquis Nowell led the Wildcats to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2018.

With Johnson and Nowell no longer on the team, Kansas State will be relying on returning leading scorer and rebounder Nae’Qwan Tomlin and key transfer additions like Tylor Perry and Arthur Kaluma to shoulder the load this year.

This could also be Miami guard Nijel Pack’s first game against the Wildcats since transferring from Kansas State in 2022.

vs. Providence* (Nov. 19) tentative

With Ed Cooley taking the head coaching position at Georgetown, former George Mason head coach Kim English will look to lead Providence back to the NCAA Tournament this season.

Fortunately for English and the Friars, forward Bryce Hopkins and South Florida native Devin Carter, two of the three leading scorers from last year’s team, are returning to Providence for their junior seasons.

Three players from George Mason followed English to Providence, including fifth-year forward Josh Oduro, who averaged a team-high 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last year.

“*” indicates that the game will be played at a neutral location