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Malik Reneau Officially Reinstated in UM Men's Basketball Roster
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- Malik Reneau Officially Reinstated in UM Men's Basketball Roster
(Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – After months of a lawsuit against the NCAA, All-Atlantic Coast Conference forward Malik Reneau has been added to the Miami Hurricanes ' 2026-27 roster and will play a fifth season of college basketball, as announced via social media.
The 23-year-old was part of a wave of student-athletes from the 2022 high school recruiting class who were granted another year of NCAA eligibility by United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney of the District of Colorado.
Before the last college basketball season tipped off, Reneau was one of six transfers joining the Coral Gables program. He was the centerpiece of what Jai Lucas was building as a first-time head coach. Reneau took full advantage of the opportunity and didn't look back. He averaged 18.9 points on 54 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts) – several new career-high marks.
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Reneau was a significant factor in the Hurricanes' historic 26-9 turnaround season. It was more than enough for "The U" to return to March Madness for the first time since the 2023 Final Four run. However, Reneau returns to a completely different Hurricanes squad.
Former teammates Tre Donaldson ( Miami Heat ) and Ernest Udeh Jr. ( Cleveland Cavaliers ) are pursuing NBA careers and didn't file lawsuits for a fifth year of NCAA eligibility. Reneau has familiarity with Dante Allen and Shelton Henderson, but this time around, both returning sophomores are projected to take on expanded roles with more responsibilities.
The Hurricanes added eight transfers this offseason, including playmaking guard Acaden Lewis, shot-blocking center Somto Cyril , and Men's Horizon League Player of the Year forward DeSean Goode. Plus, two freshmen are tagging along, one being former five-star recruit Caleb Gaskins.
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Reneau will need to adjust to different personnel for the upcoming college basketball season. He might not be the go-to option like last year, especially as Henderson is expected to break out. Reneau is a reliable scorer, but rebounding and playmaking could be a greater emphasis this upcoming season.
The Hurricanes are projected to be ranked in the Associated Press' Top 25 preseason poll. Reneau's return could boost them higher than originally anticipated. The Hurricanes are looking to climb into contention status, not just in the ACC, but around the nation.
Coach Lucas has established a high standard for basketball around the Coral Gables campus. This upcoming season will be about raising it higher. The Hurricanes will face several highlighted opponents, both non-conference and ACC, to prove themselves, with Reneau as part of the journey.
It starts in Tampa (Fla.) on Nov. 2 against the Florida Gators .
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
