MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes will tip off the 2026-27 college basketball season against the Florida Gators on Nov. 2 in Tampa and another battle of the frontcourts is aligned.
Both programs faced off last year in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. The Gators' lengthy frontcourt proved to be overwhelming for the Hurricanes, resulting in an 82-66 loss for Jai Lucas and the team. Although familiar faces return for the upcoming rematch, new ones emerge too.
Here is a comparison for each starting frontcourt position:
Despite being projected as a first-round pick, Gators star Thomas Haugh decided to return for a senior season. He's coming off an All-American campaign: 17.1 points on 46 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and a block in 34 games (all starts).
Shelton Henderson returned to Coral Gables after a productive freshman season: 13.8 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts).
Haugh has an edge over the 19-year-old Hurricanes rising star, given his 6-9 and 215-pound frame and ability to space the floor. He shot 34.2 percent from behind the arc last season. Haugh can play on and off the ball and make an impact in various ways.
Alex Condon, similar to Haugh, passed on the NBA Draft despite a high stock. He returns to Gainesville for a senior season. Condon is a power forward who moves like a guard and plays like a traditional center. He does most of his damage right at the rim.
It's not exactly like three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, but the 22-year-old Gator makes good reads to get others involved.
Condon is coming off a career season: 15.1 points on 55.6 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 34 games (all starts).
The Hurricanes have an opening at starting power forward, but freshman Caleb Gaskins is projected to earn it. He was a five-star recruit from Christopher Columbus High School . Gaskins is listed at 6-8 and 219 pounds with a 7-1 wingspan. He was named a McDonald's All-American and helped deliver his alma mater a fifth consecutive state championship.
Gaskins has a reputation for being a versatile defender with offensive upside.
Condon currently owns the matchup, but the 18-year-old could change that in the upcoming months.
Rueben Chinyelu underwent the NBA Combine process, but couldn't pass up another opportunity with the Gators to compete for a National Championship. He's coming off a career season: 10.9 points on 58.4 percent shooting and led the Southeastern Conference with 11.2 rebounds in 35 games (all starts). Chinyelu received the Naismith, NABC, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Somto Cyril is the clear frontrunner to start for the Hurricanes in the middle. He has familiarity with the Gators' frontcourt after two years with the Georgia Bulldogs . Cyril faced them twice last season and both matchups didn't go well for him. The Nigerian native was ejected in the first meeting after receiving a flagrant foul penalty two, throwing an elbow at Cinyelu's neck.
The 21-year-old still led the SEC with a 2.2-block average in 33 games (32 starts), along with 9.3 points on 75.9 percent shooting and 5.4 rebounds.
Cyril and Chinyelu don't get many offensive opportunities; their impacts are measured by defense. Both are strong disruptors who play with aggression. Chinyelu currently has the matchup, but Cyril could flip the narrative this upcoming season.
The Hurricanes and Gators are one of the best rivalries in college sports, soon adding another chapter to their history.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes , Miami Heat , and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
