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Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball on ACC Watch
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- Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball on ACC Watch
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season, Jai Lucas constructed another competitive roster. He added seven transfers, two freshmen, and an international Russian talent. However, the core of it all is the return of sophomores Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen .
Both delivered an immediate impact last season as rookies. Given the departures of several veterans, Henderson and Allen will be relied upon more heavily. They finished last season as starters and are very likely to retain the expanded roles.
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According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, he voted Henderson as an All-Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason First-Team honoree. The former five-star recruit averaged 13.8 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts). Henderson showed flashes of great promise as a freshman. He's 6-6 and 240 pounds, athletic, and a threat in the restricted area.
Henderson needs to improve as an outside shooter – 25.5 percent from behind the arc last season. The number of attempts doesn't need to skyrocket, but the efficiency needs to improve. It would open the Hurricanes' offense and spacing. Henderson has the talent to be among the nation's best players, but it will need to be proven on the court.
Meanwhile, Allen wasn't on the list, but Rothstein voted him as an ACC breakout player . He averaged 6.6 points on 43.1 percent shooting, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a steal in 30 games (18 starts) last season. Allen was first the Hurricanes' backup facilitator, then moved to a starting shooting guard role in the second half of the year.
Both Hurricanes stars were pledged to other programs – Henderson to Duke and Allen to Villanova – until Lucas lured them to Coral Gables. They played meaningful roles in the Hurricanes' historic 26-9 turnaround season. Henderson and Allen will inherit more responsibilities, which can translate to individual success.
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Given the revamped supporting cast around them, the Hurricanes are in position to compete for the ACC Crown and emerge as dark horses for the National Championship. Lucas established a new standard and foundation as a first-year head coach. He put together a competitive schedule, which features Florida , Alabama , Texas , Duke, UNC, Virginia , and Louisville .
It can sharpen the Hurricanes' winning habits, especially ahead of ACC play.
Henderson and Allen are aligned for major breakout seasons. They will be relied upon to elevate the Hurricanes' standard and carve out promising NBA futures.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: alexagmu@gmail.com | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
More Miami Hurricanes News:
– "How the Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Roster Help Unlock Dante Allen"
– "Was Miami Hurricanes' Mark Fletcher Jr. Disrespected in ACC Running Back Rankings?"
– "Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Announce 2026-27 Non-Conference Schedule"
