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UM’s Jai Lucas on Malik Reneau’s Eligibility: ‘We Really Don’t Have Any Answers’
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- UM’s Jai Lucas on Malik Reneau’s Eligibility: ‘We Really Don’t Have Any Answers’
(Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – The 2026-27 Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team held its first official practice on Monday, with portions of media viewing, and former star forward Malik Reneau was present and a full participant.
In early August, the 23-year-old reportedly filed a lawsuit in South Carolina to return to college basketball. Reneau went undrafted this year, then signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Orlando Magic. Shortly after, the NCAA changed its eligibility rules to the five-by-five model.
After a limited stint in the Las Vegas Summer League, Reneau is looking to play a fifth college basketball season. However, there's no indication as to where the case is going and when asked, head coach Jai Lucas couldn't provide any clarity.
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"It's just day by day," he said. "Malik is going day by day and we're just trying to figure out what's next. If he will be able to play or be in shape to go somewhere else and continue his professional career. We really don't have any answers. I don't think anybody does. He's here, practicing and participating; he's in school. We're just working towards that."
The Hurricanes have a plethora of options at power forward, such as Caleb Gaskins, DeSean Goode, Robert Miller III, and Christopher Birden Jr.
Last season, Reneau was the program's go-to option offensively. He averaged 18.9 points on 54 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts). Reneau was the only senior to receive All-Atlantic Coast Conference First Team honors.
The Hurricanes still have a roster spot open, just in case the all-clear goes through. Reneau would likely be an immediate starter, but the style of play won't be the same as last season. Returning sophomores Dante Allen and Shelton Henderson are looking to take on expanded roles.
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Reneau would have to adjust in lesser touches and fewer plays called for him. It would present an opportunity for the Miami (Fla.) native to improve as a playmaker. Reneau's 6-9 and 238-pound frame should help in seeing the court.
The Hurricanes are projected to be ranked in the Associated Press' Top 25 preseason poll for the first time since the 2023-24 season. Coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround season, there are high expectations for the program moving forward.
With or without Reneau, there's a lot of exciting talent on the Coral Gables campus. The Hurricanes could rise as a dark horse, not just in the ACC, but for the National Championship. Although it hasn't been done in program history, coach Lucas is transforming college basketball in South Florida.
The Hurricanes will tip off the 2026-27 college basketball season on Nov. 2 against the Florida Gators at Tampa (Fla.). It's unclear whether Reneau will be on the roster or not by then, but it will be an immediate testing matchup.
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
