Matthew Cleveland Finds New Home with Florida State's Rival

The former Seminole has found his transfer destination and it's not somewhere you'd expect.

Former Florida State wing Matthew Cleveland has found a new home, and it’s not where any FSU fan would’ve expected just two months ago: the University of Miami. 

The former 5-Star prospect and rising junior is coming off a season where he averaged 13.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.8 APG while shooting 44.5% from the floor and 35% from 3. His biggest improvements this past season came from 3 and rebounding, but NBA scouts want to see him be more consistent from 3 and defending. 

READ MORE: Two High-Profile Transfers Expected on Florida State's Campus For Official Visits This Weekend

It wasn’t that long ago that Cleveland hit a shot from the logo to beat Miami in their arena before throwing down the U, now he’ll be joining them as the Hurricanes look to replicate their run to the Final Four. As of now, Miami is losing Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller, while Norchad Omier and Nijel Pack are testing professional waters while keeping the option open to return to school for another season. 

I’m fascinated to see what kind of welcome he’ll get when Miami comes to Tallahassee this season. On one hand, he gave Florida State two incredible buzzer-beaters against Virginia and Miami, but on the other hand, he’s joining Miami; one of FSU’s biggest rivals. I imagine he’ll get booed more than anyone since Grayson Allen. 

In this day and age of NIL and open transfers, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but it’s going from Florida State to Miami. We saw it in football with Darrell Jackson going from Miami to FSU, but Cleveland was throwing the U down more than anyone. 

READ MORE: Denver Broncos Extend Mini-Camp Invite to Former Florida State Running Back

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