CBS Sports
Report: Contracts Being Extended for Meier, Larrañaga
With the achievements of each of the Miami Hurricanes women’s and men’s basketball programs, rewards for the head coaches were deserved.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, that’s what will happen.
Katie Meier and Jim Larrañaga led wonderful 2022-23 seasons for the Hurricanes. What they also did was represent The U with dignity and respect. Starting with Meier, consider what happened this past season.
Meier and her Lady Canes went to the Elite 8 and finished the season with a 22-13 record. Miami got hot at the right time – during the NCAA Tournament – including that incredible first round comeback against Oklahoma State.
Also, how about finding a way to fend off Villanova and talented forward Maddy Siegrist? The Canes made big shots, including Jasmyne Roberts getting to the bucket and laying it in for a Miami 66-65 lead that would never be relinquished. Miami defeated Villanova 70-65 to advance to the Elite 8.
Even with the loss to eventual national champion LSU, the Miami women’s team showcased its grit and determination. Meier’s personality was fingerprinted all over the team she ran, and it was a blast to watch her squad play ball.
The men’s team also took on the personality of its leader.
Few coaches seem more at ease on the sidelines than Larrañaga, and the final 29-8 record was evidence. Even when his Canes were down to teams like Drake, Indiana, Houston, and Texas during the NCAA Tournament, Larrañaga held the same confident demeanor on the sidelines.
His team fed off of that positivity. In particular, Larrañaga and the Canes stormed back against Texas in the second half when the defense, not the often discussed Hurricanes offense, led the way.
Steals, tough defense that led to fastbreak points allowed Miami to beat Texas 88-81 and advance to the Final Four. During that game, Miami’s Jordan Miller knocked down 13 of 13 free throws and 7 of 7 shots from the floor to finish the evening with 27 points. The way Miller did it, again, resembled the cool and calm nature of his head coach.
Also of note, that comeback did not just happen, as coaching was a major factor that allowed players to perform at a high level.
Players from across the roster saw their games rise over the course of the season, and that game against the Longhorns was a prime example of the development that Larrañaga and his assistant coaching staff provided.
Overall, Miami’s men’s hoops shared the co-ACC championship with Virginia and ended the year in the Final Four against eventual national champion Connecticut.
Congratulations to Meier and Larrañaga for what they have accomplished in Coral Gables and good luck to each of them as their programs continue under their guidance.
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