Nijel Pack is being watched for the Bob Cousy Award
College basketball’s 2023-24 season is right around the corner, and that means the preseason conversations, projections, and accolades are ramping up around the country. In Springfield, Massachusetts, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is eyeing the early contenders for its five individual player performance awards. Take, for instance, the Bob Cousy Award, given annually to the best point guard in college basketball. Today, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame identified 20 of the top point guards nationwide and named them preseason candidates for the Bob Cousy.
Miami’s Nijel Pack made the list, as did four other point guards on Miami‘s schedule.
| Isaiah Stevens | Colorado State |
| Steven Ashworth | Creighton |
| Tyrese Proctor | Duke |
| Ryan Nembhard | Gonzaga |
| Jamal Shead | Houston |
| Dajuan Harris Jr. | Kansas |
| DJ Wagner | Kentucky |
| Tyler Kolek | Marquette |
| Jahmir Young | Maryland |
| Jahvon Quinerly | Memphis |
| Nijel Pack | Miami (Fla.) |
| RJ Davis | North Carolina |
| Boo Buie | Northwestern |
| Ace Baldwin Jr. | Penn State |
| Judah Mintz | Syracuse |
| Zakai Zeigler | Tennessee |
| Max Abmas | Texas |
| Wade Taylor IV | Texas A&M |
| Tristen Newton | UConn |
| Isaiah Collier | USC |
Matthew Cleveland ranks No. 1 Transfer in the ACC conference this season
with Matthew Cleveland being ranked the highest out of all the 15 transfers he was slotted at the No. 1 spot.
Matthew Cleveland came over from in state rival Florida State, At his time at FSU Cleveland averaged 13.8 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game last season. He comes to Miami with two years of eligibility remaining. he stands at 6-foot-7 and i’ve seen him listed as both guard and a forward.
Cleveland had an eight-game stretch last season when he recorded double-doubles in each game and averaged 17.5 points and 11.9 rebounds. The Miami basketball team will slot Cleveland either in the 3 or the 4. now this was a great pickup for the Hurricanes after losing forward Jordan Miller
With the departures of Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller to the NBA to go with several players transferring out of Miami, Miami Hurricanes fans were expecting Coach Jim Larrañaga to be extremely active in the transfer portal. However the Hurricanes only landed one player, but one that will surely make an impact.
Former five-star recruit Matthew Cleveland comes over from Florida State to provide some much needed help on the wing. Cleveland took a big step up from his freshmen year to his sophomore season, and looks to continue to climb the rankings.
Cleveland’s top goal should be to become a better shooter, especially with the offense we’ve seen Coach Larrañaga run while at Miami. It’s uncertain the degree that Norchad Omier has improved from behind the arc, so Cleveland being below average from range would be a problem to the team.
Additionally, Cleveland should be able to become one of the best two-way players in the nation not just the conference. He’ll be surrounded by better players and coaching that can further unlock his potential.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
