CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes solidified their standing as a formidable team with the return of defensive standout Tru Washington in their recent victory over NC State. With a record of 20-5 and 9-3 in the ACC, the Hurricanes demonstrated their resilience, particularly in a nail-biting finish where Washington netted the final five points, underscoring his crucial role on the court.
“He’s huge,” said Head Coach Jai Lucas, emphasizing the team’s improved performance with Washington back in action. “We’re our best version of ourselves with everybody, and for me, and it has been true the whole year. He’s our X factor.”
Washington’s contributions were significant; he finished the game with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting, supplemented by six rebounds, four of which were offensive. His recent absence for personal reasons became evident during previous games, where the Hurricanes struggled without his defensive prowess. The team’s performance underscores the vital role Washington plays, elevating Miami beyond a typical tournament contender.
Coach Lucas noted Washington’s impact on both ends of the floor, stating, “He can come in and get three steals that turn into something, come in and hit two or three 3-pointers.” He lauded Washington’s confidence and experience, attributing his winning mentality—gained from winning two conference championships—to his ability to perform in clutch situations. Lucas added that Washington’s return allows the team to operate more effectively, ensuring players are in their natural positions while adding depth and scoring power.
Miami faced challenges in depth without Washington, relying on freshman Dante Allen, who performed admirably in critical moments. With Washington back, he can defend a range of positions, making him a valuable asset as the Hurricanes aim to bolster their NCAA Tournament standings.
Currently, Miami is projected as a No. 9 or No. 10 seed for the NCAA Tournament by various analysts. Jerry Palm from CBS Sports forecasts an exciting potential matchup against No. 8 Texas, while ESPN’s Joe Lunardi places them against No. 7 Utah State. With several more victories on the horizon, the Hurricanes could solidify their tournament position and possibly break into the top 25 rankings.
As they prepare for the next phase of the season, Miami is poised to be one of the most dangerous teams nationally, with the potential to advance to the Sweet 16 or even the Elite 8 depending on their matchups. Fans are encouraged to stay connected through various social media channels for the latest updates on the Miami Hurricanes.