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2024 Miami Heat Mock Draft Roundup: February 17 – Hot Hot Hoops

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2024

2024 Miami Heat Mock Draft Roundup: February 17 – Hot Hot Hoops

Virginia forward Ryan Dunn is one of many prospects who have been linked to the Miami Heat ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics)

We are approximately one month away from the most exciting time of the college basketball season: The NCAA Tournament! The 2023-24 NBA All-Star break has arrived, so let’s discuss which (potential) 2024 NBA Draft Prospects are being linked to the Miami Heat!

Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman; Feb. 13):

No. 16: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

“Opinions vary on Stephon Castle. Mixing productive games with quiet ones, he’s showing a mix of scoring physicality, playmaking at 6’6″ and defense, while questions about his creation quickness and shooting range continue to linger.

“He’s had some bigger games of late—including consecutive 20-point efforts—and Connecticut’s loaded roster can make it difficult for him to gets looks and reps consistently.
“Castle will have a wide draft range that could start in the late lottery if certain teams feel optimistic about his jumper’s potential to improve. Right now, it’s the passing, defense and finishing that feel most translatable.”

No. 45: Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

“Tyrese Proctor has frustrated scouts by following up signs of improvement with lines like a 1-of-6 showing in a loss to North Carolina, but he’ll continue to look interesting for his positional size, shot-making potential and passing IQ.
“Teams could see a useful pick-and-roll operator and connector. The inconsistency for a second-year player has just weighed on scouts’ confidence.”
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NBA Draft Room:

No. 16: Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette

“Kolek is one of the most productive and effective players in college basketball. While he might not have the elite physical attributes that you look for in a NBA prospect he’s got an elite feel for the game and a very high skill level. Has an uncanny ability to score in the lane, using great angles and timing. Kolek is a special passer with awesome court vision. He runs the offense well, operates ball screens with good feel and is a true facilitator and leader on the floor. He’s also a really good 3pt shooter who is even better in the clutch. Projects as a really good back up at the NBA level, with some starter potential.”

No. 45: Mackenzie Mgbako, F, Indiana

From the 2023 Nike Hoops Summit in April of 2023:

“He showed a level of aggressiveness and confidence that you want to see from big time scorers. The 6-8 wing has a feathery jumper, enough size and strength to bang in the paint and a knack for scoring the ball. He’s not the most heralded recruit but could be one of the better NBA prospects in this class, when it’s all said and done.”

No Ceilings (Nick Agar-Johnson; Feb. 14):

No. 16: Kevin McCullar Jr., G, Kansas

“The Miami Heat have traditionally not shied away from older prospects, whether that be Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the draft last year or the long line of undrafted free agents with years of college development under their belts who come to Miami with a defensive focus and a chip on their shoulder. With all of that in mind, Kevin McCullar to the Miami Heat is a near-perfect match of player and team. McCullar has been on the draft radar for years now as an elite defensive prospect on the wing, but he’s really put together the pieces of his offensive game at Kansas this season. McCullar is a good decision-maker who moves the ball well, and his improved shooting on solid volume (currently shooting 36.1% from deep on a career-high 4.4 attempts per game) makes it even easier to envision him fitting in as a key cog for the Miami Heat machine.”

No. 45: Trey Alexander, G, Creighton

Fansided (Christopher Kline; Feb. 14):

No. 15: Kevin McCullar, G, Kansas

“Miami opted for experience in the 2023 draft and it paid off. Kevin McCullar is one of the best wing defenders on the board, but the senior’s offensive leap has been the real storyline for top-10 Kansas. He’s hitting more 3s than ever, combined with a more demanding on-ball role that has allowed him to flourish as a slasher and facilitator. McCullar has the potential to contribute right away as a connective two-way wing for an aspirant contender.”

NBADraft.net (Feb. 12):

No. 16: Tidjane Salaun, F, France

Yardbarker (Pat Heery, Feb. 11):

No. 20: Jared McCain, G, Duke

“It’s never a bad thing to have depth at point guard in the NBA. With Kyle Lowry set to be a free agent (or retire) at the end of the season, there’s a good chance the Heat will be looking for another gritty guard like the one who helped them win the Eastern Conference last season, Gabe Vincent. Duke’s freshman Jaren McCain, like Vincent, is a tough-nosed guard who can play on-ball – though he will need to improve his playmaking, as well as off-ball as a shooter (42 percent from three on more than five attempts per game).”

CBS Sports (Gary Parrish; Feb. 9):

No. 15: Matas Buzelis, F, G-League Ignite

“Buzelis is the type of long prospect who can move all over the floor in ways that front offices really value these days. That he’s shooting below 30% from 3-point range for a terrible G League Ignite team is a bit of a concern, especially considering there have long been questions about whether Buzelis will ever truly be a knockdown shooter. But his positional versatility and ability to pass at his size should make the Chicago native close to a lock to go somewhere in the top 20.”

The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor; Jan. 24):

No. 17: Zach Edey, C, Purdue

“There isn’t a more dominant player in college basketball right now, but scouts are split on Edey’s NBA upside: He’s a 300-pound, non-shooting center with concerns about his ability to defend outside the paint. It would be fascinating to see what he could do in an organization like the Heat, who have one of the best strength and conditioning programs in the league and could maximize whatever Edey can become athletically.
“Hard-to-stop interior scorer, not just because of his sheer size but also because of his skill and touch. He does a great job of using his massive frame to seal off positioning and make himself available for interior feeds. He doesn’t have advanced footwork, but his gigantic presence is enhanced by his agility. … Willingly embraces his role, whether playing limited minutes as an underclassman or running the offense through him as a junior and senior. Playing for the Canadian national team last summer, he fully took on responsibility as a screener, something Purdue doesn’t ask of him as often as post-ups.
“Limited defender when pulled away from the basket. He struggles to recover on pick-and-pops and often gets blown by on closeouts. NBA teams will target him even more than college teams do; granted, he’s made improvements in handling pressure at his current level. … Lacks a perimeter game aside from his screening. Though he has soft touch on floaters and a solid free throw percentage for a big, there is no indication that he will develop a spot-up jumper.”

ESPN (Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo; Jan. 11):

No. 20: Yves Missi, C, Baylor

From Feb. 10:

“Missi’s production has fluctuated throughout the season, but his appeal is the impressive size, reach and verticality he offers as a pick-and-roll finisher. He has shown some flashes creating his own shot from the mid-post or high-post areas as well, using an explosive first step and long strides, helping him draw fouls consistently. Missi’s ability to make a more regular impact as a defender and rebounder are areas that will be scrutinized in the final weeks of the season, as he has been hit or miss protecting the rim and offering physicality on the interior, things he’ll have to do to play a role in the NBA early in his career.”

Tankathon (Feb. 3):

No. 16: Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia

Heat — (Photo Courtesy of Tankathon.com)

***

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Miami, FL

Here’s a guide to the seven World Cup teams (and their fans) headed to Miami | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

7 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Press Room

Here’s a guide to the seven World Cup teams (and their fans) headed to Miami | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

MIAMI >> During the next few weeks, as the 2026 World Cup gets underway, South Florida will become even more colorful than usual as Scotland’s Tartan Army shows up in plaid kilts, Brazilians and Colombians in bright yellow shirts overtake the beaches, joined by Uruguayans in sky blue, Cape Verde fans in navy blue, Saudis in green and Portuguese in Ronaldo jerseys.

Hard Rock Stadium, renamed Miami Stadium during the World Cup because FIFA prohibits display of non-affiliated sponsors, is hosting seven matches during the 48-team tournament, which kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19.

Here are snapshots of the seven teams playing in the four group-stage games at Miami Stadium, with other teams joining the South Florida party in the Round of 32, quarterfinals and bronze medal third-place game.

URUGUAY

— FIFA ranking: 17

— Team profile: Two-time winners of the World Cup, the first ever in 1930 and in 1950, and gold medalists in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, which served as world championships. Legends Luis Suarez, of Inter Miami, and Edinson Cavani are no longer with the national team. Controversial coach Marcelo Bielsa, who took over in 2023, has been criticized recently after the team struggled in friendly matches and the late stages of World Cup qualifying but La Celeste did beat Brazil and Argentina earlier in the qualifying campaign.

— Group H opponents: Saudi Arabia (June 15 in Miami), Cape Verde (June 21 in Miami), Spain (June 26 in Guadalajara).

— Players to watch: Center back Ronald Araujo has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona since 2019. Real Madrid’s versatile, energetic midfielder Federico Valverde is key to Uruguay’s success. Also watch for winger Brian Rodriguez of Mexico’s Club America, whose nickname “Rayito” means “Little Lightning.”

— Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (native of Argentina)

— Team colors: Light blue

— Fan culture: Uruguay has a smaller fan base than Argentina, but in many ways its supporters are similar. Argentina’s wear sky blue and white, Uruguayan fans wear light blue. Both groups drink mate. And, they are extremely passionate, known to take over public plazas and beaches with “asados” (meat grilling) and “banderazos,” pep rallies with giant banners and drums. During games, they like to snack on “picadas” which are chips and peanuts with cheese, olives and salami.

SAUDI ARABIA

— FIFA ranking: 61

— Team profile: Saudi Arabia pulled off the biggest group stage shocker in 2002, beating eventual champion Argentina. The Green Falcons have made it to seven of the past nine World Cups but have won only two matches in their past five appearances. They last made the knockout stage in 1994. The biggest news around the Saudi team is the firing of coach Herve Renard just 59 days before the start of the World Cup.

— Group H opponents: Uruguay (June 15 in Miami), Spain (June 21 in Atlanta), Cape Verde (June 26 in Houston)

— Players to watch: Saud Abdulhamid (Lens) is a 26-year-old right back who signed with Roma in 2024 before being loaned out to Lens last year. The scorer of two of Saudi Arabia’s three goals at the 2022 World Cup, including the winner against eventual world champion Argentina, Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal) will lead the attack again in 2026.

— Coach: Georgios Donis (native of Greece)

— Team colors: Green and White

— Fan culture: Saudi fans will show up head to toe in green and white and are known to bring musical instruments and elaborate, South American-style “tifo” banners wherever they go. Saudi Arabia officially lifted its ban on women attending sporting events in stadiums on January 12, 2018, and while they were restricted to “family sections” at the start, there has been more integration in recent years.

CAPE VERDE

— FIFA ranking: 69

— Team profile: The island nation off the coast of Africa (Pop. 500,000) is the third smallest to make a World Cup, behind Iceland in 2018 and Curaçao this year. It is one of four teams making its Cup debut. The Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks) open against tournament heavyweight Spain. Fewer than half of the national team players were born in the country, but they feel pride in their blue jerseys, which feature a triangle pattern that depicts the flight pattern between the islands.

— Group H opponents: Spain (June 15 in Atlanta), Uruguay (June 21 in Miami), Saudi Arabia (June 26 in Houston).

— Players to watch: Ryan Mendes is a 36-year-old winger who is Cape Verde’s captain as well as its all-time leader in goals (22) and appearances (96). The former Lille and Nottingham Forest star currently plays in Turkey. Dailon Livramento was the leading scorer in qualifying. Also watch out for 23-year-old Sidny Lopes Cabral, who was born in the Netherlands and played in lower leagues of Sweden, Germany and Portugal before joining Portuguese club Benfica.

— Coach: Bubista (full name: Pedro Leitão Brito) a 56-year-old national hero who has spent his entire career in Cape Verde.

— Team colors: Blue, white and red

— Fan culture: Their team won’t draw huge numbers, but the fans who do come will bring Western African energy and lots of songs and chants. With 600 miles of coastline, beach soccer is extremely popular in Cape Verde.

SCOTLAND

— FIFA ranking: 43

— Team profile: The Tartan Army, one of the world’s most lovable supporter groups, will be out in full force for Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. The Scots have never advanced from the group stage in eight Cup appearances. They clinched qualification with a dramatic win over Denmark in the final game of UEFA Group C, scoring two goals in extra time.

— Group C opponents: Haiti (June 13 in Boston), Morocco (June 19 in Boston), Brazil (June 24 in Miami)

— Players to watch: Midfielder Scott McTominay, who scored on a bicycle kick to clinch his country’s spot back in November. Formerly played for Manchester United, McTominay is now with Italian club Napoli. Andy Robertson (Liverpool) is a 32-year-old left back who is Scotland’s captain and second overall in national team appearances with 92.

— Coach: Steve Clarke (native of Scotland)

— Team colors: Dark blue and white

— Fan culture: The Tartan Army is known for its checkered kilts, bagpipes and for belting out the team’s unofficial national anthem, “Flower of Scotland.” Scottish fans travel in big numbers and will be taking over several pubs in South Florida ahead of the June 24 game against Brazil. They are known for their sense of humor, friendly banter, and philanthropy. Craig Ferguson, a well-known Tartan Army superfan, is famous for his charity endurance treks to support Scotland’s national team. To celebrate the 2026 World Cup, he is walking 3,000 miles across the United States in a kilt to raise funds for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).

BRAZIL

— FIFA ranking: 6

— Team profile: Brazil is the only nation to have participated in all 23 World Cups and has won a record five titles. Brazil won the last World Cup held in the United States in 1994. Eight years later, they won their fifth trophy. Brazil is known for its “jogo bonito” (beautiful game), which is not just a playing style but the joy and passion with which Brazilians approach the sport. The 2026 team is stacked with talent.

— Group C opponents: Morocco (June 13 in NY/NJ), Haiti (June 19 in Philadelphia), Scotland (June 24 in Miami)

— Players to watch: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) is a 25-year-old winger who finished as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting. Neymar, the 34-year-old longtime Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star, is one of the most recognizable faces in the game, but he has been plagued by injuries, including a calf injury weeks before the opener.

— Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy) is first foreign manager in a century.

— Team colors: Bright yellow, royal blue, green

— Fan culture: Soccer is not a sport in Brazil; it is a religion. It is often referred to as “o País do Futebol” or “the country of football” and the iconic yellow Brazilian jersey is recognized the world over. The sport is deeply ingrained in everyday life, from the favelas to the beaches to the Maracana Stadium. The entire country shuts down on days Brazil plays World Cup matches. Brazil has produced some of the most influential players in history, including Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar and women’s soccer legend Marta.

COLOMBIA

— FIFA ranking: 13

Team profile: Colombia could be one of the biggest surprises of the summer. Los Cafeteros (The Coffeemakers) finished behind Argentina and Ecuador in South American qualifying. They have one of the most passionate, raucous fan bases in the world. Colombia’s group-stage finale in Miami against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal is the most coveted first-round ticket of the tournament. Los Cafeteros had their best showing in 2014, when they reached the quarterfinals

— Group K opponents: Uzbekistan (June 17), Congo DR (June 23), Portugal (June 27)

— Players to watch: Star midfielder James Rodriguez joined MLS’ Minnesota United this season in an effort to get in shape for the World Cup, but wound up playing sparingly. Winger Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) spent four seasons at Liverpool and ranks third in the Bundesliga in both goals (15) and assists (13).

— Coach: Nestor Lorenzo (Argentina)

— Team colors: Bright yellow, red, blue

— Fan culture: The most passionate Colombian soccer supporter groups are called barra bravas. They are known for choreographed stadium displays, massive flags (called trapos), and nonstop singing and drumming. Fans love to gather with family and friends before matches and dance to the rhythms of cumbia music. The most famous Colombian fan is Gustavo Llanos, known as El Cole (Birdman), who dresses like a tri-colored bird and has been to every World Cup Colombia participated in since 1990.

PORTUGAL

— FIFA ranking: 5

— Team profile: One of the most compelling story lines of the tournament is whether 41-year-old Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, in his sixth and surely final World Cup, will finally get the one trophy that has eluded him. He has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, five Champions League trophies and five Ballon d’Or trophies, but never a World Cup. Portugal reached the semifinals in 2006, the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, and the quarterfinals in 2022. The Portuguese are among the favorites to win this time because of strong leadership, depth and technical skill.

— Group K opponents: Congo (June 17 in Houston), Uzbekistan (June 23 in Houston), Colombia (June 27 in Miami)

— Players to watch: Ronaldo is not as dominant as in his prime, but his experience, leadership and finishing touch make him dangerous. Vitinha, the PSG midfielder, played in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) is a creative playmaker who was on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup teams.

— Coach: Roberto Martinez (Spain)

— Team colors: Red and Green

— Fan culture: Portuguese fans are deeply loyal to their club teams, particularly the Big 3 of Benfica, Sporting and Porto. But when the Selecao (national team) plays, fans from all over the country unite to cheer, wave flags and eat Bifanas (spicy pork sandwiches) during games.

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Miami kosher, Mutra, restaurant earns Michelin star | The Jerusalem Post

Published

17 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Press Room

Miami kosher, Mutra, restaurant earns Michelin star | The Jerusalem Post

As golden confetti rained down around him Thursday, Israeli chef Raz Shabtai broke down in tears and was embraced by his cheering staff.

Moments earlier, a livestreamed Michelin ceremony had announced that his Miami restaurant, Mutra, had become the first kosher restaurant ever awarded a Michelin star, long regarded as the highest honor in the restaurant industry.

“It’s a moment of joy, it’s a moment of pride, it’s a moment of relief, it’s a moment of confirmation,” Shabtai told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency Friday. “It’s not just about Mustra getting that star, but it’s about the entire Jewish community getting that, and I felt a lot of responsibility.”

Shabtai, who has worked in kitchens across New York and Israel, opened Mutra in February 2025, naming the kosher eatery after his Jerusalem-born grandmother whose cooking he said heavily inspires its menu.

“I really like to call the restaurant Jerusalem cuisine versus Mediterranean and Middle Eastern or Israeli or stuff like that, because the flavors that I’m trying to bring to the table, it’s flavors that came from memories and visiting in the market with my grandma,” Shabtai said. “I have to be very loyal to what my grandma fed me.”