Miami, FL

Virginia at Miami: ACC Pick of the Day

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2022

Press Room

Within the first ranked ACC matchup of the season, the No. 6 Virginia Cavaliers tackle the No. 22 Miami Hurricanes.

Gameday Information

Tipoff: 8:30 PM ET

TV: ACC Community

Unfold: Virginia -2

Whole: 134.5

READ: ACC Basketball Energy Rankings

Miami Staff Preview

Document: 11-1

KenPom Rating: forty eighth (twelfth Off, 123rd Def)

The Hurricanes are off to a scorching begin this 12 months, and are within the AP Ballot for the second straight week. They’ve a number of high quality wins this 12 months over Windfall, UCF, Rutgers, and NC State. Their sole loss is available in an 88-70 thrashing on a impartial flooring towards Maryland, a staff that Miami had no solutions for on the defensive finish. The staff is led by dynamic scorers junior Isaiah Wong (16.7 ppg) and senior Jordan Miller (15.1 ppg), the 2 returning starters from final 12 months’s Elite Eight run. Undersized however efficient large man 6-7 Norchad Omier (13.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg) has been a implausible addition within the switch portal from Arkansas State. Kansas State switch Nijel Pack hasn’t been nice this 12 months (11.3 ppg, 3.0 apg, 39.7 FG%) however is a gifted guard with a ton of scoring pop. He missed final sport with an sickness, however he needs to be good to go Tuesday evening.

Miami boasts an explosive offense that’s scoring 79.0 factors per sport, good for third within the ACC. This Miami offense is just not one which blows you away with 3 level capturing (34.0%), however they’re offensive rebounding is dominant (34.0 off. reb %) and so they do not flip the ball over (16.7%, 54th ranked TO%). Additionally they are fairly environment friendly capturing contained in the arc (57.0% on 2 level FGs this season). Their 4 guard look with Pack, Joseph, Wong, and Miller spreads groups out and permits Omier to go to work within the paint. Nevertheless, they play quiet negligible protection, evidenced by their low KenPom rating, and the ridiculous 105 factors they gave up in regulation at dwelling vs Cornell (they nonetheless gained, 107-105).

Defensively, as a consequence of Omier’s lack of dimension, they’re susceptible to getting dominated by opposing large males. Of their sole loss this season, Miami allowed a mixed 41 factors and 15 rebounds from Maryland large males Julian Reese and Donta Scott dropped. Moreover, their perimeter protection is pretty weak, as three of their starters have damaging defensive scores (Wong, Pack, Miller) on EvanMiya. They’ve one of many weakest defenses amongst ranked groups, which they attempt to make up for by forcing turnovers at a excessive price. They do pressure groups into 14.3 turnovers per sport, second greatest within the ACC.

An X-factor on this sport can be how nicely Miami’s guards can maintain up on the defensive finish towards Virginia’s. Reece Beekman, Kihei Clark, and Armaan Franklin are all environment friendly scorers, however all of them play inside Tony Bennett’s system and do not essentially create for themselves. It is going to be key for Miami to play related defensively to pressure Virginia into as many contested appears to be like as potential. One other fascinating matchup would be the mismatches of kinds on the 4 spot between Miller, who’s basically a guard, and Virginia’s Jayden Gardner, who’s additionally 6-6 however weighs 40 extra kilos.

Virginia Staff Preview

Document: 8-1

KenPom Rating: eleventh (eleventh Off, twenty seventh Def)

After a scorching begin to the 12 months that introduced Virginia all they means as much as No. 2 within the AP Ballot, the Cavaliers had been humbled by Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars on Saturday. Houston got here into Charlottesville and emerged victorious in a convincing 69-61 win.

Virginia has a balanced assault, with 5 guys averaging between 9.3-11.8 factors per sport. These are the 5 starters, in Gardner, Clark, Franklin, Beekman, and Kadin Shedrick. Ohio switch Ben Vander Plas. (6.8 ppg) and freshman Isaac McKneely (4.9 ppg) are knockdown shooters and high quality defenders which might be good items off the bench..

Within the Houston sport, the Cavaliers defended Marcus Sasser fairly nicely, which isn’t surprising given Beekman and Franklin’s high quality defensive metrics. The first problem was guarding Houston ahead Jarace Walker down low, who used his athleticism to attain on the inside. UVA’s pack line protection goals to suffocate groups after they penetrate contained in the arc, and that has proven to be true with their 43.8 opposing two level subject purpose % (thirty first greatest within the nation).

An X-factor for UVA can be if Shedrick can consumer his dimension to wall up and make issues troublesome for Omier within the paint. The 6-11 large has about 4 inches on him, and is a high quality defender, evidenced by his 1.9 blocks per sport and high quality defensive metrics. If Shedrick can hold Omier off the offensive glass and keep out of foul hassle, I like UVA’s possibilities on this one.

The Decide: Virginia -2

Virginia is a veteran group who will not be rattled to play of their first ACC street sport of the season. I imagine Virginia’s pack line protection is completely suited to play this Miami staff that thrives on creating ball motion off of dribble penetration. Virginia is so related defensively that they’ll do a a lot better job stopping the Hurricanes assault than most of their opponents. Virginia went 2-0 towards Miami final 12 months, so this can be a revenge spot for the Hurricanes, however stylistically it is a unhealthy matchup for them. Miami is undersized in virtually each sport, and so they make their residing on the defensive finish by forcing turnovers. However Tony Bennett’s guys are so disciplined that it is fairly the problem to hurry them up. I may see Gardner struggling to hold with Jordan Miller on the perimeter, however I believe Bennett will play Vander Plas extra minutes to regulate to that. Miami isn’t precisely identified to have one of many extra raucous crowds within the nation both, so the house court docket benefit will not be an enormous issue. I believe Virginia is ready to discover a groove offensively towards this weak protection, and do sufficient defensively to decelerate Wong and co. Lay the 2 factors with the Cavaliers, who will win by a number of possessions.

Remaining Rating Prediction: Virginia 76, Miami 67

Season ATS Document: 2-1

Observe @DeaconsDaily on Twitter and Instagram for extra Wake Forest content material

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Miami, FL

Should Miami Heat Feel Pressure To Make Decision On Jimmy Butler?

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Should Miami Heat Feel Pressure To Make Decision On Jimmy Butler?

Despite not playing on Christmas Day, the Miami Heat were among the hottest topics.

An ESPN report surfaced before the first game of Butler preferring a trade before the deadline than waiting until the offseason. It quickly became front-page news.

While some feel the Heat should react sooner than later, Ethan Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports suggests there is no rush.

Here’s what Skolnick said on his podcast, “Even with what happened yesterday, even with the Shams report, because they have received no offer to this point, because they are comfortable taking this into the offseason and even losing Jimmy for a small asset in a sign-and-trade or even for nothing except for the flexibility under the apron and other cap mechanics that Jimmy Butler’s contract for next year and in the future, because if he opts in, they’ve got to pay him next year. even if they just get that flexibility with his money going away, they are, at least from what they’re putting out there, OK with that. All of that leads to this. What I was told you yesterday from the Miami, “we feel no pressure to do anything.”‘

Skolnick relayed the Heat are being patient because they can. No need to move too fast. The trade deadline is still a month away.

“So, in other words, all of this noise, the Shams that ruined Christmas and Hannukah and a few other holidays that people were celebrating yesterday, it did not move the Heat,” Skolnick said.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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Miami, FL

David and Victoria Beckham’s memorable Miami Christmas: From singing with Santa to a traditional turkey feast and matching pyjamas as the family celebrate at their £60million waterfront home

Published

9 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

David and Victoria Beckham’s memorable Miami Christmas: From singing with Santa to a traditional turkey feast and matching pyjamas as the family celebrate at their £60million waterfront home

David Beckham suggested he had more than one string to his bow on Christmas Day by joining Santa Claus for a festive singalong.

The former Manchester United and England ace pulled out all the stops for his first family Christmas at their lavish £60million home on Miami waterfront.

And that included a surprise visit from Santa himself, who arrived with a sackful of presents before engaging Beckham, 49, in a lighthearted rendition of Jingle Bells.

Wearing a festive hat, the ex footballer later carved the turkey that had been lovingly prepared by his mother, Sandra, for the big day.

Sharing photos of the moment with Instagram followers, he wrote: ‘Traditional cutting of the turkey that mums been cooking all day!! love you all so so much Happy Christmas.’

David is in Miami with wife Victoria, 50, their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper, and an assortment of selected family members over the Christmas period.

David Beckham suggested he had more than one string to his bow on Christmas Day by joining Santa Claus for a festive singalong

The retired footballer ended the day cuddling up to his wife, with the pair in matching pyjamas as they signed off with a message for their followers

But they are without eldest child Brooklyn, who instead spent the day with actress wife Nicola Peltz and her family.

The retired footballer – now co-owner of MLS franchise Inter Miami – ended the day cuddling up to his wife, with the pair in matching pyjamas as they signed off with a message for their followers.

Taking to Instagram, Victoria wrote: ‘Hope everyone had a wonderful day!! Kisses from all of us.’

On Christmas Eve, the couple showed off their glamorous sides as they dressed to the nines.

The former Spice Girl looked incredible in a long black silk dress while the former footballer cut a dashing figure in black suit as they posed on a sweeping staircase.

Captioning the post, she wrote: ‘Happy Christmas! Kisses from all of us xxxxxx @DavidBeckham @BrooklynPeltzBeckham @RomeoBeckham @CruzBeckham #HarperSeven.’

While later in the evening, her husband slipped into his pyjamas and a Santa hat as he showed off his drink-making skills.

The former Manchester United and England ace pulled out all the stops for his first family Christmas at their lavish £60million home on Miami waterfront

Wearing a festive hat, the ex footballer carved the turkey that had been lovingly prepared by his mother, Sandra, for the big day

On Christmas Eve, Victoria and David showed off their glamorous sides as they dressed to the nines

Victoria filmed him shaking a cocktail maker, as she quipped: ‘So I’m glad you learned something from Tom Cruise. What are you making me?’

David smiled and teased: ‘Making you something very exotic’ before pouring her a tasty-looking drink.

The fashion designer praised: ‘My favourite. Oh look at that! I love that. Love you’.

Meanwhile, Romeo, 22, also took to Instagram to share photos from the festivities, including the family sat at the dining table enjoying a roast dinner.

While another snap showed him sharing a sweet moment with his younger sister Harper, 12, with the siblings hugging.

He later added another photo posing shirtless in a Santa hat on board the family’s luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise.

The yacht is aptly named Seven, after former England player David’s shirt number, while it’s also the middle name of Harper.

Youngest son Cruz, 19, showed off his love of music as he shared photos of him playing guitar and then rocking out with a band.

While later in the evening, David slipped into his pyjamas and a Santa hat as he showed off his drinkmaking skills, as Victoria quipped: ‘I’m glad you learned something from Tom Cruise’

Meanwhile, Romeo, 22, also took to Instagram to share photos from the festivities, including the family sat at the dining table enjoying a roast dinner

While another snap showed him sharing a sweet moment with his younger sister Harper, 12, with the siblings hugging

He later added another photo posing shirtless in a Santa hat on board the family’s luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise

While his older brother Brooklyn is a budding chef and photographer and Romeo has pursued a career in football, Cruz has chosen to get into singing.

He has been releasing music since 2016 and is now said to be launching a career.

He has reportedly collaborated with Ed Frewett, known for working with Little Mix and One Direction, and producer Fred Ball, who has collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Cruz donned a Santa hat to get into the full festive cheer as he shared a photo posing with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, who was joining the Beckham clan for the holidays for the first time.

The Brazilian singer, 29, – who was first linked to Cruz in April at Victoria’s Fashion Week show – was seen sharing a hug with matriarch on Monday.

Sharing a little glimpse into the day, she snapped a photo of her Christmas-themed cocktail complete with a candy cane, captioned: ‘A very Miami Christmas’.

The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family.

Eldest son Brooklyn, 25, told The Sunday Times newspaper: ‘The family will all be together in Miami this year, which will be lovely.’

Youngest son Cruz, 19, showed off his love of music as he shared photos of him playing guitar and then rocking out with a band

While his older brother Brooklyn is a budding chef and photographer and Romeo has pursued a career in football, Cruz has chosen to get into singing

Cruz donned a Santa hat to get into the full festive cheer as he shared a photo posing with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, who was joining the Beckham clan for the holidays for the first time

Sharing a little glimpse into the day, she snapped a photo of her Christmas-themed cocktail complete with a candy cane, captioned: ‘A very Miami Christmas’

In October, Cruz whisked Jackie on a trip to Florida to spend time with his famous family and they were spotted with fashion designer Victoria on a boating trip in Miami

Eldest son Brooklyn, 25, told The Sunday Times newspaper: ‘The family will all be together in Miami this year, which will be lovely’

The aspiring chef went on to reveal what presents he will be buying for his loved ones, saying: ‘Maybe a bottle of wine for my dad, while my brothers are really into clothes and trainers.

‘Last year we got [my sister] Harper a travel make-up kit that she still uses, so something along those lines again for her.’

Brooklyn also revealed he has a Christmas Day tradition which involves buying brand new silk pyjamas and wearing them all day.

He added: ‘It has become a little tradition for Nicola and me to buy each other really comfy matching silk pyjamas. We’ll normally wear them all day.’

In October, Cruz whisked Jackie on a trip to Florida to spend time with his famous family and they were spotted with fashion designer Victoria on a boating trip in Miami.

The pair also put on a smitten display as they watched Inter Miami play the New England Revolution at the Chase Stadium, in support of his football club owner dad, alongside his sister Harper and Victoria.

Cruz recently revealed how smitten he is with Jackie, as he shared a tribute to the singer to celebrate her 29th birthday.

He posted a photo of the brunette beauty waiting to blow out her birthday candles to his Instagram Story, captioned: ‘Happy Birthday xx I love you’.

The teen split last year from his ex Tana Holding after a year of dating, while he was also previously in a relationship with Bliss Chapman for 18 months, but they parted ways in March 2022.

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