Recruiting Strategy: 3 scholarships left (2 more possible) for the 2020-21 season.
With Matt Cross already committed, hopefully Miami will add Niels Lane, Earl Timberlake and Andre Curbelo then we as fans can argue over which class is the best over the past 5 seasons. No one will vote for the 2018 class for good reason. Those four would be a really good class and they could become a great class depending on the team's success while they are in school.
If we find out Nysier Brooks got his waiver then Miami would have a fifth scholarship available. Some of you would prefer to hold the scholarship for a transfer. I am not in that group. I would prefer Miami attempt to get Cliff Omoruyi to commit to add depth (upgrade) the 5 position.
Let's say Miami exceeds most peoples expectations and wins 20 plus games. Some people think 18 wins and the NIT would be a good year but I am not in that group. If Miami wins 20 plus games then that would probably mean they outscored most teams on the schedule and they were lead by Chris Lykes and Kam McGusty. If Lykes and McGusty average over 15 points per game each then I fully expect them to declare for the 2019 NBA Draft and at least go through the draft process. Do I expect both of them to turn pro? NO. Who is more likely to turn pro? McGusty easily. His skillset translates well to the NBA and technically, he is four years removed from high school so he should be ready to make that jump to the NBA. Especially, if he gets a 1st round grade then he should definitely turn pro. Lykes would have to have close to a 4 to 1 assist to turnover ratio along with his 15 points per game to gain serious NBA interest but most scouts (especially the lazy ones) will say he is too short. At this point, height is not the biggest issue for Lykes, it is his decision making ability that raises questions.
Hypothetically and this is long range forecasting but if McGusty does turn pro then again, some fans will say use the scholarship on a transfer. Again, I am not in that group. Scottie Barnes has stated that he will not commit until the Spring of 2019. That would be great for Miami. It would be easier and more attractive for Scottie to commit to Miami after Miami has had a good season, made the NCAA tournament and they are bringing in a very talented recruiting class. Granted, Scottie will only be in school for one year, it would be well worth it for the perception of Miami basketball. This is a more favorable situation for Scottie compared to Vernon Carey Jr. Vernon was asked to commit to Miami during or after a losing season without making any postseason tournament with a decent recruiting class (now we know Wong, Beverly and Walker will be pretty good this season). That would have taken more guts than very few adults have much less than an 18 year old. Committing to Miami under these circumstances would make Scottie a hero and the most talented player on a very talented team with some very high expectations. Easily, if all of this were to happen, Miami would be a top ten team in the 2020-21 season. Very easily.
So Miami will definitely add 4 good players to the roster for next season but that number can easily change to 5 or 6 depending on how the season goes. It is a stretch but you have to cover all of your options. Of course, if all else fails, grab a grad transfer and let's try again in the 2021 recruiting cycle.