MIAMI, Fla. – In an attempt to return to college basketball, former Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau filed a lawsuit, but the Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA’s stay request, blocking Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s nationwide injunction.
The 23-year-old has been spotted around the Coral Gables campus. Although Reneau’s return could be beneficial, the team should consider moving on and focusing on the players currently on the roster. Here are four reasons why the Hurricanes are better off closing the Reneau chapter:
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Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen are returning sophomores looking to take on expanded roles. Last season, they stood behind Reneau, Tre Donaldson, and Ernest Udeh Jr., learning from their leadership and applying it on and off the court. Henderson and Allen are projected full-time starters Jai Lucas can heavily rely on.
Reneau’s return would likely shrink their opportunities.
Henderson was a five-star recruit with first-round potential. Last season, as a freshman, he averaged 13.8 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games (all starts). In two NCAA Tournament games, Henderson led the Hurricanes with remarkable production. In the second round against Purdue, he scored a team-high 18 points on 81.8 percent shooting and eight rebounds, plus four assists and two steals.
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The 19-year-old has the talent to lead the Hurricanes against elite competition, but needs the opportunity.
Allen proved to be a reliable starting shooting guard towards the end of the season. From Jan. 1 to the NCAA Tournament (16 games), he averaged 6.7 points on 47.7 percent shooting, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Allen still has room to grow, but the flashes suggest he can space the floor and provide another scoring punch.
Retaining two promising underclassmen isn’t something to take for granted.
Reneau’s scoring can be raved out, but rebounding wasn’t as consistent. Although Udeh Jr. had the main assignment on the glass, the Miami native wasn’t as aggressive. Reneau had nine games with at least 10 rebounds, but 12 with five or fewer.
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Reneau was the Hurricanes’ go-to scorer last season, but when facing double-teams, it proved to be a weakness. He doesn’t have the facilitating skills to get others involved and lead an offense rather than have it run through him. Reneau had six games without an assist and the highest in a single game was five.
The Hurricanes added eight transfers, two high school recruits, and one international prospect; eight will play in the frontcourt. A potential Reneau return would shift the depth chart significantly. These players came to “The U” seeking an opportunity to compete for playing time.
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Reneau played a significant role in Lucas’ successful first-year as the program’s head coach. However, it would be best to leave the chapter on a good note and let the Hurricanes progress with the current roster.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
