CORAL GABLES, Fla. _ Miami men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga knows he will be without Lonnie Walker IV and Bruce Brown _ two the Hurricanes' top players _ moving forward. But he's determined to continue the work of building Miami's program.
On Tuesday, athletic director Blake James announced UM and Larranaga had agreed in principle on a two-year contract extension. The new deal will keep the 68-year-old Larranaga at Miami through May 2024.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Coach Larranaga is an integral part of our athletics department's success, and he continues to demonstrate year after year that he is one of the best basketball coaches in the nation," James said in a statement announcing the extension.
Larranaga has a 161-79 record in seven seasons at Miami, including a 75-49 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He has led the Hurricanes to four NCAA Tournament berths, including two Sweet 16 appearances.
"We are excited about the direction in which our program is headed," said Larranaga, who is 631-413 in his 34-year coaching career. "This contract extension is a strong indication that we have the support of the University to continue the winning tradition and culture we have built. I am grateful for this commitment and especially want to thank our president, Julio Frenk, our athletics director, Blake James, and our University Administration for the confidence they have shown in me and our coaching staff."
Larranaga, who guided UM to a 22-10 record last season, became the first coach in school history to post six 20-win seasons. The Hurricanes lost to Loyola-Chicago in a stunning upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
He now faces a daunting roster rebuild with both Walker and Brown announcing they were hiring agents ahead of the NBA draft, giving up the option of continuing their college careers. Also testing the process is sophomore forward Dewan Huell, who is entering the draft but said he was not planning on hiring an agent, leaving him the option to return.
Walker, Brown and Huell were Miami's leading scorers last season, averaging 11.5, 11.4 and 11.4 points, respectively. Brown was also Miami's leading rebounder, averaging 7.1 rebounds per game, despite being sidelined late in the year by a foot injury.
Larranaga said Monday he hoped Brown and Walker's success at Miami would help other young players realize the school could help them prepare for professional careers.
"The message it delivers to all high school prospects is that Miami is a great destination if you want to get a great education, but also play at the highest level of basketball and give yourself an opportunity to develop into an NBA talent," Larranaga said. "(Brown and Walker) came here with high aspirations, both young men were projected to be NBA players and now their dreams are going to come true, because in our estimation, there's a strong likelihood they'll both be first-round draft choices."
Larranaga's new extension will also likely help on the recruiting trail as he and his staff pursue top-notch high school prospects, prep school players and potential Division I transfers.
