The University of Miami men’s basketball squad kicked off its 2026‑27 preparation with a demanding session on the Rickenbacker Causeway, where players completed push‑ups, weighted‑vest drills and a 3.2‑mile run that has become a ritual in coach Jai Lucas’s second year. The team ran in unison with a rope to keep a steady pace, using the bridge’s sweeping views as both a physical and symbolic link between offseason work and the upcoming campaign.
A Bridge to Brotherhood
Three days later the Hurricanes swapped the concrete for sand, heading to the Bahamas for a retreat designed to sharpen communication under pressure. The itinerary featured beach relay races, partner carries, hill sprints and walking lunges, while the group also spent part of the trip picking up litter along the shoreline, turning community service into a team‑building exercise.
The roster reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent. Only Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen return from last season, while transfers from Villanova, Georgia, Indiana and Saint Peters, plus freshman sensation Egor Ryzhov, a Russian center, have joined the mix. L.J. Cason, a Michigan graduate transfer, will miss the year after knee surgery, and Marcus Allen, who battled cancer in the previous campaign, suffered an ACL tear that will keep him sidelined for another season.
Guiding the squad are Lucas and strength coach Zack Zillner, who have emphasized chemistry as the cornerstone of their title ambitions. Their vision targets not only ACC supremacy but also a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, with the ultimate goal of reaching the Sweet 16 and beyond.
The first official practice is slated for September 21, and the season will open on November 2 with a showdown against the University of Florida. If the early work is any indication, the Hurricanes hope the bridge runs, island drills and service projects will translate into a competitive edge when the lights shine on game night.