Best Miami Basketball Players: The Top Talents from the Magic City
The University of Miami is often celebrated for its storied football program, a powerhouse that has overshadowed other sports at the school. Despite this, the Miami Hurricanes basketball program has quietly built a strong reputation of its own, producing several standout players who have made significant impacts both in college and the professional ranks.
The Hurricanes have made several NCAA Tournament appearances, with notable success in recent years. Miami reached the Sweet 16 in 2000, 2013, and 2016, and celebrated their first-ever Elite Eight appearance in 2022. Additionally, the team captured the ACC regular-season title in 2013, solidifying their position as a competitive force in college basketball.
As we explore the rich history of Miami basketball, this list highlights the top 12 best Miami basketball players, based on their performance, impact, and legacy.
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1: Rick Barry (1962-1965)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 205 lbs
Rick Barry is undeniably the most iconic player in Miami Hurricanes basketball history. During his collegiate career, Barry was a scoring machine, averaging an incredible 29.8 points per game in his senior year.
He led the nation in scoring during that season and earned All-American honors for his outstanding performance. Barry was named the 1965 NCAA Consensus First-Team All-American and was also a two-time All-ACC selection. His prowess on the court helped put Miami basketball on the map.
After leaving Miami, Barry enjoyed a highly successful professional career, playing in both the NBA and ABA. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star, an NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors in 1975, and is one of the few players to have been named an All-Star in both leagues. Barry was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
2: Tim James (1995-1999)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 212 lbs
Tim James was a dominant force for the Miami Hurricanes during his collegiate career. He averaged 16.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in his senior year and was named the Big East Player of the Year in 1999. James was also a two-time All-Big East First Team selection and earned honorable mention All-American honors. His athleticism and scoring ability made him a standout player, leading Miami to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly 40 years in 1998.
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James was selected 25th overall by the Miami Heat in the 1999 NBA Draft. He played in the NBA for several seasons before continuing his professional career overseas. After retiring from basketball, James served in the United States Army, showcasing his dedication and versatility both on and off the court.
3: Jack McClinton (2006-2009)
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
Jack McClinton was a prolific scorer and one of the best three-point shooters in Miami Hurricanes history. He averaged 19.3 points per game in his senior year and led the ACC in three-point shooting percentage. McClinton was a two-time All-ACC First Team selection and helped Miami reach the NCAA Tournament in 2008, where they advanced to the second round.
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McClinton’s sharpshooting and clutch performances made him a fan favorite. McClinton had a short NBA career but continued to play professionally overseas and in the NBA G League, leaving a lasting impact on Miami basketball.
4: Shane Larkin (2011-2013)
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 175 lbs
Shane Larkin was a dynamic point guard who played a crucial role in one of the most successful seasons in Miami Hurricanes history. In his sophomore year, Larkin averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, leading Miami to both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles in 2013. He was named the ACC Player of the Year and earned second-team All-American honors.
Larkin was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2013 NBA Draft and has since played in the NBA and overseas. His leadership and playmaking ability have left a lasting legacy at Miami.
5: James Jones (1999-2003)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 218 lbs
James Jones was a versatile forward known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills. During his senior year at Miami, he averaged 16.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, earning All-Big East First Team honors. Jones was instrumental in leading Miami to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.
Jones enjoyed a successful NBA career, playing for several teams, including the Miami Heat, with whom he won three NBA championships (2012, 2013, 2016). Known for his leadership and shooting prowess, Jones has also made significant contributions off the court as an executive.
6: John Salmons (1998-2002)
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs
John Salmons was a versatile guard/forward who contributed significantly to the Miami Hurricanes’ success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He averaged 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in his senior year, showcasing his all-around skills. Salmons was a two-time All-Big East selection and played a key role in Miami’s NCAA Tournament runs, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2000.
Salmons was selected 26th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2002 NBA Draft and enjoyed a lengthy NBA career, known for his scoring ability and defensive versatility.
7: Bruce Brown Jr. (2016-2018)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 202 lbs
Bruce Brown Jr. made an immediate impact during his time with the Miami Hurricanes, known for his versatility and defensive skills. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in his freshman year. Brown’s all-around game helped lead Miami to the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons with the team.
Brown declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2018 NBA Draft. He has since continued to develop his game in the NBA, known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking ability.
8: Guillermo Díaz (2003-2006)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
Guillermo Díaz was a dynamic and explosive scorer for the Miami Hurricanes. He averaged 17.2 points per game during his junior year and was known for his athleticism and ability to make highlight-reel plays. Díaz was a two-time All-ACC selection and played a crucial role in leading Miami to the NCAA Tournament in 2008.
Díaz was selected 52nd overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2006 NBA Draft and has played professionally overseas and in the NBA G League. His impact on the court remains memorable for Miami fans.
9: Durand Scott (2009-2013)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 203 lbs
Durand Scott was a consistent and reliable scorer for the Miami Hurricanes. He averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game over his four-year career. Scott was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and played a key role in Miami’s ACC regular-season and tournament titles that same year.
After his college career, Scott has played professionally overseas, where he continues to showcase his scoring and defensive skills.
10: Sheldon McClellan (2014-2016)
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 205 lbs
Sheldon McClellan was a standout scorer and versatile player for the Miami Hurricanes. He averaged 16.3 points per game during his senior year and was named to the All-ACC Second Team. McClellan’s scoring ability and leadership helped Miami reach the Sweet 16 in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
McClellan has played professionally in the NBA G League and overseas, continuing to make a significant impact with his scoring and athleticism.
11: Kenny Kadji (2011-2013)
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’11”, 242 lbs
Kenny Kadji was a dominant presence in the paint for the Miami Hurricanes. He averaged 12.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game during his senior year, helping lead Miami to the ACC regular-season and tournament titles in 2013.
Kadji’s inside presence and defensive skills were crucial to the team’s success. Kadji has played professionally overseas and in the NBA G League, where he has continued to excel as a versatile big man.
12: Tito Horford (1986-1988)
- Position: Center
- Height/Weight: 7’1″, 245 lbs
Tito Horford was a towering presence for the Miami Hurricanes, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He averaged 14.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game during his collegiate career. Horford’s dominance in the paint made him one of the most impactful big men in Miami’s history.
Horford was selected 39th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1988 NBA Draft and played several seasons in the NBA. He is also known for being the father of NBA All-Star Al Horford, continuing the basketball legacy.
