MIAMI, Fla. – On Thursday morning, the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program formally announced its full 2026-27 non-conference schedule. Three SEC opponents are featured, including an invitation to the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas.
Jai Lucas and the team will tip off the college basketball season in Tampa against the Florida Gators on Nov. 2. The National Champions from a couple of years ago retained their star frontcourt of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu. However, the ball-handling responsibilities will come from a different source, as Xavian Lee departs to chase NBA dreams. He spent the Las Vegas Summer League with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Anytime the Hurricanes and Gators are scheduled, regardless of sport, is must-see television.
Following the in-state showdown, the Watsco Center will host five matchups – Wagner (Nov. 6), North Florida (Nov. 9), North Alabama (Nov. 13), Rider (Nov. 17), and Manhattan (Nov. 20).
Up next, the Hurricanes will travel to Las Vegas for the Players Era Tournament. A first-round matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs is scheduled for Nov. 24. If the Hurricanes win, a showdown against the winner between Michigan and Creighton is locked for Nov. 26.
After the event, the Hurricanes host Alabama on Dec. 2 for the ACC/SEC Challenge game. The Crimson Tide lost sophomore All-American Labaron Philon Jr. to the NBA Draft – selected in the first round (No. 22) by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Aden Holloway and Amari Allen are key returners from last season.
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Following the Power Four conference collision comes Stetson on Dec. 5.
Afterwards, it’s a homecoming game for Lucas and returning sophomore Shelton Henderson – both Lone Star State natives – against Texas on Dec. 12. Instead of Moody Center, the matchup will take place in a “neutral” environment: Toyota Center in Houston.
Following the mini-reunion, the Hurricanes will close the non-conference schedule with a couple of home games against Alcorn State (Dec. 16) and USC Upstate (Dec. 21). Once that’s over, it’s time for ACC play, which includes Duke, UNC, and Louisville.
Lucas established a competitive schedule to build winning and championship habits. Coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround season, the Hurricanes are looking to take things to another level. Lucas revamped the roster with two freshmen, seven transfers, an international talent, and retained Dante Allen, Henderson, and Marcus Allen.
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Season tickets are available on Ticketmaster – the new partner for Miami Hurricanes Athletics.
Basketball has returned to relevancy around the Coral Gables campus. The next step is chasing hardware.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: al******@***il.com | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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