Miami came up short in its bid to advance to the NCAA regional semifinals for only the second time in school history, but the Hurricanes took a giant step forward in the development of the program in 2007-08.

By finishing with a 23-11 record, the Hurricanes engineered a 10-game turnaround from the previous season, when injuries contributed to a fall to a 12-20 record.

A similar record was predicted for this year when the media made Miami their overwhelming choice to finish in last place in the ACC.

Instead, the Hurricanes finished in fifth place, won their opening game in the ACC tourney, then played in the NCAA Tournament for just the sixth time in school history and the first time since 2002.

They won their opening game against St. Mary's -- only their fourth win ever in NCAA tourney play -- and nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback before losing by three points to second-seeded Texas.

But the key thing is coach Frank Haith has the players in place for next season to keep this from being a one-time thing.

Four starters, including top scorer Jack McClinton, return. Two of the others are in the backcourt with McClinton -- Lance Hurdle and James Dews -- and the fourth, Dwayne Collins, has on occasion demonstrated the ability to be a force inside.

Brian Asbury, a starter as a sophomore in 2006-07 but relegated to a reserve role over the last 2 1/2 months, and Jimmy Graham return for their senior seasons. Asbury is a wing player. Graham adds muscle up front.

Haith also has replacements for departing seniors Anthony King and Raymond Hicks waiting, with Cryus McGowan, a transfer from Arkansas, and Julian Gamble, who sat out 2007-08 as a redshirt, ready to step in.

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