A new deal for UM's Haith

After enjoying one of the greatest men's basketball turnarounds in the country, the University of Miami rewarded its leader, coach Frank Haith, with a new five-year contract Monday.

Terms of the contract, which will run through the 2012-13 season, were not released.

''I want to thank the university, and especially President [Donna] Shalala, [new athletic director] Kirby Hocutt and [retiring athletic director] Paul Dee, for their belief in this basketball program,'' Haith said in a statement. ``The success we have achieved is a direct reflection of the dedication and perseverance of my staff and players.

``This contract provides stability for this program and gives my staff and me the opportunity, through our recruiting efforts, to build upon the solid foundation we have in place. We will continue our hard work in moving this program forward.''

10 MORE WINS

Miami took a giant leap forward in Haith's fourth season. UM enjoyed a 10-game turnaround and finished 23-11 overall, fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference, including a win against then-fourth-ranked Duke. Miami won its first 12 games and was ranked as high as 19th before going on to win its first NCAA Tournament game in eight years, then falling to second-seeded Texas in the second round.

Miami was a program-best 14-2 at BankUnited Center, while averaging the highest attendance since UM started playing basketball games on campus five years ago.

''I have no doubt that Frank Haith is the right person to continue to take this men's basketball program to new heights,'' Dee said.

``The progress this team has shown is exceptional and Frank deserves a lot of credit.''

BUILDING BLOCKS

Since his arrival, Haith has guided UM to three postseason appearances and has compiled 11 wins against ranked teams in his first four years -- more than any other UM men's basketball coach during the same span.

This past season, the Hurricanes produced their first All-ACC first-team selection in Jack McClinton, who was the only member of the first team to also earn All-ACC Academic Team honors.

During the past three years, UM has led all ACC men's basketball programs with six academic team honorees.

''Frank Haith has done a tremendous job in elevating the men's basketball program into one of the premier teams in both the ACC and in the nation,'' Hocutt said. ``His character, dedication and relationship with his student-athletes and staff members are beyond reproach, and the University of Miami is proud to have one of the top young coaches in the nation.''

did you guys see Andy Katz has the canes ranked 12 in his 2008-2009 preseason poll?  And second in the ACC only behind UNC.

Canes basketball is back baby.  This is from the Miami Herald...

Looking ahead to '08-'09

How good can the University of Miami's basketball team be next season? How high can Frank Haith, Jack McClinton and company lift the program in '08-'09? That's what I was pondering on the flight back from San Antonio and the Final Four on Tuesday night.

A year ago the thought of picturing Miami at the Final Four or even the Sweet 16 this soon would have sounded insane. Not after a 12-20 season and last place finish. But following this 23-11 season and trip to the Round of 32, there is at least one basketball analyst who already has Miami as one of the country's 12 best teams next year. ESPN's Andy Katz came out with his very first Top 25 rankings for next season, hours after Kansas cut the nets down at the Alamodome. And much to my honest surprise, Katz has UM slated 12th (in front of Duke and second overall in the ACC behind North Carolina). Granted, its extremely early. Katz was under some pressure to put a list together not long after the confetti stopped raining down at the Alamodome. But the fact Katz -- and Rivals.com (which has UM receiving votes in its early 08-09 Top 25 poll) -- already have Miami somewhere in their top 25 should shows you the experts already have higher expectations for this team.

That's a good thing. Personally, I believe this Miami is definitely good enough to make the Sweet 16 next year if it stays healthy. I expect McClinton to have another sensational season, Haith to develop a number two scorer (either James Dews, Dwayne Collins, Lance Hurdle or even incoming freshman DeQuan Jones) and for the team to take another step forward. But I'm interested to see how being patted on the back and having high expectations from the public -- instead of having none -- will affect this team. Miami enjoyed so much success this season in the underdog role. It's going to be a challenge being on the other side of the coin.