When forward Matthew Cleveland returned for the 2024–25 season on Saturday, the Miami basketball program got a major boost.
For the 2024–25 season, Matthew Cleveland’s return to the Miami basketball team secures the frontcourt. Cleveland will probably go back to where he is most comfortable, at small forward. Cleveland was Miami’s primary power forward from 2023 to 2024. Miami has added forward Brandon Johnson of East Carolina and center Lynn Kidd of Virginia Tech as transfers.
In the 2023 offseason, Cleveland moved from Florida State to Miami. Cleveland trailed Miami in 29 games played, averaging 13.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest. Cleveland made 48.9 percent of their shots from the field, 35.7 percent of their threes, and 79.5 percent of their free throws.
Cleveland is the second starter to return to Miami for the 2024-25 season. Miami lost guard Kyshawn George to the NBA Draft and guards Bensley Joseph and Woogla Poplar and forward Norchad Omier to the transfer portal. Omier declared for the NBA Draft but is not projected to get selected.
Seldom used Miami reserves A.J. Casey, Michael Nwoko, Jakai Robinson and Christian Watson also entered the transfer portal. Miami now has eight scholarship players on its 2024-25 roster. Rising sophomore wing Paul Djobet is also returning to Miami for the 2024-25 season.
Miami signed the 10th-best 2024 class. Five-star guard Jalil Bethea projects to be a starter in the backcourt with Pack. Four-star guard Austin Swartz should be a key player off the bench as an elite shooter. Three-star forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu was the third signee in the 2024 Miami class.
Miami has five more scholarships available for next season. Expect Jim Larranaga and his staff to search for depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt. Miami is woefully thin on the frontline entering the 2024-25 season. After losing seven players off the 2023-24 roster, getting Cleveland back is critical.Cleveland’s more natural position will be crucial in the 2024–25 season. Cleveland can enter the NBA Draft in 2025 if they have a successful 2024–25 campaign. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Cleveland signed with Florida State in the 2021 class as the 25th-best prospect, seventh small forward, and third player in Georgia.
