Coming off a Final Four berth last season, expectations have never been higher for the Canes Hoops program. Led by the veteran savvy of Coach Jim Larrañaga, thw Canes kick-started their season with a commanding win over the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Monday night. Postgame, Larrañaga shared his thoughts, "That was a very good opening night for us. A lot of guys played well."

The Hurricanes had reason for concern before the game according to Coach L, given NJIT's reputation for draining threes, but Miami managed to limit their opponents to 9-30 success rate from beyond the arc. Larrañaga quipped, "We'd prefer it be just under 30% would be a good night defensively," showing his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Larrañaga’s men not only stifled NJIT from three-point land but also shared the ball with fluidity, racking up 23 assists. They showed versatility, scoring from downtown, inside, and on fast breaks. “So it was a good night for us,” Larñaga concluded, setting the stage for what could be a promising season ahead.

When asked about NJIT head coach Grant Billmeier’s high praise, suggesting Miami looked like a Final Four contender, Larrañaga responded with both humility and humor. "Tell him if we can keep Norchad Omier out of foul trouble that would help," he said, before expressing caution due to the early stage of the season.

Indeed, early foul trouble for Omier was not on the coach's wishlist. “I didn’t expect Omier to get into two fouls so early," Larrañaga admitted, noting that the fouls were avoidable.

As for individual performances, Wooga Poplar's career-high 21 points didn't go unnoticed. "Yes, he’s great. The guy can shoot the three... his pull-up jumper is amazing," Larrañaga praised, highlighting Poplar’s offensive prowess.

Early season victories are crucial, and Larrañaga knows it. “Momentum happens when you win a bunch of games in a row,” he said, tempering the excitement with the knowledge that one win does not a season make, especially with tough matchups on the horizon.

Larrañaga also lauded Matthew Cleveland's excellent performance, a stat-stuffer with 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and an impressive plus/minus of +31. The coach was particularly pleased with how the team coped without Omier, "We didn’t lose anything, we actually extended the lead."

On adjustments, the coach is ever vigilant, particularly when it comes to keeping players out of foul trouble. He also pointed out the raw talent and necessary learning curve for his younger players, like Kyshawn George, who "showed his inexperience" but is on the trajectory to become a solid player.

The Hurricanes' three-point shooting received mixed reviews. While Larrañaga seemed content with the overall effort, he highlighted that not all players hit their mark, particularly Nigel Pack, who, despite an off shooting night, dished out nine assists with just one turnover.

Closing the presser, Larrañaga's focus shifted toward the next game and the ceremonial raising of the Final Four Banner, marking a new chapter in Miami's storied basketball history. He reflected on the importance of coordination with upcoming opponents UCF and the atmosphere he anticipates: “It’ll be a **** of a game, hopefully, we’ll have a sellout crowd and everybody will be into it like they were tonight.”

As Coach Larrañaga enters his 13th year at the helm in Miami, win number 256 was significant, but his eyes are already set on the challenges ahead. Miami's season opener has set a tone of optimism and anticipation for what could unfold in the weeks to come.