Think of the most memorable moments from the Jim Larrañaga era. I bet you’ve got plenty. After Coach Larrañaga officially retired from the game of basketball back in December, I decided to put together 25 Most Memorable Moments from his time at Miami.
Memorable doesn’t always mean good—it could be highs or lows. This list reflects it all.
Today, we’re kicking things off with No. 25 through No. 21. We’ll continue the countdown with 20 through 16, and we’ll keep going each time until we reach No. 1.
This is not in no particular order. Let’s get this thing started!
Fast forward a year later—Cleveland transferred to Miami and had a strong final season, averaging 17.6 points per game in a Hurricanes uniform.
Definitely one of the more memorable moments—even if it was a tough one for Miami fans.
Miami and Virginia Tech was in overtime, tied at 75-75 in Blacksburg. The Hurricanes had one last chance to end the game in regulation, with possession of the ball and 1.8 seconds remaining, while coming out of a timeout. Charlie couldn't get a good quality shot, as there was only 1.8 seconds, so he threw it up from half court, and suddenly, his shot bounced off the glass and went in for the Hurricanes to win at the buzzer.
I swear, I’ve watched that clip a hundred times. It somehow gets better every time.
22: First NCAA Tournament Win Since 2016 (vs. USC)
Heading into the 2022 NCAA Tournament, the Hurricanes hadn’t won a March Madness game since 2016 and wasn’t highly picked in the tournament as the Hurricanes came in as the No. 10 seed. They were coming off back-to-back losing seasons. He not only beat USC, he beat No. 2 seed Auburn and went to the Elite 8 that year.
The Canes shocked the Duke fans once again at Cameron Indoor when Charlie Moore made an incredible shot where he kinda just through it up, which was counted as an and-one. He missed the free throw, but the Hurricanes grabbed the offensive rebound and scored a layup to take a late lead. The Blue Devils had two opportunities to win in the closing seconds, but both shots missed off the rim. It was one of the greatest moments of my life to beat Duke. Who else agrees that Miami should bring back these orange jerseys?
Memorable doesn’t always mean good—it could be highs or lows. This list reflects it all.
Today, we’re kicking things off with No. 25 through No. 21. We’ll continue the countdown with 20 through 16, and we’ll keep going each time until we reach No. 1.
This is not in no particular order. Let’s get this thing started!
25: Matthew Cleveland Stuns Miami
“Cleveland for the win… It’s good! Matthew Cleveland stuns Miami!” That was the call as Florida State’s Matthew Cleveland drilled a three point buzzer-beater to come back from a 25-point deficit and shock Miami at the Watsco Center.Fast forward a year later—Cleveland transferred to Miami and had a strong final season, averaging 17.6 points per game in a Hurricanes uniform.
Definitely one of the more memorable moments—even if it was a tough one for Miami fans.
24: Charlie Moore half court buzzer beater to beat Virginia Tech
Miami and Virginia Tech was in overtime, tied at 75-75 in Blacksburg. The Hurricanes had one last chance to end the game in regulation, with possession of the ball and 1.8 seconds remaining, while coming out of a timeout. Charlie couldn't get a good quality shot, as there was only 1.8 seconds, so he threw it up from half court, and suddenly, his shot bounced off the glass and went in for the Hurricanes to win at the buzzer.
23: “You know what I saw out there… Muhammad Ali!”
Jim Larrañaga gave us one of the most unforgettable postgame celebrations after Miami’s win over Illinois to punch a ticket to the Sweet 16. “I told you guys I wanted to see fighters,” he said in the locker room. “You know what I saw out there? Muhammad Ali.” Then Coach hit his best Ali impression—shuffling his feet and throwing jabs in the air.I swear, I’ve watched that clip a hundred times. It somehow gets better every time.
22: First NCAA Tournament Win Since 2016 (vs. USC)
Heading into the 2022 NCAA Tournament, the Hurricanes hadn’t won a March Madness game since 2016 and wasn’t highly picked in the tournament as the Hurricanes came in as the No. 10 seed. They were coming off back-to-back losing seasons. He not only beat USC, he beat No. 2 seed Auburn and went to the Elite 8 that year.
21: Miami stuns #2 Duke at Cameron Indoor Arena
After I do more of these, Charlie Moore was clutch for Miami in the final moments of these type of close games.The Canes shocked the Duke fans once again at Cameron Indoor when Charlie Moore made an incredible shot where he kinda just through it up, which was counted as an and-one. He missed the free throw, but the Hurricanes grabbed the offensive rebound and scored a layup to take a late lead. The Blue Devils had two opportunities to win in the closing seconds, but both shots missed off the rim. It was one of the greatest moments of my life to beat Duke. Who else agrees that Miami should bring back these orange jerseys?
