Miami Hurricanes basketball summer workouts are starting to heat up. Jai Lucas and the Hurricanes will open the season against expected No. 1 ranked Florida Gators.
Lucas brought in three new freshman in the 2026 class: Caleb Gaskins, Christopher Birden, and Egor Ryzhov. Recently, CanesInSight caught up with forward Christopher Birden about why he chose the Hurricanes and his overall thoughts on summer workouts.
Coming out of high school, Birden was viewed as a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 50 small forward in the ESPN Recruiting rankings.
Here is what he had to say to CIS:
What made Miami the right fit for you and what stood out about the program?
The coaching staff was a big part of the reason I chose Miami. The development that they talked about was second to none and I truly felt they had my best interest in heart
How has the transition been getting ready to play at the college level?
The transition has been an experience. While it hasn’t been to hard because of me playing in boarding school, the intensity it’s of the college level is a step up from everything else.
What has been your biggest focus this offseason before arriving on campus?
My biggest focus has been developing my body. Getting bigger and stronger has been a main focus and it’s a key part of what can get me on the floor
What are you most excited about heading into your freshman season?
I’m most excited to see the fan base and the atmosphere of a college sport.
How would you describe your game to Miami fans who haven’t seen you play yet?
I’d describe my game as being a shooter and being athletic. A lot of dunks and highlight plays while also being a defender.
What are some goals you have for yourself during your first year at Miami?
One of goals would be to get as much playing time as possible. The best thing about playing basketball is being on the floor so that’s the ultimate goal.
What should Miami fans expect to see from you this season?
Except to see a lot of highlight plays and a energetic and exciting person.
What has the chemistry been like at Miami right now?
The chemistry of the team has been second to none. Me personally I’ve never seen a group of guys gel together so effortless in this little amount of time. I think we have something real special growing here.
Lucas brought in three new freshman in the 2026 class: Caleb Gaskins, Christopher Birden, and Egor Ryzhov. Recently, CanesInSight caught up with forward Christopher Birden about why he chose the Hurricanes and his overall thoughts on summer workouts.
Coming out of high school, Birden was viewed as a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 50 small forward in the ESPN Recruiting rankings.
Here is what he had to say to CIS:
What made Miami the right fit for you and what stood out about the program?
The coaching staff was a big part of the reason I chose Miami. The development that they talked about was second to none and I truly felt they had my best interest in heart
How has the transition been getting ready to play at the college level?
The transition has been an experience. While it hasn’t been to hard because of me playing in boarding school, the intensity it’s of the college level is a step up from everything else.
What has been your biggest focus this offseason before arriving on campus?
My biggest focus has been developing my body. Getting bigger and stronger has been a main focus and it’s a key part of what can get me on the floor
What are you most excited about heading into your freshman season?
I’m most excited to see the fan base and the atmosphere of a college sport.
How would you describe your game to Miami fans who haven’t seen you play yet?
I’d describe my game as being a shooter and being athletic. A lot of dunks and highlight plays while also being a defender.
What are some goals you have for yourself during your first year at Miami?
One of goals would be to get as much playing time as possible. The best thing about playing basketball is being on the floor so that’s the ultimate goal.
What should Miami fans expect to see from you this season?
Except to see a lot of highlight plays and a energetic and exciting person.
What has the chemistry been like at Miami right now?
The chemistry of the team has been second to none. Me personally I’ve never seen a group of guys gel together so effortless in this little amount of time. I think we have something real special growing here.
