The University of Miami’s men’s basketball program recently faced a significant setback when four-star center Ben Ahmed, a top-75 prospect in the 2025 class, decided to decommit and reopen his recruitment. Ahmed, who had initially committed to Miami in October 2024, chose the Hurricanes over other notable programs such as Cincinnati and Xavier. His decision to part ways with Miami leaves the coaching staff with the challenge of filling a crucial void in their future roster.
Background on Ben Ahmed
Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 300 pounds, Ben Ahmed hails from Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. Originally from Nigeria, Ahmed has made a name for himself as a dominant force in high school basketball. He reclassified to the class of 2025 to further develop his skills and attract more attention from top-tier college programs. His commitment to Miami was seen as a significant win for the Hurricanes, bolstering their frontcourt prospects for the future.
Impact of Ahmed’s Decommitment
Ahmed’s departure is a considerable loss for Miami. His size and skill set would have provided the Hurricanes with a formidable presence in the paint, potentially elevating the team’s competitiveness in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). With his decommitment, Miami’s coaching staff must now reassess their recruiting strategy to address this unexpected gap.
Current State of Miami’s 2025 Recruiting Class
Prior to Ahmed’s decommitment, Miami’s 2025 recruiting class was gaining momentum. The addition of Ahmed had elevated the class into the top 20 nationally, reflecting the program’s upward trajectory in attracting high-caliber talent. However, his departure necessitates a reevaluation of the remaining commitments and targets to ensure the program remains competitive.
Potential Recruiting Targets
In the wake of Ahmed’s decommitment, Miami’s coaching staff will likely intensify their efforts to secure commitments from other top prospects. One notable target is five-star forward Cameron Boozer, who, along with his twin brother Cayden, has been a focal point of Miami’s recruiting efforts. However, both brothers recently committed to Duke, representing a missed opportunity for the Hurricanes.
Other potential targets include players who have shown interest in Miami or are considered top prospects in the 2025 class. The coaching staff may also explore the transfer portal to find experienced players who can make an immediate impact. Given the competitive nature of college basketball recruiting, Miami will need to act swiftly and strategically to secure the talent necessary to remain competitive in the ACC.
Strategic Adjustments Moving Forward
To mitigate the impact of Ahmed’s decommitment, Miami’s coaching staff should consider the following strategies:
- Expanding the Recruiting Net: Broadening the search to include international prospects or under-the-radar players who may have been overlooked by other programs.
- Leveraging Relationships: Utilizing existing relationships with high school and AAU coaches to identify potential recruits who fit the program’s needs and culture.
- Emphasizing Player Development: Highlighting the program’s track record of developing players and preparing them for professional careers can be a compelling selling point for recruits.
- Enhancing NIL Opportunities: In the current landscape of college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities play a significant role in recruiting. Miami can leverage its location in a major market to offer attractive NIL packages to prospective players.
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What Comes Next After Miami Basketball Loses 4-Star Recruit Ben Ahmed? (Continued)
Examining Miami’s Frontcourt Depth
With Ahmed’s decommitment, the Hurricanes are left with a critical gap in their frontcourt. Let’s take a closer look at the state of their big men and how the coaching staff might address this void.
- Current Bigs on the Roster
Miami’s depth in the frontcourt for the 2025-26 season will depend on player development, incoming transfers, and the recruitment of new talent. Returning players like A.J. Casey, Favour Aire, and Michael Nwoko will be expected to take on larger roles if Miami cannot land another highly-ranked recruit. - Potential Transfer Portal Additions
Given the growing influence of the transfer portal, Miami could target experienced collegiate players who are looking for a fresh opportunity. Over the past few years, the Hurricanes have benefited from bringing in impact transfers like Norchad Omier (Arkansas State) and Jordan Miller (George Mason), both of whom played pivotal roles in Miami’s deep tournament runs. Expect Jim Larrañaga and his staff to be aggressive in the transfer market if they are unable to secure a top-tier high school recruit. - Emerging Talent from the Bench
If no immediate frontcourt replacements are secured, younger players may be forced to step up. This means developing existing talent to ensure Miami remains competitive in the ACC. Favour Aire, a former four-star prospect, could be one of the beneficiaries of more playing time, while A.J. Casey might be asked to play extended minutes.
Possible Replacements for Ben Ahmed
Now that Ahmed is out of the picture, Miami must pivot to other recruiting options. Here are a few names that could be in play:
- Mikey Lewis (6’10” C, Class of 2025)
A highly skilled big man with excellent footwork and mobility, Lewis is currently considering several high-major programs, including Miami. The Hurricanes were among his top schools before Ahmed committed, so there’s a chance they re-enter the mix. - Nathaniel Owens (6’9” PF, Class of 2025)
Owens is an athletic power forward with a strong inside presence. His ability to stretch the floor could make him an ideal fit for Miami’s system. - Transfer Portal Options
The Hurricanes may not find an immediate replacement in the 2025 recruiting class, but the transfer portal will likely provide experienced options. Miami has had success with high-level transfers in the past, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them aggressively pursue a veteran big man.
How Miami Can Still Build a Strong 2025 Recruiting Class
Although losing Ahmed is a tough blow, Miami still has an opportunity to build a solid 2025 class. Here’s how they can stay competitive:
- Strengthening Ties with Local Talent
South Florida has consistently produced high-level basketball talent. Miami should focus on recruiting top local prospects to solidify its pipeline. - Using NIL to Attract Recruits
With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Miami’s ability to market itself as a top destination for players looking to capitalize on their brand will be key. Miami has a strong NIL infrastructure, and this could play a role in convincing top recruits to choose the Hurricanes over other programs. - Emphasizing Player Development
Miami has successfully developed NBA-caliber talent in recent years, including players like Lonnie Walker, Dewan Hernandez, and Bruce Brown. The program must emphasize its track record of preparing players for the next level as a major selling point. - Prioritizing Fit Over Rankings
While losing a top-75 recruit is disappointing, Miami should focus on players who fit their system rather than just going after the highest-ranked prospects. This means targeting high-IQ players who can thrive in Miami’s up-tempo offense.
Miami’s Long-Term Outlook
Despite losing Ahmed, Miami’s future remains bright. Under Jim Larrañaga, the program has established itself as a contender in the ACC, making deep NCAA tournament runs, including the Final Four in 2023.
- Recruiting Success in Recent Years
Miami has consistently recruited at a high level, securing commitments from players like Isaiah Wong, Kam McGusty, and Norchad Omier. Even with Ahmed’s decommitment, Miami is still a desirable destination for top recruits. - Miami’s Growing National Reputation
The Hurricanes have gained significant national recognition in recent seasons. Their run to the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four in 2023 showcased the program’s ability to compete with the best teams in the country. - Potential Coaching Changes in the Future
One looming question for Miami is how long Jim Larrañaga will continue coaching. The 74-year-old head coach has built a strong program, but retirement rumors have occasionally surfaced. If Miami needs to make a coaching transition in the coming years, it will be critical to maintain continuity in recruiting and development.
Final Thoughts
Losing a top recruit like Ben Ahmed is undoubtedly a setback, but it’s far from a death blow for Miami basketball. The Hurricanes still have a chance to reload through recruiting, the transfer portal, and player development.
With the right strategy, Miami can continue to compete at a high level in the ACC and remain a force in college basketball. The key will be how quickly the coaching staff pivots to new targets and whether they can secure another impact player for the 2025 class.
The future remains bright for the Hurricanes, and while this is a challenge, Miami has the resources, talent, and leadership to overcome it. The next few months will be critical as the Hurricanes look to rebound and solidify their recruiting efforts moving forward.
- Current Bigs on the Roster