Q & A with former Mason and current Miami men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga

Former Mason and current Miami coach Jim Larranaga has his Hurricanes at No. 2 in the nation (Photo courtesy of John Powell).

Could you ever have imagined having the level of success this season in only your second year at University of Miami?

JL: We thought we were capable last year but injuries and suspensions set us back. I thought we had a great chance this season and I even told the Board of Trustees that I thought we would have the best season in Miami basketball history. 

Have you seen a substantial difference in the level of competition in the ACC, not just on the floor, but in terms of recruiting?

JL: All levels of college basketball have strong competition but the size of the ACC is the biggest difference. The ACC style is a game of size and strength. As far as recruiting, it's at a whole new level. We recruit within the top 100 players in the country instead of finding players that the top programs have overlooked. 

Do you have more resources at Miami than you had while coaching at George Mason?

JL: I had more resources at Mason and part of that had to do with the emphasis on basketball there. 

What’s it like coaching basketball at a school that is dominated by football and for a program that hasn’t had consistent success in basketball?

JL: The football program has helped the basketball program a lot. Recruits are drawn to Miami by way of academics and the football program. A lot of recruits' fathers are Miami football fans and the school is one of the top academically in the state. 

With the No. 2 team in the country, a packed arena every night and sports celebrities like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade sitting courtside, can Miami become a basketball school? 

JL: People follow winners. The success we've had this season has generated interest to the basketball program and by having LeBron James and Dwayne Wade sitting courtside, it gives us credibility and helps recruiting significantly. Recruits watch a game and see LeBron and Wade at a game like Jack Nicholson at Lakers games and they think it's cool. We have gained recognition and media exposure and we hope to make this an annual thing.