The University of Miami men’s basketball program has made a significant addition to its roster with the signing of Ernest Udeh Jr., a 6-foot-11, 260-pound center from Orlando, Florida. Udeh Jr. joins the Hurricanes after two seasons at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he consistently showcased his prowess on the court.
A Towering Presence in the Paint
During his tenure at TCU, Udeh Jr. started all 59 games, averaging 5.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. In the 2024-25 season, he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention status, finishing seventh in the conference in rebounds per game (7.5) and eleventh in blocks per game (1.3). Notably, 70% of his made field goals at TCU were dunks, underscoring his dominance around the rim.
Coach Jai Lucas’s Vision
Miami’s head coach, Jai Lucas, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, stating, “Ernest not only has a significant presence and physicality on the court, but also a personality that is really important for us as we start to build a culture here at Miami.” Lucas emphasized Udeh Jr.’s potential as a culture driver and an extension of the coaching staff on the court. He added, “As a player, he is one of the best rebounders in the country and has the ability to be one of the nation’s elite defenders.”
A Journey Through Collegiate Basketball
Before his stint at TCU, Udeh Jr. began his collegiate career at the University of Kansas. There, he shot an impressive 75.6% from the field, including a Kansas record of 21 consecutive made baskets over 17 games from December 1 to February 28. As a freshman, he averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while playing just 8.3 minutes per contest.
High School Accolades
Udeh Jr.’s basketball journey began at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, where he was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in his senior year. He averaged 13.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the 2021-22 season. His exceptional performance placed him as the No. 23 prospect in the class of 2022 per ESPN100, No. 31 per 247Sports, and No. 32 per Rivals.
Building a Formidable Roster
Udeh Jr. is the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions by Coach Lucas. The Hurricanes have also secured commitments from Indiana transfer Malik Reneau and Michigan transfer guard Tre Donaldson. These additions signal Miami’s intent to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
With Udeh Jr.’s arrival, the Hurricanes aim to bolster their defensive and rebounding capabilities. His experience and skill set are expected to make an immediate impact, providing the team with a strong presence in the paint and contributing to Miami’s pursuit of excellence in collegiate basketball.
As the Hurricanes continue to shape their roster, fans eagerly anticipate the synergy of these new talents on the court. The upcoming season holds promise, with Udeh Jr. poised to play a pivotal role in Miami’s quest for success.
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