In a powerful turn of events, Bill Courtney has been handed the reins of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team after the sudden retirement of legendary coach Jim Larrañaga. With a simple but impactful message, Larrañaga told Courtney, “It’s yours. This is your ship now. You sail it.”
Taking charge of a struggling squad that’s endured a rough patch—losing eight of the past nine games and 18 of the last 22 dating back to last season—Courtney is ready to steer the Hurricanes back on course. Having worked alongside Larrañaga for over 28 years, first as an assistant at Bowling Green and George Mason, and later as Cornell’s head coach, Courtney is no stranger to the grind. He’s already rolling up his sleeves, preparing for a challenging slate of ACC games, with Miami’s next matchup against Boston College on New Year’s Day.
Reflecting on the emotional week, Courtney said, “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Finding out from coach was tough—he’s been my mentor and a great friend—but now, it’s time to focus and prepare for what’s ahead.”
Courtney, who likens Larrañaga to “Yoda” and himself to “young Luke Skywalker,” credits his mentor with teaching him everything he knows about the game, both on and off the court. “Coach L taught me how to treat players, how to run a program—it’s all his wisdom,” he shared.
Larrañaga’s unexpected departure has left a significant impact on the team, with players feeling a range of emotions. For Matt Cleveland, in his second year at Miami after transferring from Florida State, it was especially tough. “Just knowing how long he’s been here and all he’s done for us—it was emotional,” Cleveland said.
The college basketball landscape has drastically shifted, and Larrañaga cited factors like NIL deals and constant player transfers as key reasons for stepping down, despite benefiting from these changes himself. Cleveland and his teammates understand the challenges. “NIL has changed a lot, even since I got here, and it can be overwhelming,” he admitted.
For Brandon Johnson, a transfer from East Carolina, the emotions are mixed—sadness, frustration, and confusion. But despite the tumult, Johnson remains determined. “You have to roll with the punches and make the best of it,” he said.
As Courtney embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on the Hurricanes to see if he can navigate this turbulent season and lead Miami to brighter days. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with a steady hand at the helm, the Hurricanes have the potential to rise above.
