Miami Hurricanes 1997-1998 Retro Shorts (Home)

Heading into the 1997-1998 season, the Hurricanes had posted but one NCAA Tournament appearance (1960) in school history. “We have a chance to be real good,” Hamilton said as the season opener against Southern Illinois approached. Behind junior Tim James, Miami then rolled off 9 wins to start the season, including victories over #17 Charlotte, Georgetown, and Memphis, and Hamilton’s words seemed prophetic. It was the best start in program history and others began taking notice of Miami’s promise. “I think they’re one of the better teams in the country,” Memphis head coach Tic Price said after the Canes defeated his Tigers 65-57 on Dec. 22, 1997. “They are deep, very talented, physical, and got good athletes. For them not to be ranked is an injustice. Leonard has them kids playing with tremendous intensity.” Attendance at Miami home games, which had been lagging for much of the 1990s, soared, alongside energy in and around the program as the Canes won their first five Big East contest