Miami junior transfer Lance Hurdle has made an immediate contribution to a Hurricane team that has raced out to a 7-0 start for just the fourth time in school history. Hurdle has appeared in all seven games, and has averaged 7.7 points in 18.6 minutes off the bench, including a game-high 13 points against St. John's last week. The guard brings quite a resume with him to Coral Gables, including a nod as Foothills Conference Player of the Year last year at San Bernardino Valley Community College.
How did you get started playing basketball?
My grandpa taught me when I was three years old. I played for a San Diego AAU team called the Runnin' Rebels before high school.
Can you talk a little bit about your college basketball experience?
I started at Santa Barbara. It was a beautiful area and the campus was good, but I thought it wasn't a good fit for me basketball-wise. I went to San Bernardino Valley (last year) to try to get myself in the position to be at the Division I level again, and it was a blessing to come here.
What has the transition from the junior college level to the ACC been like so far?
People here are bigger, faster, stronger. The game is more advanced than at the junior college level.
What is your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
Winning the championship my senior year of high school. Nobody expected us to win - the year before, we lost in the first round. We had some young talent come up and step up, and it was a great win for the team and one of our best years (in school history).
What do you still hope to accomplish?
To win a national championship here.
Who is your most influential role model?
My mom because no matter what, she always stays strong and positive.
What is the best advice you've received from a coach?
Coach Hicks - my AAU coach - said to always have confidence in yourself no matter what.
Anything in particular that has helped you adjust to Miami, athletically and academically?
The weather. (laughs) My teammates and everybody else have helped me get used to it down here. It's a lot like California, which is good.
Why did you choose Miami... besides the weather?
The main thing was having a good relationship with the coach. Coach Haith is a great coach and we have a great relationship. When I came on my visit, my teammates were real open to me, the campus is beautiful, and it's a school I always wanted to come to since I was little. Everything fit when I came out here, so I just knew.
Miami is 7-0 for the fourth time in school history. Can you talk a bit about the atmosphere around there right now?
It's great, everybody is excited about our team. It's nice walking around and having people say, "When are you playing next?" and saying that they'll be there, even at the road games. People are happy and we're happy.
Any thoughts going into the conference season in a few weeks?
We're excited for that, too. It's a big year for us and hopefully we can do well - I think we will. We're very close, and we're just looking forward to it.
Lance Hurdle and the Hurricanes return to the hardwood tomorrow (12/8) for a non-conference tilt at cross-town foe Florida International at 7 p.m. The Hurricanes continue their road swing with a trip to Mississippi State on Thursday (12/13) before returning to Coral Gables on Dec. 17.
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