Trust the Process
Oxford, Ohio, a small town of just over 20,000 residents, is home to the lone undefeated college basketball team in the nation. The university, which was named after the local Miami tribe and not the city in Florida, has made impressive strides in the past few years to build up to this success. Current head coach Travis Steele inherited a program that went just 14-18 before he got there. Though his first two years were rough, the 2024-25 season was a major step in the right direction, finishing with 25 wins and placing second in the MAC. These expectations led the Redhawks to be picked to finish 2nd behind Akron in the preseason rankings.
Current Success
Steele’s team has been led by a highly balanced unit that is currently 2nd in the country in points per game at 90.9. 6 players average over 10 points a game, with not a single player over 15 points a game. This versatility comes as a major tool that forces opposing teams to worry about more than just one star player. Currently, the team holds a 30-0 record and ranks No.21 in the most recent AP Poll. If they stay unbeaten going into the NCAA tournament, they will be the first mid-major to accomplish the feat since Wichita State in 2013-14. Recently, Coach Steele made a promise that if this streak continues he will wear a Speedo on Selection Sunday. With only a few weeks left in the season, Miami holds a slim one-game lead in the MAC over Akron in hopes of winning its first regular-season title since 2004-05. In current bracket projections, the conference leaders are slated around an #11 seed, not receiving major credit for their efforts.
Concerns
A major critique of Miami this year is the lack of competition they have played. Competing in the MAC provides few opportunities for Steele’s squad to prove itself against quality opponents. This is reflected in their NET ranking of 48, an analytical metric that sorts teams based on overall results, opponents, and margin of victory. Their best win of the season came in a 76-73 home victory against aforementioned Akron. This is slotted as their lone Quad 2 win, categorized as wins against solid teams. The rest of their victories have come in Quad 3 or 4 matchups as the Redhawks have yet to play in a Quad 1 game all year. Therefore, the Red and White are not afforded many chances to stumble down the stretch. With a continued focus on NET rankings and strength of schedule, a failure from Miami to win its conference tournament could force a tough decision for the selection committee for the remaining at-large bids.
Will they reward an elite record in a relatively weak conference or favor a solid program from a Power Five conference? Stay tuned!
