Vitale: Miami 'Belonged in the Big Dance'
Count Dickie Vitale among those who feel the Hurricanes were snubbed for an NCAA Tournament berth. With Miami set to play Temple in the NIT semifinal next week, Dickie V. expressed his displeasure over Jim Larranaga's squad not getting into the Big Dance on the Marc Hochman Show with Zach Krantz.
"They had a very good year -- it's showing now," Vitale said on 560 WQAM. "They're beating some quality teams and there are some quality teams. Trust me. I know two teams in particular belonged in the big dance. Miami was one and Murray State was the other."
The Canes were labeled among the tournament's First Four Out by many national "bracketologists" after the field was set. Miami has won six of their last seven games, counting the postseason.
And due to Miami's resilience in the NIT, it has given Larranaga an opportunity to coach in Madison Square Garden for the first time.
"He better bring his credit too because his wife likes to eat at quality places so I'm sure they're gonna go to the some of the finest and in New York City, my man, it's not cheap but I think he can afford it," Vitale said. "They're paying him fairly well at Miami.
"She has big-time taste -- a great lady as well. I have big taste in Miami, man. I can't wait when I go to Prime 112 or Prime Italian"
Miami squares off against Temple this Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET for a chance to advance to the NIT championship. You can listen to the broadcast right here on WQAM, the exclusive radio home of the Miami Hurricanes.
