Kam McGusty discusses what Elite Eight can mean for Miami program

Miami‘s first Elite Eight in program history is just the first step for the Hurricanes’ long-term success plan. Fifth year senior Kameron McGusty spent three seasons under Jim Larranaga and knows how special this run meant for the program.

“Just being able to accomplish what we accomplished this year, now teams coming in or new teams, two, three years down the line, that Elite Eight is going to be the goal,” McGusty said. “That’s what we were able to do this year, and I’m so happy for us. I love these guys. I loved playing with them. It’s been a crazy up-and-down season, but it’s good to be able to, like Coach L said, get the community involved, get all the school involved.

“They had a watch party on campus … being able to bring together a group of guys, a community, coaching staff, it’s just amazing what we did. And hopefully teams can go to the Final Four.”

Miami missed out on its first Final Four this season, but are hoping this season sets the precedent for future Hurricanes rosters looking to etch their names in the school’s record books. Thanks to their spontaneous Cinderella run, the rejuvenation of the Hurricanes’ fanbase has been mended after countless flashes of greatness over the last decade as Larranaga has led his squad to three Sweet 16’s and now the one Elite Eight since taking over in 2011.

Three consecutive NCAA Tournament bids from 2015-2018 gave hope for better days ahead, but just as quickly fell back down the ladder with three-straight losing seasons, including last year at 10-17.

With the last three seasons in mind, of course this team was going to end up being picked to finish 12th in the ACC. They ended up finishing fourth behind Duke, Notre Dame and North Carolina in the regular season conference standings and defeated USC, Auburn and Iowa State in the tournament.

While the Elite Eight run could just be the beginning for the Miami program, it’s the end of the road for McGusty, who spent his final three seasons of eligibility with the Hurricanes after beginning his career as a Sooner in Norman, Oklahoma. He’ll now pursue a professional route, but will never forget the magic him and his teammates made this March.

“I told all the younger guys in the locker room, I told them I loved them. I told them to take care of this place for the next three years that y’all are here,” McGusty said.