Miami booster John Ruiz fires shot at Florida State after Matthew Cleveland's commitment
Miami earned a major commitment from the transfer portal this weekend from Matthew Cleveland. However, in the aftermath of his decision, John Ruiz, one of the faces of the Hurricane’s efforts in the NIL space and the new era of college athletics overall, couldn’t believe where they picked him up from.
Ruiz took a shot at Florida State following Cleveland’s announcement on Sunday afternoon. Considering it was an intraconference switch in the state of Florida for Cleveland, Ruiz couldn’t help but poke fun at the Seminoles on Twitter after pilfering one of their best players.
Cleveland chose the ‘Canes this afternoon over Auburn and Missouri.
Over 59 games, including 38 starts, with the Seminoles, Cleveland averaged 12.7 points and six rebounds. That earned him a ranking as one of the Top-25 players in the portal and a top-five small forward available via transfer in On3’s Portal Rankings.
Ironically enough, one of Cleveland’s best highlights at FSU came while playing on the road in Coral Gables. After being down as much as 25 in the Watsco Center and then two in the final seconds, he heaved a shot from three that went in and gave the Seminoles one of their nine wins on the season in dramatic fashion.
Still, this could be seen as payback as the Hurricanes committed some ACC-on-ACC crime here. That’s why Ruiz took full advantage of getting a laugh at the expense of their in-state rival considering they’ll be facing them next season with their former leading scorer and rebounder now donning their jersey instead.
More on Cleveland’s commitment to Miami
Former Florida State small forward Matthew Cleveland has committed to Miami, he told On3.
“I chose Miami because (Jim Larrañaga) made it clear from the first day I was in the portal that I was his number one guy,” he said. “Their system fits me perfectly and I want to be a part of something special and they are building that there.”
The 6-foot-7, 200-pound junior averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Seminoles this season, who finished 12th in the ACC with an overall record of 9-23.
Cleveland is a former four-star recruit and was the No. 25 overall player in the nation in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The Atlanta native is not only making an intraconference move, but he’s also remaining within the state of Florida as he will suit up in a ‘Canes uniform next season. Miami, led by Larrañaga, finished the 2022-23 season with a Final Four appearance and an overall record of 29-8.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.