Very few people expected the Miami Hurricanes to have as much success as they did this season, and Shane Larkin’s jump to the next level was one of the main reasons the team took the nation by surprise. After averaging 7.4 points and 2.5 assists per game last year, Larkin doubled his production in his sophomore season to 14.5 points and 4.6 assists. He shot over 40% from three-point range and emerged as one of the top guards in the country.
Now, speculation is growing that Larkin could be heading to the NBA next season. On Friday afternoon, a message he posted on his Instagram account lent credence to that theory.
“Regardless of what figure decisions I make this has honesty been the best year of my life,” Larkin wrote, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Thank you to my teammate, coaches and most importantly the fans for the support. I will forever be grateful for every moment shared with you all. This season was magical and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Im blessed to be a Miami Hurricane and represent the U! Thank you!!!!”
Miami won the ACC Championship this season, which was a big change for those of us who have grown used to seeing Duke and North Carolina dominate in both the regular season and the tournament. Their basketball program is certainly on the rise, but the loss of Larkin would give the Hurricanes a significant hole to fill heading into next fall.
Larkin’s uncle told FOX Sports Florida’s Chris Tomasson that his nephew would submit his name for the NBA Draft. Larkin’s father, Hall of Fame baseball player Barry Larkin, told The Palm Beach Post that his son will explore all his options, though no decision has been made yet about his future.
