Destiny Harden, Jordan Miller talk WNBA, NBA Drafts, plus UM transfer portal update

While University of Miami basketball coaches Katie Meier and Jim Larranaga host potential transfers this week, departing seniors Destiny Harden and Jordan Miller reflected on the historic Hurricanes seasons and shared how they are preparing for life in the pros.

Harden was selected 27th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Draft on Monday night.

The Chicago native is the seventh player in UM history chosen in the WNBA Draft, joining Beatrice Mompremier (2020), Adrienne Motley (2017), Shenise Johnson (2012), Riquna Williams (2012), Tamara James (2006) and Octavia Blue (1998).

Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said of Harden: “We had both Destiny and Kadi [Sissoko] rated high on our draft boards and are thrilled to have acquired players of their caliber with our picks. We are excited to get them both into camp and see what they can do here in Phoenix.”

Harden averaged 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 2022-23 and made the All-ACC second team. She scored 18 points in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and hit the game-winning shot to upset No. 1 seed Indiana on its home floor.

Phoenix is looking to improve on a 15-21 season and first-round exit in the playoffs. The Mercury will be in the spotlight as Brittney Griner returns to the team after her detainment in Russia last year.

Harden is looking forward to getting to Phoenix and starting camp. She wants to prove she is a versatile player who is comfortable at guard and forward.

“I’ve been training, staying in shape and allowing life to be thrown at me,” she said “I’m a schedule type of person, so I’ve been planning out my weeks with classes and workouts.”

She sought advice from former UM players Mompremier, Kelsey Marshall and Mykea Gray about the transition to the professional game. Mompremier plays in the WNBA, Marshall in Spain and Gray in Portugal.

As for her lasting UM memories, Harden said: “Being able to look back and know I was one of the women who helped put Miami on the map and show what hard work can do. I will appreciate and cherish that the most.”

Miller, meanwhile, awaits the June 23 NBA Draft. He is projected as a mid-to-late second round pick by a few mock drafts.

“The biggest thing is I need to show them is that I can shoot the three ball consistently,” Miller said. “My numbers are up from last year, and I believe I’m a better shooter than my numbers have shown.”

He was not a primary three-point shooter in the UM offense.

“Each year, your team needs you to do certain things and we had Nijel Pack shooting 40 percent, Zay [Wong] was shooting 40 percent, Wooga [Poplar], the man couldn’t miss at the end of the season,” Miller said. “Coach L talked about balance with outside and inside shots. Norchad [Omier] and I shot the majority of the twos to balance the offense.”

Miller is eager to prove himself to NBA executives and coaches.

“I’m versatile and I can adapt to whatever a team needs,” he said. “I know being in the NBA is about playing your role. NBA teams worry about when you get there how you will react if things don’t go your way. I get through hard times. I’m a very resilient person. I love challenges.”

He has high hopes for next year’s UM team. Four players transferred (Harlond Beverly, Anthony Walker, Favour Aire and Danilo Jovanovich) but Omier, Pack, Poplar and Bensley Joseph are expected to stay. Isaiah Wong has another year of eligibility but will likely turn pro after testing the NBA waters the past two off-seasons.

“I see this team being a contender for a national championship,” Miller said. “I’m sure we’ll be getting some key transfers. The core of this group is young, hungry, electric. These guys will always leave it all on the floor. I know they’re going to be hungry to get past the Final Four and win a championship.”

Transfer Portal Update

Matt Cleveland (FSU), Quincy Olivari (Rice) and Mustapha Amzil (Dayton) are among the transfers who have been mentioned as Miami targets, according to multiple sources. Olivari listed UM in his final four along with Auburn, Texas and Xavier. Amzil, a 6-10 Finnish forward, has also drawn interest from Memphis, New Mexico and UCLA. Cleveland averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Seminoles last season.

Bahamas Tournament

The UM men’s team will compete in the 2023 Baha Mar Bahama Hoops Championship in Nassau, Bahamas on Nov 17 and 18, the school announced Thursday. The four-team event features UM, Kansas State, Providence and a team to be named later.