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Jim Larranaga says Miami is 'having a blast' in the Final Four

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•03/30/23•

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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Jim Larranaga soaked up every possible moment ahead of the Final Four with his Miami Hurricanes squad. 

Not only can the Hurricanes win their first national title in school history, this is the first time Miami made it this far. Basically, the team is having a blast in Houston ahead of a matchup with UConn.

Larranaga was asked how he and his team savored the trip.

“Well, I’m with you guys,” Larranaga said. “I like talking to the media. I get a chance to tell some stories about the guys I love. These guys are so much fun to be around. Someone said to me, are you tired of this? I said no, what could be better than having a conversation or meeting someone and telling them how much fun you’re having? And I hope you guys have fun covering us.

“I want our players to enjoy this moment. Because you know what? It will last a lifetime. 17 years ago and you guys are still asking me about our run to the Final Four at George Mason. It never stops. For these guys, they’ll be telling stories to their grandchildren: Oh, man, I played in the Final Four. We went to Houston. Yeah. Did you win? That will be what it’s like. And so we’re having a blast. I’m staying in the moment and just having fun with it.”

Age is just a number with Larranaga, 73. But he certainly took time to appreciate the moment with his guys just like with George Mason in the 2006 Final Four.

“I just think my relationship with my players has all been based on love,” Larranaga said. “I love the guys I’ve coached. Someone was talking to a few of my former players back in my George Mason days, Tremaine Price and George Evans, and they were asked the difference. And Tremaine said his dancing has gotten worse. So I just think when you care about people and they know you care about them, you try and help them in every way you can.

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“You are sharing meals with them. You’re traveling on airplanes, on buses. And me, I haven’t changed. If anything, I’ve gotten a little more patient and a little calmer. But other than that, I’m still the same guy I was when I got my first head coaching job at 36.”