Mark Packer explains the key to Miami’s Final Four run ahead of UConn matchup

Mark Packer went on WJOX in Birmingham, Alabama and discussed Miami’s run to the Final Four. And while so many things have changed about college basketball in recent years, one thing is constant: Veteran guards matter in a big way.

“One thing has not changed,” said Packer, an ACC Network host. “And that is, when it comes to March Madness, I don’t care who your favorite team is, I don’t care what league they play in, I don’t care who your coach is, if your team has old, experienced, quality guards, you can be a problem. And that is Miami has been able to do. They had it last year with the transfer portal with old guards. Got the same thing this year. Their backcourt, there is so many guys that can put up 25 points. They play with great poise, they don’t screw up, they’re smart with the basketball.”

A secondary element for Miami is that Jim Larranaga, who took George Mason to the Final Four, is a Hall of Fame coach, Packer said. And while they don’t have a lot of size, the Hurricanes have 6-foot-7 Norchad Omier, who is a tough dude, Packer said, and “will put an elbow in your nose and play smart.”

“Their guards have been great and that gives them a shot against UConn, who has been nothing short of awesome,” Packer said.

Miami and UConn are set to meet at 8:49 p.m. ET on Saturday on CBS.