In basketball, momentum is everything. It can be the difference between a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer or a turnover that shifts the tide. For the Miami Hurricanes, momentum has been elusive this season. The program, once thriving under Jim Larrañaga, now faces turbulence under new head coach Bill Courtney. Adding to the challenges is the latest news from the transfer portal: Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, a promising four-star recruit, has taken a decision that might spell the ending of the Hurricanes’ current playbook—and force them to draft an entirely new game plan.

“NEWS: Miami freshman small forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, a former 4-star recruit, is entering the transfer portal, he told @On3sports,” reported John Tipton a reporter for on3.com. “Miami players were given a 30-day window to hit the transfer portal after Larrañaga stepped down.”

Johnson-Arigu, a 6-foot-7 small forward from Minneapolis, came to Miami with high expectations. Ranked as the No. 125 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle and the No. 2 player in Minnesota, his versatility and court vision set him apart in high school. At Totino-Grace High, he showcased a knack for being in the right place at the right time—a skill often likened to a seasoned point guard navigating the final seconds of a close game.

However, his freshman season at Miami told a different story. Averaging just 4.9 minutes and 0.9 points per game in seven appearances, Johnson-Arigu struggled to find his rhythm. Despite his potential, the Hurricanes’ dismal 4-10 start and 0-3 conference record left little room for development.

The sudden retirement of Jim Larrañaga on December 26, 2024, further disrupted the program. The 30-day transfer window following his departure allowed players like Johnson-Arigu to consider new opportunities, but it also highlighted the growing uncertainty within the team.

Can Bill Courtney steer Miami through turmoil after Johnson-Arigu’s transfer?

Larrañaga’s legacy at Miami is undeniable. Known for his ability to recruit and develop talent, his departure left a void that Courtney has yet to fill. The Hurricanes’ current roster, heavily reliant on transfer players, has struggled to gel. As one analyst put it, “The issue is not coaching, scheming, or effort. It is a player problem.”

The influx of transfer talent—players like Lynn Kidd and Brandon Johnson—has not translated into success. Kidd, despite his physical dominance, has faltered under defensive pressure. Meanwhile, Johnson’s shooting woes have mirrored the team’s broader offensive struggles.

In contrast, Larrañaga’s recruits, including Johnson-Arigu, hinted at brighter possibilities. But the lure of NIL deals and the challenges of rebuilding a cohesive roster have stalled the Hurricanes’ progress.

For Johnson-Arigu, the decision to transfer is both a loss for Miami and a chance for redemption. On3’s Jamie Shaw praised his versatility, noting, “He uses his near 7-0 wingspan to play up a lineup. Offensively, he has good touch, which he uses to finish around the basket and in the mid-range. You like the versatility and the production.”

The transfer portal represents a reset button for players and programs alike. For Miami, it is a wake-up call to address deeper systemic issues. For Johnson-Arigu, it is a chance to find a system that maximizes his potential.

As the Hurricanes’ season spirals, their young core offers a glimmer of hope. But that promise hinges on stability—a quality lacking since Larrañaga’s departure. For Bill Courtney, the challenge is steep: to rebuild trust, foster cohesion, and chart a course out of turbulence.

Much like a fast break, the Hurricanes must capitalize on their opportunities before they vanish. For now, though, Johnson-Arigu’s departure is a reminder that the game waits for no one. And as he seeks a new beginning, Miami must grapple with the weight of what could have been.