'Building a mid-major powerhouse.' Can Miami sustain its success?

PHILADELPHIA − A special season for Miami history came to an end at the hands of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 20 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. For stretches, the RedHawks showed the same resilience that defined their remarkable run. But Tennessee's size, physicality and defensive pressure dictated the game and ensured that Miami wouldn't wear Cinderella's slipper, exposing the gap the RedHawks are now trying to close.

The biggest question moving forward isn't about Miami's season-ending 78-56 loss to the Volunteers . It's about what comes next. More: Miami RedHawks knocked out of NCAA Tournament by Tennessee Volunteers Williams: Miami proves it belongs with NCAA Tournament First Four win After an undefeated regular season, an at-large bid and a First Four win, the focus for Miami has shifted from feel-good story to hoping they can sustain it in an era dominated by change.

"We're building a mid-major powerhouse," freshman guard Trey Perry said. That belief is rooted in how Miami got to this point. Head coach Travis Steele took a different approach when navigating the modern landscape of college basketball.

While others leaned heavily into the transfer portal, Miami prioritized retention and development. "We tried to build something that was sustainable. While everybody else was zigging, we just zagged," Steele said.