Transfer SF Matthew Cleveland looking forward to first year in Miami: “I felt like this was the best place to go”

Last season, most Miami fans may remember new Hurricane small forward Matthew Cleveland for his buzzer-beater shot against the ‘Canes, which dramatically capped off a 25-point comeback victory for FSU in February.

Fast forward to now, and Cleveland is set to become a major contributor for Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga and his team this season after transferring from Florida State following his sophomore year.

“What made me decide to come here was just the comfortability I had with the coaching staff and the success I’ve seen them have with transfers like Norchad (Omier), Nijel (Pack), and way before,” Cleveland said. “My freshman year, it was Charlie (Moore), Kam (McGusty), and Jordan (Miller). That was really the main reason and the winning that this program has had the past couple of years also.”

It is well known that there is no love lost between the Hurricanes and the Seminoles, but the decision to switch out Tallahassee for Miami was a one Cleveland thought would be best for his future.

“It’s strange, but at the end of the day it was a business decision for me,” Cleveland said. “I felt like this was the best place to go. I had complete love for Florida State, and they did nothing but the best for me in my two years there.”

So far, things have been smooth for Cleveland in Coral Gables, but with any change of scenery comes a bit of a learning curve.

“Some of the challenges and differences are a whole new team and system, and it’s completely different from Florida State,” Cleveland said. “Just learning new teammates, coaches, and facilities. That’s just it.”

Over the last few seasons, transfers have thrived in Coral Gables, and Cleveland is looking to do just that alongside prior transfers Pack and Omier this season.

“Playing alongside them just makes things easier,” Cleveland said. “Last year, playing against them was tough and hard. There are two really talented players, so it makes the game really easy.”

After averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds last season for the Seminoles, the 6-foot-7 forward is hoping to add some more W’s in the win column during his first season in Miami.

“Some personal goals of mine are winning,” Cleveland said. “In my two years of college so far, my freshman year was shaky, and last year was really bad. My personal goal is to win, and I will do whatever I can to win.”

So what should Miami fans expect from Cleveland?

“I just bring a lot of energy,” he said. “I like to describe myself as a dog on the court. I get after it every possession, defensively and offensively. I like to call myself a do-it-all guy. That’s what I’m bringing here. Someone that can do it all.” 

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