Feb 11, 2025; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Jalil Bethea (3) celebrates with guard Matthew Cleveland (0) after scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Will Jalil Bethea Return to Miami?

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 11:57 AM ET

Miami guard Jalil Bethea was likely always going to enter the transfer portal after a year of confusion and discomfort at Miami. Now, with stable leadership, he could return for another season.

Bethea is down to four schools after entering the portal, and returning to Miami is still on the table. Reasonable fans and coaches would not turn away the growing and talented scorer.

Per Travis Branham of 247sports, Bethea also has Alabama, Kansas State, and NC State alongside Miami.

UPDATE: Jalil Bethea is down to FOUR schools in Miami, Alabama, NC State and Kansas State, per @247Sports source.

Former Top10 recruit and McDonald's All American.https://t.co/NDZ3a45y7e pic.twitter.com/Zf058cFi4S
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) March 29, 2025

Bethea's freshman season was about development. He had to put his ego to the side, which he did, and started to become a full team player once he realised that the college game is nothing like high school. He came in thinking he would be the primary scoring option and had some opportunities to be that. Senior Matthew Cleveland was just playing at another level, and he started to become the Hurricanes' second and third option. Once he did that, he had to learn defense and mature on that side of the floor.

Finally, toward the end of the season, he could be relied upon to play solid defense, and another year in college could do wonders for his draft stock that once had him in the top 20 of the 2025 NBA Draft class.

Beatha is a talented player, and any school listed would love to have the talented guard. Bethea has a high ceiling, and new Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas sees that. It's why he wants him back, but this could also be a play at making more money as well for Bethea. He is a lucrative player, and many are willing to pay handsomely for his upside.