WASHINGTON -- University of Miami coach Jim Larraaga gathered the Hurricanes in a huddle during practice at the Verizon Center on Wednesday afternoon and said: You know why they call it the Sweet 16? Because its sweet!

He would know.

Seven years ago, in this very building, he led 11th-seeeded mid-major George Mason to a Sweet 16 win over Wichita State and a historic Elite Eight triumph over top-seeded Connecticut to earn a spot in the Final Four a first for a double-digit seed.

Thursday night, he will try to work his magic again as the No. 2-seeded Hurricanes (29-6) face No. 3 seed Marquette (25-8). It was clear as the coach roamed the hallways of the building that the place was familiar and special to him. George Mason fans stopped him for autographs and photos. And he got big hugs from former Patriot players Tony Skinn and Lamar Butler.

He said that when he saw those former players, it was as if time hadnt passed.

This is not just any other arena for me, this is the Verizon Center, Larraaga said. I spent many a night watching the Wizards and Georgetown play here, but my greatest memory was getting a chance to coach here in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. [Writer] John Feinstein told me my life would never be the same, and he was right. Weve had a lot of new things occur all as a direct result of our performance here in the Verizon Center. Those memories last a lifetime.

He said he has told stories of that run to his UM players, but they cant relate because me and my staff have the memories, and they dont. They want to create those memories for themselves.

UM players said they could tell Larraaga and his staff were nostalgic here, with good reason.

Weve seen the highlights of it, it was a great run, it was magical, UM sophomore guard Shane Larkin said. Hopefully, he still has some good luck left in him. Not saying we need luck, but hopefully he still has a winning touch, and its going to be fun playing out here in this arena. He has experience here, and history here, and hopefully we can keep this as a good memory in his mind and go out and win these two games.

They will have to do it without senior center Reggie Johnson, who had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Johnson injured the knee during the Illinois game Sunday. Larraaga said he was told of the injury on the plane ride home from Austin on Monday.

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Jim Larrañaga coaching Miami Hurricanes in familiar arena