Miami Hurricanes big man Norchad Omier to explore NBA Draft option while retaining eligibility

On3 imageby:Matt Shodell04/24/23

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The Miami Hurricanes’ basketball team had a historic run to the Final Four this past season, but lost two of its best players in Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong.

Now the team hopes to retain big man Norchad Omier, who averaged a double-double with 13.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Omier posted on Instagram that he has entered his name into consideration for the NBA Draft. But he has not signed with an agent yet, so he’ll retain his eligibility if he wants to return.

“After dreaming of becoming a Miami Hurricane for years, the opportunity to actually be one has exceeded anything I could have possibly expected,” he posted. “I love not only being part of the Miami basketball team, but also being a student-athlete at The U.

“It was an honor to help bring Miami to heights it has never reached before. Our team played together as a unit with our sights set on making history and we did just that. My teammates will be my brothers for life.

“The fan support all season long was special and all of us are grateful to each and every person who cheered us on. I’m also so appreciative of coach L and the entire staff for all the mentorship they provided.

“As amazing as this year was, it helped solidify another dream I’ve had since I first started playing basketball and taht is to reach the NBA. It is a goal of mine that I strive daily to achieve.

“With that said, I am entering my name into consideration for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining my collegiate eligibility at Miami. No matter what comes next, I will forever be a Hurricane.”

For Miami, losing Omier in addition to Miller and Wong would be a tough pill to swallow. Omier was the team’s lone real interior presence, and if he doesn’t return that would mean the only two returning starters would be point guard Nijel Pack (13.6 PPG) and guard Wooga Poplar (8.4 PPG).

The team is looking to reload and not rebuild, so Miami is still looking at landing some portal options. And UM also has incoming freshmen Michael Nwoko (an inside presence at 6-10) and Kyshawn George (a 6-7 shooting guard).

(photo via Norchad Omier Instagram)

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