Miami basketball expectations with Norchad Omier entering NBA Draft

The announcement that forward Norchad Omier is entering the NBA Draft is potentially devastating for the Miami basketball program. Omier is entering the NBA Draft while leaving open the possibility of a return. The announcement was made first in an Instagram post by Omier and tweeted by the Miami basketball account.

Omier was fourth on the Miami basketball team averaging 13.1 points per game and led the Hurricanes in rebounding at 10.0 per game. Entering the NBA Draft and leaving open the possibility of return could mean Omier is testing the process to learn what he needs to improve to play in the NBA.

Omier is likely hoping to receive an invite to the NBA Combine next month in Chicago. Per Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald, the deadline to enter the NBA Draft was 11:59 PM ET on Sunday night. Per Kaufman underclassmen have until May 31 to remove their names from the NBA Draft to maintain eligibility.

Miami head coach Jim Larrananga in his postseason press conference stated he expected everyone other than Isaiah Wong and the four players who entered the transfer portal to return for next season. Larranaga specifically mentioned he expected Bensley Joseph, Omier, Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar to return.

At 6’7 and 245 pounds, Omier is an undersized post with a limited offensive game. Omier will have to improve the range on his jump shot to play in the NBA. There are few 6’7 post players in the NBA. Omier is an elite rebounder, but in this era of basketball, he needs to be more versatile to have a long NBA career.

Larranaga and his staff will have to search the transfer portal to add another post player to add depth. With little experience in the post other than Omier adding another post player is imperative. If Omier leaves, rising sophomore A.J. Casey and incoming 6’10 and 240-pound freshman Michael Nwoko would have to contribute.

The consensus from multiple NBA Draft sites is that Omier would be a second-round pick at best. Attending the NBA Combine, getting feedback on what he needs to work on and returning for his fourth season of college basketball and second at Miami would be in Omier’s best interests.

Omier returning would also help Larranaga and his staff to be able to develop Casey and Nwoko, bring them along slowly as part of the rotation and continue to be an elite team in the ACC. Without Omier the frontcourt for Miami will be a huge question mark entering the 2023-24 season.