Miami basketball stars Norchad Omier and Nijel Pack should be expected to return to the Hurricanes after failing to earn invites to the NBA Combine. CBS Sports Insider Jon Rothstein tweeted a copy of the NBA Combine invitees on Tuesday. Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong have received NBA Combine invites.
The potential returns of Norchad Omier and Nijel Pack with the recent addition of Florida State transfer forward Matthew Cleveland will set the foundation for the 2023-24 Miami basketball program. Miami also returns guards Bensley Joseph and Wooga Poplar.
The Miami projected starting five of Cleveland, Joseph, Omier, Pack and Poplar will provide the Hurricanes with exceptional experience. Cleveland, Joseph and Poplar have two years of collegiate experience and Omier and Pack have three. Cleveland, Pack and Omier all transferred to Miami.
Miller and Wong getting invited to the NBA Combine is good for Miami. The Hurricanes have rocketed up the hierarchy of college basketball in the last two NCAA Tournaments. Miami is the only program nationally to advance to a regional final in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments.
The NBA has announced the official invite list for the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. pic.twitter.com/po4c33ixrJ
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 9, 2023
In his postseason press conference, Jim Larranaga stated that he expected to add two transfers to the roster. With Cleveland announcing his transfer to Miami on Sunday, the next Hurricanes’ transfer would likely add depth. Miami has an experienced and productive starting five for next season.
Joseph and Poplar have improved in each of their two seasons with Miami. Joseph was the sixth man for Miami in 2022-23. Both will have increased roles in 2023-24. Poplar could be the Miami leading scorer next season. Cleveland will replace the versatility that Miller provided in the last two seasons.
Players who entered their names for the NBA Draft have until June 1 to withdraw. Omier had the chance to work out for NBA teams. That will allow the Miami post player a chance to return to school and work on the flaws in his game that led to not getting an NVA combine invite. NBA scouts also advised Pack on his game.