Miami basketball depth continues depletion with Michael Nwoko transfer

Freshman center Michael Nwoko became the third Miami basketball player in about 24 hours to enter the transfer portal on Monday as first reported by Joe Tipton of On3. Monday is the first day that players can officially enter the spring transfer portal window. A.J. Casey and Christian Watson have reportedly also entered the portal.

Nwoko was the 111th prospect, 16th center and 17th player in California out of Prolific Prep. During the summer of 2022, Nwoko played with the Canadian National Team. Nwoko averaged 2.7 points per game and 2.0 rebounds, playing 8.9 minutes over 29 games during the 2023-24 season.

Nwoko has a lot of upside as a 6-10 and 245-pound center. Miami was unable to develop any depth in the post this season behind Norchad Omier. Nwoko showed potential. Nwoko had season highs of nine points in the season opener versus NJIT, seven rebounds versus Duke and 33 minutes played at Syracuse.

Jim Larranaga told reporters on Monday that Miami expects to lose five players. Larranaga also stated that several Miami players will enter their names in the NBA Draft. None of the 11 remaining players on the Miami basketball roster have told Larranaga they will be returning next season.

Miami did not sign any big men in the 2024 class. With the departures of Casey and Nwoko, Larranaga will have to add big men in the transfer portal this spring. How many big men transfers Miami targets will largely depend on whether Omier returns for the 2024–25 season. Kyshawn George, Omier, Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar have decisions to make.

Omier and Pack entered the 2023 NBA Draft before deciding to return for the 2023-24 season. Bensley Joseph seems like the player most likely to return for Miami for the 2024-25 season. Miami faces a significant roster reconstruction during the 2024-25 offseason. Players will have opportunities to play immediately.