Nijel Pack could have played last Miami basketball game
Nijel Pack could have played his last game for the Miami basketball program after head coach Jim Larranaga announced on Monday the redshirt junior guard could be shut down for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Pack did not play on Saturday at Boston College because of the knee injury.
Pack missed two games earlier in the season with a back injury and struggled with his knee before sitting out at Boston College. After earning the Midwest Regional Final Most Outstanding Player in 2023, Pack considered leaving for the NBA Draft after last season before returning to Miami.
If Pack is shut down for the remainder of this season, there is a strong possibility he will leave for the NBA at the end of the year. Pack has struggled this season. Pack has five games of single-digit points. In several other games, Pack struggled in one half while thriving in the other half. Pack did not score at Clemson in the last game he played.
Pack would be an extreme longshot to be drafted in 2024. The NBA Mock Draft Database consensus big board lists Pack as the 115th 2024 prospect. Pack is 55 spots below the final draft pick in the two-round NBA Draft. Pack is a 6'0 combo guard who lacks exceptional quickness and has to improve defensively for the next level.
Coach L on injury status of Nijel Pack: “While I’m on this conference call, our doctors are going to be on a conference call with Nijel and his parents to really look into the future and see what’s best for the young man. He’s dealt with these injuries all season long…
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) February 19, 2024
Larranaga discussed Packs's status on Monday during a conference call with Miami basketball beat writers. A decision from Pack regarding the remainder of the season could occur on Tuesday or Wednesday after the conference call with his family and doctors. Once Pack decides on the remainder of this year, he can evaluate his future.
“against Clemson, Nijel was just not himself. He tried his best but he was in pain. He’ such a great competitorc wanted to help the team as much as he could, but injuries are injuries. We’ll find out today or tomorrow what his status is for the remainder of the season.”
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) February 19, 2024
Pack can decide to attend the NBA Combine if he is invited and evaluate his future. From there, Pack can turn pro, return to Miami for the 2024-25 season, or enter the transfer portal for the second time. Pack is third on Miami this season, averaging 13.7 points per game, and is second with 47 three-point field goals and 83 assists.
All five Miami starters have missed games this season with injuries. The lack of continuity has hindered Miami in a season far below expectations. Miami enters the game on Wednesday versus Duke with a 15-11 record. The Hurricanes began the season ranked 13th nationally in the AP Top 25.
Jim Larranaga replaced guard Bensley Joseph in the starting lineup with freshman wing Kyshawn George. Various injuries have allowed Joseph to start 21 out of 26 Miami games this season. If Pack is out for the remainder of the season, George and Joseph would start with guard Wooga Poplar and forwards Matthew Cleveland and Norchad Omier.
Next. Miami without Nijel Pack at BC, Wooga Poplar missed Fri practice. Miami without Nijel Pack at BC, Wooga Poplar missed Fri practice. dark
Cleveland, George, Omier and Poplar all have decisions to make after this season. George is projected as a lottery pick in some NBA Mock Drafts. Poplar could also be a first-round pick in 2024. Miami signed the 12th-best 2024 class. With uncertainty entering the 2024-25 season, Miami could be busy in the transfer portal.