How Miami's Two Transfers Control The Canes' Destiny In March

Breaking Down Just How Far Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier Can Lead The Canes

After falling to the eventual National Champions Kansas Jayhawks in the Elite 8 last season, Miami would go on to lose three starters by graduation with Kameron McGusty, Charlie Moore and Sam Waardenburg.

At that point, Miami still had two star wings in Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong to rely on, but their production alone would not be enough to help the Canes repeat any sort of success from that 2021-22 season.

Knowing so, the Hurricanes got busy in the transfer portal with hopes of making another run in March in Miller and Wongs' last dance.

They would go on to bring in two Top 30 transfers in Nijel Pack (#4 according to 24/7 Sports) and Norchad Omier (#29) to help fill in the voids from their departures.

Pack had just finished an All Big-12 Conference season averaging 17.4 points per game and shooting 43.6% from three. He was widely regarded as one of the top shooters in the country following his two seasons at Kansas State.

For Omier, he was coming off a dominate season at Arkansas State winning Player of the Year in the Sun Belt averaging 17.9 PPG with 12.2 rebounds per game and also securing Defensive Player of the Year as well.

While Pack seemed like a perfect transition to Moore's role as the primary ball-handler, Omier's game was far different from what Waardenburg provided as a stretch big. Despite Omier's dominance at Arkansas State, many were wondering if he'd be able to transition well to coach Jim Larranaga's offense.

Now as Miami heads into their final regular season matchups of the season before the ACC tournament, these two transfers have proved to be the most valuable players on the Hurricanes roster, including the last game at Virginia Tech:

Miami’s Duo of Omier & Pack are UNSTOPPABLE! 🙌

Omier scores a double-double with 17 points & 10 rebounds! Pack drops 16 points & 4 rebounds!@CanesHoops | @NorchadO | @NijelPack24 pic.twitter.com/H9C63vDi8o

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) February 22, 2023

First with Pack, he has been on a hot streak as of late as Miami closes out the regular season, with Florida State and Pittsburgh in the coming days at the Watsco Center. In February, Pack has recorded four 20 point performances so far, and has been extremely efficient with 48.7/40/90 shooting splits. He's also been extremely active in the passing lanes recording a plethora of steals.

However the most valuable aspect of Pack's game so far this stretch has been his ability to be that primary ball-handler Miami needs. He's cut down on his turnovers and has helped lessen the load off of Wong and Miller, allowing for them to focus on other parts of their games.

While Moore was fantastic for Miami last season, Pack has simply been a more efficient and productive version of him.

Regarding Omier this season, he's been rather dominate throughout the campaign. Arguably the most physically dominate player in the ACC, his ability to create second-chance opportunities through his rebounding has been beyond valuable. 

While not the shooting touch of Waardenburg, Omier has been able to get his own on the interior and establish himself down low. Being able to be a force down low only opens up more options for Larranaga's offense, allowing shooters and drivers to get easier chances.

Looking forward towards the upcoming ACC and March Madness tournaments, it is vital that Pack and Omier continue to impact the game as much as they've been. While Wong is the primary scorer on this roster and Miller has shown such a polished all-around game, Pack and Omiers' play might well matter more.

As long as Pack keeps up the busy hands on defense and three-point stroke while Omier continues to establish his dominance down low, Miami will be a tough matchup for any team they come across. Given the run this team has been on, don't be surprised to see another Sweet 16 appearance.

However if one of these two fail to deliver under the bright lights, Miami might find themselves as early exits in the tournaments.

At the end of the day, March Madness is the most unpredictable tournament in all of sports and there's no telling what the future may hold for this Hurricanes team. 

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