REPORT: Norchad Omier to Play for Miami vs Drake
There could not be better news for the Miami Hurricanes than power forward Norchad Omier hitting the court tonight during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Well, that just happened.
BREAKING: Miami's Norchad Omier is expected to play today against Drake, source told @Stadium.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 17, 2023
Omier suffered a right ankle injury in the ACC tournament. He is averaging 13.6 points and 9.7 boards for the Canes.
Assuming the 6-foot-7 and 250-pound bruiser does indeed come out and play for Miami versus Drake, that completely changes the projections for tonight’s contest.
The ability to guard Drake big man Darnell Brodie would be far less difficult for Miami, as Omier has been accustomed to defending taller players. Brodie has been listed at 6-foot-10 and 275 pounds.
While he’s only averaged 8.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, without Omier, those numbers could have shot up. There’s also a difference for the Canes with Omier on the offensive end of the court.
He’s the player that’s often been Miami’s best offensive rebounder, and he’s definitely been by far the Hurricanes most effective low post scorer, too.
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With a variety of moves near the basket, Omier has consistently made big shots in the paint. That’s allowed many of Miami’s best scorers – like guard and ACC Player of the year Isaiah Wong – to have more space to operate on the perimeter.
Just having Omier on the court, that will give Drake’s defenders more to worry about and likely give the Canes more open looks from beyond the 3-point line.
Tonight’s NCAA Tournament contest between Miami and Drake will take place at 7:25 on TBS.
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