Norchad Omier
Omier in 2023
No. 15 – Miami Hurricanes
PositionSmall forward / power forward
LeagueAtlantic Coast Conference
Personal information
Born (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 22)
Bluefields, Nicaragua
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High schoolMiami Prep (Miami, Florida)
College
Career highlights and awards

Norchad Bascom Omier Rojas (born 28 August 2001) is a Nicaraguan college basketball player for the Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He previously played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference (SBC).

Early life and high school career

A native of Bluefields, Nicaragua, Omier grew up playing several sports, including baseball. He started playing basketball by the age of 13 after a local coach noticed his height.[1] Omier trained at La Academica de Basketball Bluefields in his hometown. He explored professional opportunities in Mexico before joining Miami Prep in Miami, Florida on a full scholarship.[2] Omier averaged 26.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game, and recorded 40 points and 17 rebounds against IMG Academy.[3] He committed to play college basketball for Arkansas State over offers from Iona, Mercer, UMBC and Marist, and became the first Nicaraguan to sign an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship.[4] He joined the Red Wolves under Spanish-speaking head coach Mike Balado. [5]

College career

On 16 January 2021, Omier posted a freshman season-high 22 points and 17 rebounds in a 93–72 win against Louisiana–Monroe.[6] As a freshman, he averaged 12.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-Sun Belt and Freshman of the Year honors. Omier became the fourth Division I freshman since the 1992–93 season to average at least 12 points and 12 rebounds.[7] At the conclusion of the 2021-22 regular season, Omier was named Sun Belt Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.[8]

National team career

In April 2021, Omier made his national team debut for Nicaragua during 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification.[9]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020–21 Arkansas State 23 22 26.7 .539 .000 .688 12.3 .8 1.2 1.4 12.6
2021–22 Arkansas State 29 28 28.9 .632 .333 .729 12.2 1.2 1.6 1.9 17.9
2022–23 Miami 37 36 28.8 .574 .313 .736 10.0 1.3 1.1 1.1 13.1

References

  1. ^ "Norchad Omier keeps Nicaragua's basketball dreams alive". FIBA. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  2. ^ Lederman, Eli (18 February 2021). "Pride of a country: Omier forges Nicaragua's hoops identity". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  3. ^ Lorensen, Nick (26 February 2021). "From Bluefields, Nicaragua to Freshman Phenomenon: The Story of Norchad Omier". Mid-Major Madness. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  4. ^ Reed, Jeff (3 April 2020). "Red Wolves add commitment from from [sic] Central America". 247Sports. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  5. ^ Turbeville, Kevin (4 February 2021). "A-State's Omier learning game quickly". Jonesboro Sun. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Omier carries Arkansas St. over Louisiana-Monroe 93-72". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  7. ^ Garner, Caleb; Taylor, Mark (21 October 2021). "Omier named Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year, Eaton and Washington also named to all-SBC team". KAIT. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Arkansas State forward Norchad Omier named SBC Player of the Year & Defensive Player of the Year". KAIT. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  9. ^ Lederman, Eli (8 April 2021). "Omier to represent Nicaragua in event". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 4 November 2021.

External links

Sun Belt Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year
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