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Nijel Pack explains feelings of making a run in first-ever NCAA Tournament

PeterWarrenPhoto2by:Peter Warren•03/20/23•

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Miami star Nijel Pack
Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Miami guard Nijel Pack transferred to Coral Gables after two great season with Kansas State. He averaged 15.3 points over 54 games and was named All-Big 12 first team as a sophomore.

But he never made the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats finished with losing records in both years.

Now, Pack is not only in the Big Dance for the first time but he is also getting the opportunity to play during the second weekend of the tournament.

“It’s definitely a blessing to be here,” Pack said after defeating Indiana in the Round of 32. “Childhood dream to be in this tournament, and getting to play against your home school is obviously an amazing experience.”

Pack is averaging 13.4 points on 44.0% shooting on the season. He has shown up in March Madness so far.

In the first round win over Drake, Pack had a game-high 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting. He didn’t reach that number against Indiana in the Round of 32 game, but he was still stout.

He scored 12 points in about 32 minutes of action.

“But this tournament as a whole, it’s been a great experience,” Pack said. “This is our first stop, but we’ve obviously got plenty more stops to go. It’s been a great experience. It’s been a lot of fun playing with my guys, and winning is the most fun. So definitely enjoying it.”

Isaiah Wong says it’s an honor to be a part of Miami team

Isaiah Wong is one of Nijel Pack’s running mates in the Miami backcourt. Unlike Pack, Wong has been a member of the Hurricanes program for the past four years.

The ACC Player of the Year has experience losing season, too. His first two years were spent on teams that finished with losing records before last year’s team broke through with a 26-11 record and run to the Elite Eight as a No. 10 seed.

“It’s just an honor being part of this program with the history we have. We have a great team this year and did last year too. And I feel like it’s great to see how we came up,” Wong said. “My first year? We wasn’t as good. But, for the last two years? We’re going to the Sweet Sixteen. And last year? The Elite Eight. Just…I’m appreciative. And I just love this team.”