Kentucky making strong push for Arkansas State’s Norchad Omier

Kentucky is making a run at the Sun Belt Player of the Year in Norchad Omier.

Omier, who was named a Lou Henson Award finalist, led Arkansas State with 17.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.6 steals in 28.9 minutes per contest in 2021-22. He also earned conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in his second year with the program.

The 6-foot-7, 232-pound forward out of Bluefields, Nicaragua decided to enter the transfer portal on March 30.

“After many conversations and prayers with my family, I have decided to test the transfer portal,” Omier said in a statement. “I haven’t taken this decision lightly and it’s one I have gone back-and-forth on many times. However, at this point, I’m confident it’s in my best interest to explore the options provided.

“I do this with mixed emotions because of the respect I have for you versus what life has for me on the unknown horizon. Thank you to the A-State community, coaches and my teammates. I’m forever grateful for your support. I’ll cherish the bonds shaped on the court and cherished friendships made here in Jonesboro.”

One of the top frontcourt players in the portal, Kentucky is now making a significant push to land the two-way threat. With news of freshman forward Bryce Hopkins hitting the transfer portal — a move that has been expected since the start of the spring semester — UK’s coaching staff met virtually with Omier.

John Calipari, Chin Coleman, Jai Lucas, Bruiser Flint and Assistant Video Director Andrew Ortelli were all on the Zoom call.

https://t.co/dbR0yjOOtV pic.twitter.com/GFVUeSS7oT

— Kentucky Sports Talk (@KentuckyZone) April 7, 2022

To add to the intrigue, KSR’s own Matt Jones is hearing that Omier is the “current leader” to replace Hopkins in the Kentucky frontcourt.

I think Bryce Hopkins has the potential to be good. But his personality and Cal’s coaching style didn’t mesh.

Am hearing Arkansas State’s Norchad Omier is the current leader to be the replacement

I am told he was Sun Belt POY but I know nothing else about him

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 7, 2022

Come on down?