CaneSport TV: Goal for Miami Hurricanes big man Norchad Omier is simple - "For us it’s a national championship, nothing less"
The way Norchad Omier plays basketball can make Miami Hurricanes football coach Mario Cristobal proud. Because Omier plays hoops with a football mindset: He’s physical, pushes guys around, is quick to the point of attack and never lacks effort.
Omier was a major reason Miami was able to reach its first-ever Final Four last year, serving as the team’s main big, physical force down low. He ended averaging 13.1 points with a team-high 10.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He also shot 57.4 percent from the field.
The 6-7, 240-pounder’s impact after transferring in from Arkansas State can’t be overstated.
“We did history last year, feel great, but this year is a new year, new players, new teammates,” Omier said. “We have to put that to bed. We’re still happy about it, but it’s a new season. We want to accomplish great stuff like we did last year.
“Going to a Final Four, making history for Miami for myself and my country (Nicaragua) was just amazing.”
Yes, it’s on to a new season. Gone are ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong as well as Jordan Miller. Omier is a returning starter along with guards Nijel Pack (13.6 PPG) and Wooga Poplar (8.4 PPG), and Miami also added FSU transfer Matthew Cleveland (13.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG).
“It’s good, great players, a lot of talent,” Omier said. “Wooga is going to be a breakout player this year definitely. Nijel, we know what we’re getting – great shooter. I’m just excited about the guys, for the season to start.”
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This offseason Omier said he worked hard, and that mirrors the whole team.
“We are really hard workers, always try to get better at our craft,” he said.
How has Omier improved specifically in his own game? He stands his ground and takes the charge on that one.
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“I don’t like to say anything, like to show it (on the court),” Omier said.
Maybe one way he can show improvement is with an improved outside shot, including up to three-point range. He says he worked on that a lot and that “I’m comfortable with it.”
“(That will help) spread the floor a little,” Omier said. “When you spread the floor people have to guard you more so other teammates will get more open, I’ll get more open.”
The goal this year is to play better than 2022-23 and make it even further in the postseason.
“We have to work for our goals this year, go hoop,” Omier said. “I don’t think the style will be much different – we love running, moving fast, getting turnovers, pushing the ball, taking open threes. We just have fun out there. There isn’t anything more fun than winning, so that’s the goal every game.”
He repeats a phrase coach Jim Larranaga uses to begin the first practice of each new year.
“(Larranaga says) begin with the end in mind, know where we want to go so we work hard and focus with a goal in mind,” Omier said.
Then the big man adds a new sentence to Larranaga’s phrase.
“For us it’s a national championship, nothing less.”
