CORAL GABLES, FLA- Following a solid 2021-2022 season that was capped off by an impressive run to the Elite Eight of March Madness, the Miami Hurricanes (26-11, 14-6 ACC) are set on replicating this success in 2022-2023. In spite of this, the Hurricanes’ current roster took a major blow, as they’ll enter the 2022-2023 season without three of their five starters from a year ago. Among these departures include leading scorer Kameron McGusty (17.8 PPG and 4.9 RPG) and starting point guard Charlie Moore (12.4 PPG, 4.6 APG, and 2.0 SPG), who are both out of college eligibility, and second-leading scorer Isaiah Wong (15.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG), who declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. In addition to this, the Hurricanes will also be without starting Center Sam Waardenburg (8.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG) and Rodney Miller (1.5 PPG, 0.6 RPG), signaling a new era of basketball in Coral Gables. Fortunately for Miami, they have recently acquired two key difference-makers in the Transfer Portal, which should keep the Hurricanes near the top of the ACC.
Nijel Pack, PG/SG, Kansas State University
Soon after Kansas State’s Head Coach Bruce Webber decided to step down and was quickly replaced by longtime Baylor Assistant Coach Jerome Tang, Pack decided it was in his best interest to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. In doing so, Pack narrowed the list of his next possible team down to Miami, Ohio State, and Purdue, all of which Pack visited in recent weeks. On April 23rd, Pack told ESPN that he officially chose Miami over Ohio State and Purdue, and has simultaneously entered his name in the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
“For me, the biggest factor in deciding on a school was the ability to play on the ball and show NBA teams I am a true point guard,” Pack said. “I wanted to get an opportunity where I am playing my natural position the majority of the time.”
While at Kansas State this past season, Pack had considerable success as their lead point guard, averaging a team-high 17.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.3 SPG in 33.1 MPG. Pack’s well-rounded game was highlighted by his fantastic shooting, as he went 45.5% from the field, 43.6% from three-point range, and 84.5% from the free-throw line. Thanks to his great play, Pack earned All-Big Twelve First Team Honors while being named as the Big Twelve’s 2021-2022 Most Improved Player.
“Nijel is a tremendous addition to our team,” Larranaga said. “He is truly one of the finest players in the country, as well as an excellent young man with an elite work ethic who loves basketball. Nijel is not only a high-level scorer with elite shooting abilities but also a superb playmaker and defender. We’re thrilled to welcome Nijel and his family into the Miami basketball program.”
In addition to being able to play his natural position down in Coral Gables, Pack will also be crucial in helping Larranaga and the Hurricanes find success next season. As previously mentioned, McGusty, Moore, and Wong have all departed Coral Gables. With this being said, this should provide significant opportunities for Pack to step into and raise his 2023 NBA Draft stock.
It is worth noting that Larranaga has had considerable success with smaller point guards in Pack’s mold, helping 5″11′ Shane Larkin become the No. 18 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, mentoring 5″11′ Angel Rodriguez to become an All-ACC player, and letting 5″11′ Moore take the Hurricane’s program to new heights. In mention of this, Pack certainly hopes to become the next in a line of undersized guards to have success in Coral Gables, and likely won’t be disappointed.
Norchad Omier, PF/C, Arkansas State University
Just three days after Pack transferred to Miami, Omier decided to do the same, giving the Hurricanes their second top-ten transfer in less than a week. Shockingly enough, Omier ended up choosing Miami over Texas Tech, Florida State, and Georgetown, all of which were in the running to land Omier. According to ESPN’s Transfer Rankings, Omier was the eighth-best player available in the transfer portal.
Standing at 6″7′ and 230 pounds, Omier was one of the most dominant mid-major big men this past season with the Red Wolves. In 29 games (28 starts) this season, Omier averaged 17.9 PPG (Second in Sun Belt), 12.2 RPG (First in Sun Belt), and 1.9 BPG (Third in Sun Belt), all of which lead the team. In addition to this, Omier posted efficient shooting splits, as he shot 63.2% from the field and 63.5% on two-point attempts.
As a result of his fantastic production, Omier became the third player in Sun Belt history to earn the Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Awards in the same season. Omier was also named to the All-Sun Belt First Team and All-Sun Belt Tournament Team(s) this past season.
“Our coaching staff is extremely excited to add Norchad to the Miami basketball program,” Larranaga said. “While his stats and accomplishments speak for themselves, what we love most about Norchad are his non-stop motor and competitive fire. In addition to being among the most dominant rebounders I’ve seen at the college level, Norchad is also an efficient scorer and a prolific defender who has proven himself as one of the best forwards in the country. We are eager to welcome Norchad and his family to The U.”‘
While Omier may not be as well-known as Pack, his upcoming impact on Miami can’t be understated. Since Larranaga typically runs an offensive scheme featuring four guards and one big man, Omier will give the Hurricanes a dominant presence in the paint while providing spacing for Pack and the rest of Miami’s young core.