Norchad Omier
Norchad Bascom Omier Rojas (born 28 August 2001) is a Nicaraguan college basketball player for Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He previously played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference (SBC).
![]() Omier in 2023 | |
No. 15 – Miami Hurricanes | |
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Position | Small forward / power forward |
League | Atlantic Coast Conference |
Personal information | |
Born | Bluefields, Nicaragua | 28 August 2001
Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Listed weight | 248 lb (112 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | Miami Prep (Miami, Florida) |
College |
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Career highlights and awards | |
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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, who was mentored by Miami Prep founder Art Alvarez.[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
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 |
References
- "Norchad Omier keeps Nicaragua's basketball dreams alive". FIBA. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- Lederman, Eli (18 February 2021). "Pride of a country: Omier forges Nicaragua's hoops identity". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- Lorensen, Nick (26 February 2021). "From Bluefields, Nicaragua to Freshman Phenomenon: The Story of Norchad Omier". Mid-Major Madness. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- Reed, Jeff (3 April 2020). "Red Wolves add commitment from from [sic] Central America". 247Sports. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- Turbeville, Kevin (4 February 2021). "A-State's Omier learning game quickly". Jonesboro Sun. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- "Omier carries Arkansas St. over Louisiana-Monroe 93-72". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- 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.
- "Arkansas State forward Norchad Omier named SBC Player of the Year & Defensive Player of the Year". KAIT. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- Lederman, Eli (8 April 2021). "Omier to represent Nicaragua in event". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved 4 November 2021.