Norchad Omier Explained

Norchad Bascom Omier Rojas (born 28 August 2001) is a Nicaraguan college basketball player for the Baylor Bears of the Big 12 Conference. He previously played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference and for the Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Early life

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. ^[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] He transferred to Miami (Florida) and averaged 13.1 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior.^[9]

National team career

In April 2021, Omier made his national team debut for Nicaragua during 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification.^[10]

Career statistics

College

|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21| style="text-align:left;"| Arkansas State| 23 || 22 || 26.7 || .539 || .000 || .688 || 12.3 || .8 || 1.2 || 1.4 || 12.6|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2021–22| style="text-align:left;"| Arkansas State| 29 || 28 || 28.9 || .632 || .333 || .729 || 12.2 || 1.2 || 1.6 || 1.9 || 17.9|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23| style="text-align:left;"| Miami| 37 || 36 || 28.8 || .574 || .313 || .736 || 10.0 || 1.3 || 1.1 || 1.1 || 13.1

External links

• Arkansas State Red Wolves bio
• Miami Hurricanes bio
• Baylor Bears bio

Notes and References

1. Web site: Norchad Omier keeps Nicaragua's basketball dreams alive . . 4 November 2021 . 1 September 2021.
2. Web site: Lederman . Eli . Pride of a country: Omier forges Nicaragua’s hoops identity . . 4 November 2021 . 18 February 2021.
3. Web site: Lorensen . Nick . From Bluefields, Nicaragua to Freshman Phenomenon: The Story of Norchad Omier . Mid-Major Madness . 4 November 2021 . 26 February 2021.
4. Web site: Reed . Jeff . Red Wolves add commitment Central America . . 4 November 2021 . 3 April 2020.
5. Web site: Turbeville . Kevin . A-State's Omier learning game quickly . Jonesboro Sun . 4 November 2021 . 4 February 2021.
6. Web site: Omier carries Arkansas St. over Louisiana-Monroe 93-72 . . . 4 November 2021 . 16 January 2021.
7. Web site: Garner . Caleb . Taylor . Mark . Omier named Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year, Eaton and Washington also named to all-SBC team . . 4 November 2021 . 21 October 2021.
8. News: Arkansas State forward Norchad Omier named SBC Player of the Year & Defensive Player of the Year . 28 February 2022 . . 28 February 2022.
9. News: Benjamin . Marcus . Norchad Omier on track for a historic finish to the 2023-2024 season . 14 March 2024 . . 31 December 2023.
10. Web site: Lederman . Eli . Omier to represent Nicaragua in event . . 4 November 2021 . 8 April 2021.