Norchad Omier, Miami center, out for game vs. Duke due to ankle injury
Norchad Omier will not return for Miami on Friday night after suffering an ankle injury in the game’s opening minutes.
Miami announced that news shortly after he was helped off the court. Omier suffered the injury while contesting a rebound. He appeared to roll his right ankle as he landed on the foot of Dereck Lively II.
Here’s the announcement:
Norchad Omier (right ankle) is out for the remainder of the game and will undergo further evaluation.
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) March 11, 2023
Omier being out is a big loss for the Canes. He’s averaging 14.1 points and 10 rebounds per game this season and is Miami’s most physical post presence.
In 2 previous meetings against Duke, Omier scored a combined 26 points in the 2 matchups. He also grabbed 24 rebounds in those 2 games.
Here’s video of Omier walking off the court:
Miami’s Norchad Omier steps on Dereck Lively’s foot coming down from a rebound…not putting weight on the right ankle.
Averages 14 PPG and would be a big loss. pic.twitter.com/1abJVQjzzF
— Travon Miles (@TrayABC11) March 11, 2023
What this means for Miami
Win or lose against Duke, Miami is headed to the NCAA Tournament. However, Omier is a major part of the Canes’ success so far this season.
Miami doesn’t have a like-for-like replacement for Omier’s physicality on its roster. Against Duke, he was replaced in the lineup by senior forward Anthony Walker. However, Walker is averaging just 1.2 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per game this season.
Getting Omier back before the start of the NCAA Tournament will be crucial if the Canes hope to make another deep run in March. Last season, Miami reached he Elite Eight for the 1st time in program history.
