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:

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:

What this means for Miami

Win or lose against Duke, Miami is headed to t

he 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.