At the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, forward Norchad Omier of the Miami Hurricanes dunks over University of Clemson forward Chauncey Wiggins (21), with forward Ian Schieffelin (4) watching. The game is an NCAA basketball match. Omier’s ankle injury kept him out of Saturday’s Syracuse game. D.A. VARELA Email: dvarela@miamiherald.com
- Coach Jim Larranaga stated that Norchad Omier, who missed the University of Miami game against Syracuse due to a sprained ankle, was anticipated to return to practice on Monday. He is questionable for Wednesday’s road game against Notre Dame.
Miami dropped to 12-6 overall and 3-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (tied for eighth place) after losing by three points to Syracuse after losing four of its last five games.
“We won’t know until practice on Monday, Tuesday, and the game on Wednesday, but Norchad is a warrior and will do everything he can to practice and play,” Larranaga remarked.
“You can’t expect a freshman with limited playing experience to replace your best player, your leading scorer and rebounder, a guy who has scored over 1,500 career points,” the coach stated in reference to rookie Michael Nwoko’s strong defensive and rebounding performance against Syracuse. It isn’t rational.
Wooga Poplar, meanwhile, has not been the same since suffering a sprained ankle in late December and is still dealing with the consequences. Larranaga noted that due to his inability to rise off his injured left foot, the explosive Poplar has not been dunking during practice or games.
