Nijel Pack to Return to Miami After Declaring for NBA Draft

Guard Nijel Pack, who declared for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility, will return to Miami for his junior season, according to a UM Athletics release.

Pack joined fellow Hurricane Norchad Omier this past April as one of the 242 players to file as early-entry candidates for the draft. Like his teammate, Pack will withdraw his name from consideration before the May 31 deadline.

“We are thrilled Nijel and Norchad have elected to return to Miami. They are both not only excellent players, but also superb individuals off the court,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said. “They gained valuable feedback from NBA personnel during the pre-draft process that will aid them moving forward. We will continue to do all we can to help them further develop as they pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.”

The former Kansas State Wildcat transferred to Miami last offseason after two seasons with the Big 12 team, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors in his second year.

In his first year with the Hurricanes, Pack started slow but ramped up his play in ACC and postseason play. His most memorable performance came in the Sweet 16, when he scored a season-high 26 points and made seven 3-pointers against Houston. This showing against the Cougars spearheaded his NCAA Tournament Midwest Region Most Outstanding Player recognition.

Pack averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game over the course of the season. He also shot a team-high 40.4% from deep.

Rising juniors Bensley Joseph, Wooga Poplar and Matthew Cleveland join Pack to form what should be one of the most daunting guard units in the ACC next season.