The Latest on Norchad Omier’s Availability Ahead of Miami’s NCAA Tournament Game Against Drake

One of the major storylines ahead of Miami’s NCAA Tournament game against Drake is the status of starting forward and All-ACC Third-Team player Norchad Omier, who suffered an ankle injury in Miami’s ACC  tournament loss to Duke.

UM head coach Jim Larrañaga said during the press conference preceding Thursday’s practice that Omier’s availability for Friday’s game would be decided during the practice.

“We’ll find out in about a half hour whether or not he’s going to be able to go because we’re going to put him through a workout today and see how he does,” Larrañaga said. “If he’s good, we’re good. If he’s not, we’ll know it, and we’ll make the adjustment.”

At practice, Omier participated in UM’s half-court and full-court drills. He was able to jump and run down the court without any noticeable discomfort, as well as take part in the team’s shootaround.

Following practice, Larrañaga told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein that Omier will play against Drake “if his ankle doesn’t swell overnight.”

Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller said that UM will be prepared for its game against the Bulldogs, even if Omier is unable to play.

“Norchad is obviously day by day, but we have time to prepare without him, versus Duke we didn’t. Obviously we’d love to have him,” Miller said.

Omier leads the team with 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He also ranks third on the team in scoring, averaging 13.6 points per contest.