LAS VEGAS (USA) – The NBA Summer League is underway in Las Vegas, and several players from the Americas who have participated in FIBA national team events are showcasing their talent and trying to earn a spot in the NBA. Amid the scorching Nevada heat, one of the standout names in the Summer League is Nicaraguan forward Norchad Omier. The Bluefields native recently wrapped up an impressive NCAA Division I career in which he averaged 15.3 points (on 57 percent shooting) and 10.9 rebounds during his time at Arkansas State, Miami, and Baylor. Now, he's aiming to carve out a role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and through three Summer League games (at the time of this publication), he's averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 20.3 minutes per game.
Omier had a sit-down interview with FIBA Americas where he reflected on his career path to the U.S. and emerging from a country not widely known for basketball. “A few years ago, I never would’ve imagined I’d be here. It’s been a long journey. I always think back to when I was a kid, playing in my neighborhood back home,” Omier said. The 6’7” (2.01m) forward said that when he looks back on his journey and those who helped motivate him, the first thing that comes to mind is God. “Without Him, I definitely wouldn’t be here. He gave me the talent and always placed me in the right spot at the right time, every time, to get to where I am today,” he said. "And of course, I think of my mom and dad. I’m very close to my family, so those three people were always there for me. Some people doubted me, but my family never did. Then, I met some amazing people along the way who helped me a lot. I’m grateful for all of them.” This year’s FIBA AmeriCup will take place from August 22 to 31 in Nicaragua, Omier’s home country. For him, the thought of a major tournament bringing together the top national teams such as U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil brings him a sense of pride and joy. He is excited and very happy that his country will serve as the 2025 hosts. Whether Omier will play in the tournament remains uncertain, given his current commitments and his goal of reaching the NBA, but one of his greatest desires is to once again represent Nicaragua.
“When that time comes, I’ll definitely feel a greater sense of responsibility. I’ll want to take on a leadership role, bring all the experience I’ve gained, and share that with the players back home, so that they too can do the same with the younger generations coming up.” Omier made his debut with Nicaragua’s national team in 2021, during the Central American and Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, held in El Salvador. He remembers that experience fondly— “I was really excited to go and play with the guys I always watched on TV. I had always dreamed of being on the court with them, wearing the blue and white.” It’s been four years since that debut. Back then, Nicaragua was outside the Top 100 in the FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike, but the team has made progress since then and now sits at No. 79.
The team has grown so much, and I hope it keeps heading in that direction. I hope it continues to grow with the new guys coming up through high school. In my opinion, the level of basketball in our country has improved by about 50 to 60 percent compared to before, and that makes me happy,” said the forward.
Omier, who turns 24 years old in August, is a national sports idol in Nicaragua. At a young age, he’s already put his country on the global basketball map and has become a role model for the next generation. “To all the young kids who follow me, I tell them: never get discouraged. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something. Dream big, work hard, trust in God, and amazing things can happen!” FIBA