MIAMI (United States) - Nicaragua has been working to raise their level of play. The process has had its ups and downs, but there are always reasons to be optimistic. One positive is the growth of young power forward Norchad Omier, who plays in the NCAA D1 level with Arkansas State University.

Omier, just 20 years old, is listed as the great hope of Nicaraguan basketball. In his first season with Arkansas State (2020-21), he averaged 26.7 minutes, with 12.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.3 steals and 54 for percent effectiveness on field goals.

He also made his debut with the absolute national team of his country this past summer, in the FIBA Basketball 2023 World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers. He left a pleasant impression, averaging 16.3 points, 14.3 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.

“It is a tremendous responsibility when they put you as an example, but at the same time I am happy to be able to put the name of my family up and that of my country. It is an opportunity that not everyone has, it is a great commitment to be classified that way," said the 2.01m player.

Omier started practicing basketball, by chance, between the ages of 12 and 13. He played baseball, his father's sport and the number one in the country. But one day playing on the neighborhood court with his friends, a local coach saw him, called him out for his height and invited him to play in an organized way at the Bluefields academy.

“I never said no to sports, I always played everything, swimming, ping-pong, everything. I started playing basketball, I started to excel in the national championships and I went to the national team. I participated in the U-17 Central American Games in Panama and we won the gold medal, "said the now Business and Administration student.

After that performance, several opportunities arose. He was about to go to the Tecnológico de Monterrey, in Mexico, but almost simultaneously a chance appeared to attend a camp in Miami and he chose to travel to the United States.

He entered Miami High School and his performance on the court surpassed all expectations. In the 2019-20 season, he achieved a double-double in all 46 games in which he played, leaving averages of 26.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game.

Several D1 universities opened their doors to him, exactly eight were actively recruiting him.

“It was very difficult to choose. The issue of the pandemic was very strong, I could not visit the university facilities, but in the conversations with the coach and the coaching staff, I felt that Arkansas State met my expectations and I decided to come here. Everything has been very good. I have had to adapt to the city because in Miami you feel at home, there are many Latinos and many Nicaraguans, here everything is calmer,” he said.
‘You have to improve something every year’

After an impressive first season in the NCAA he was chosen Rookie of the Year and a member of the First Team of the Sun Belt Conference. Nevertheless, Omier has his mind set on continuing to improve.

“It was a great season. I came with the mindset of learning from everyone, but I became an important piece of the team. The truth was I was surprised at how well it was for me. I did not expect to have that performance in the first year. I understand that for the second I have to ratify that. I know that the opponents already know me and I have to be prepared. That creates a bit of pressure but at the same time I try to take it easy. I have been working hard in the gym, also on my shooting. Always, wherever you are, you have to improve something every year.”

Like most basketball athletes, reaching the NBA is a power forward's dream. “I'm going to work to get there, but right now I'm not focused on that. I am focused on what is coming next season,” he said.

However, only a few months ago he was able to fulfill another one of his goals, to play for the national team of his country.

“It was something that was always on my mind and I was able to do it this summer. I think it went very well for me personally. It is a tremendous pride to represent my country ”.

His commitment to the Nicaraguan team goes beyond just inside the court, as he also wants to get involved with the development and discipline of young players.

“In Nicaragua there is a lot of talent, I am sure that if that talent is given the tools, better results can be achieved. I want to support that as much as I can. Maybe with an academy, it's something I definitely want to do in the future," he concluded.

 FIBA