Norchad Omier

Last updated
Norchad Omier
Norchad Omier.jpg
Omier in 2023 Playing for the Miami Hurricanes
No. 55–Los Angeles Clippers
Position Center
League NBA
Personal information
Born (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 24)
Bluefields, Nicaragua
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High schoolMiami Prep (Miami, Florida)
College
NBA draft 2025: undrafted
Playing career2025–present
Career history
2025–2026 Cleveland Charge
2026–present Los Angeles Clippers
2026–present→San Diego Clippers
Career highlights
Stats at NBA.com  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Stats at Basketball Reference   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Norchad Bascom Omier Rojas (born 28 August 2001) is a Nicaraguan professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Arkansas State Red Wolves, Miami Hurricanes and Baylor Bears.

Contents

Early life

A native of Bluefields, Nicaragua, Omier grew up playing several sports, including baseball. He started playing basketball by the age of 13 after a local coach noticed his height. [1] Omier trained at La Academica de Basketball Bluefields in his hometown. He explored professional opportunities in Mexico before joining Miami Prep in Miami, Florida on a full scholarship. [2] Omier averaged 26.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game, and recorded 40 points and 17 rebounds against IMG Academy. [3] He committed to play college basketball for Arkansas State over offers from Iona, Mercer, UMBC and Marist, and became the first Nicaraguan to sign an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship. [4] He joined the Red Wolves under Spanish-speaking head coach Mike Balado. [5]

College career

On 16 January 2021, Omier posted a freshman season-high 22 points and 17 rebounds in a 93–72 win against Louisiana–Monroe. [6] As a freshman, he averaged 12.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-Sun Belt and Freshman of the Year honors. Omier became the fourth Division I freshman since the 1992–93 season to average at least 12 points and 12 rebounds. [7] At the conclusion of the 2021-22 regular season, Omier was named Sun Belt Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. [8] He transferred to Miami (Florida) and averaged 13.1 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior. [9]

Professional career

Cleveland Charge (2025–2026)

After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft, Omier joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2025 NBA Summer League. [10] He was waived by the Cavaliers, but was then added to the training camp roster of their NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. [11]

During the 2025–26 NBA G League season, Omier established himself as one of the most consistent and productive frontcourt players in the league. In 27 games, he averaged 19.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 58.9% from the field. [12] He led all qualified rookies in rebounds per game (12.3) and total offensive rebounds, while finishing among the league leaders in total rebounds. [13] Omier scored in double figures in all 27 games and recorded 27 double-doubles across the regular season and Tip-Off Tournament. [14]

Omier was named NBA G League Player of the Week for games played from February 2–8, 2026, after averaging 26.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. [15] His performance throughout the season earned him selection to the NBA G League Next Up Game during NBA All-Star 2026. On April 7, 2026, he was named to the All-NBA G League Rookie Team. [16]

Omier also finished third in voting for the 2025–26 Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year award. [17]

Los Angeles / San Diego Clippers (2026–present)

Following his strong G League campaign, Omier signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2025–26 season, allowing him to split time between the NBA roster and the San Diego Clippers. [18] Omier made his NBA debut on March 2, 2026, becoming the first Nicaraguan-born player to appear in an NBA game. In his initial appearances, he demonstrated efficiency in limited minutes, contributing in scoring, rebounding, and interior defense. [19]

Throughout his rookie season, Omier gained recognition for his physical playing style, rebounding ability, and high motor. His style of play drew comparisons in basketball media to former NBA forward Charles Barkley due to his undersized but powerful presence in the paint. [20]

His consistent statistical production also led to him being described in media coverage as a "double-double machine." Off the court, Omier experienced a rapid rise in popularity, with his jersey selling out at the official Los Angeles Clippers team store shortly after release, reflecting strong fan demand. [21]

National team career

In April 2021, Omier made his national team debut for Nicaragua during 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification. [22]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2020–21 Arkansas State 232226.7.539.000.68812.3.81.21.412.6
2021–22 Arkansas State 292828.9.632.333.72912.21.21.61.917.9
2022–23 Miami 373628.8.574.313.73610.01.31.11.113.1
2023–24 Miami 313130.6.552.353.75010.01.21.5.817.0
2024–25 Baylor 353531.7.556.290.75010.81.51.2.915.7
Career15515229.5.572.314.73510.91.21.31.215.3

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Norchad Omier keeps Nicaragua's basketball dreams alive". FIBA. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Lederman, Eli (18 February 2021). "Pride of a country: Omier forges Nicaragua's hoops identity". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette . Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Lorensen, Nick (26 February 2021). "From Bluefields, Nicaragua to Freshman Phenomenon: The Story of Norchad Omier". Mid-Major Madness. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  4. ↑ Reed, Jeff (3 April 2020). "Red Wolves add commitment from from[sic] Central America". 247Sports . Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  5. ↑ Turbeville, Kevin (4 February 2021). "A-State's Omier learning game quickly". Jonesboro Sun. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  6. ↑ "Omier carries Arkansas St. over Louisiana-Monroe 93-72". Sports Illustrated . Associated Press. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  7. ↑ Garner, Caleb; Taylor, Mark (21 October 2021). "Omier named Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year, Eaton and Washington also named to all-SBC team". KAIT . Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  8. ↑ "Arkansas State forward Norchad Omier named SBC Player of the Year & Defensive Player of the Year". KAIT . 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  9. ↑ Benjamin, Marcus (31 December 2023). "Norchad Omier on track for a historic finish to the 2023-2024 season". Rivals.com . Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  10. ↑ "Cavs Announce 2025 Summer League Roster". NBA.com. July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Cleveland Charge 2025 Training Camp Roster". NBA G League . October 25, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Norchad Omier and Sean Pedulla Named to 2025–26 NBA G League All-Rookie Team". OurSports Central. April 7, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Norchad Omier and Sean Pedulla Named to 2025–26 NBA G League All-Rookie Team". OurSports Central. April 7, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Norchad Omier and Sean Pedulla Named to 2025–26 NBA G League All-Rookie Team". OurSports Central. April 7, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Norchad Omier named NBA G League Player of the Week". NBA G League. February 10, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Norchad Omier and Sean Pedulla Named to 2025–26 NBA G League All-Rookie Team". OurSports Central. April 7, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  17. ↑ "NBA G League announces Rookie of the Year winner, runner-ups". Sports Illustrated. April 2, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Norchad Omier player profile". NBA G League. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Norchad Omier NBA stats". ESPN. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Norchad Omier dubbed "G League's Charles Barkley"". Instagram. GTV Hoops / NBA G League collaboration. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Jerseys de Norchad Omier se agotan en tienda oficial de Clippers". Instagram. CuadranteMX. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  22. ↑ Lederman, Eli (8 April 2021). "Omier to represent Nicaragua in event". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette . Retrieved 4 November 2021.
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