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Omier vs Omoruyi is the matchup to watch as UM plays Rutgers in ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Norchad Omier, the Nicaraguan newcomer who has become an instant University of Miami fan favorite, is about to face his biggest challenge in a Hurricanes jersey.

UM plays Rutgers at home Wednesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, and Omier will be going up against Nigerian center Cliff Omoruyi, one of the most dominant big men in the nation.

Omier is a high-leaping 6-7 and 248-pound power forward with boundless energy. He is averaging 13.4 points and 10.6 rebounds since transferring from Arkansas State. Omoruyi is 6-11 and 240 pounds, has a wing span beyond seven feet, and averages 16.8 points and 10 rebounds.

“They have a big man that my coaches compared to Wilt Chamberlain with his ability to just dunk the ball over people,” said UM coach Jim Larranaga. “He’s an unbelievable athlete, probably one of the great athletes in the country. He scores in around the basket. If he’s in the lane and he has the ball, he’s trying to dunk on anybody that’s near him.”

Assistant coach D.J. Irving said he is looking forward to that matchup in the post.

“[Omoruyi] is one of the best bigs in the country, very long arms, he covers a lot of ground, blocks shots, and if he’s anywhere near the rim, he will attempt to dunk, whether he makes it or misses it,” Irving said. “I feel Norchad will be fine because he gets excited about matchups like this.”

The Hurricanes are 6-1 and coming off a 66-64 win over UCF. Omier had 10 points and 13 rebounds in that game, his fourth double-double of the season and second in a row.

Through seven games, transfers Omier and point guard Nijel Pack (from Kansas State) have proven they have made a seamless transition and blend right in with returning starters Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller. Sophomore forward Wooga Poplar is getting more and more comfortable in his starting role.

Different players have stepped up to lead the scoring each game. Miller had 19 one night, Omier had 21, Wong had 22, Pack had 23.

“Our strength is our togetherness, and anybody can get hot at any moment,” Irving said. “You can have Jordan Miller one night, Nijel Pack another night. Isaiah Wong is always a threat. The country is now seeing that Norchad can play at this level. And then you got a guy like Wooga coming along who can get you 12 to 15 points at any time.”

Pack agreed that the team’s strength is its multiple scoring options.

“I have realized since I got here how dangerous a team we are, the different weapons we have,” Pack said. “Each game somebody new comes up. The talent and depth we have will take us far.”

Pack added that the Hurricanes are determined to control the glass against the Scarlet Knights.

“Norchad has been the key to everything, but we can’t rely on Norchad, we need a team effort,” Pack said. “Obviously, he was huge for us coming up with double doubles almost every game, but we can’t rely on him every time.”