NC State Basketball: 3 keys to getting revenge against Miami Hurricanes

Attack Norchad Omier

Norchad Omier is the energizer bunny for this Miami Hurricane team. The transfer from Arkansas State has provided great stability to a position where the Hurricanes lack quality depth. Omier is averaging 13.9 points and 9.7 rebounds, which is very impressive with his 6’7” frame.

There were multiple things that lead to the head-scratching loss the Hurricanes suffered to Georgia Tech last week. Isaiah Wong shooting 1-11 and the team as a whole shooting 15% from deep are two things that will not happen often for this Miami team. But another thing that I believe was a big factor was that the Yellow Jackets were able to get Omier in foul trouble. He fouled out of the game after only playing 21 minutes.

Over the last handful of games, Omier has found himself getting in foul trouble at a higher rate than he did earlier in the season. This is where I think D.J. Burns comes in and can have a big say on the outcome of this game. When Burns is in the game the Wolfpack does a good job of getting him paint touches, forcing the opposing big to try and defend him one on one. Off of this action NC State does a really good job of sending cutters through the lane and Burns has the vision to hit the open cutter if it is available to him, which could lead to reach-in fouls on Omier as well. If Burns is able to attack Omier early and often down low and maybe get him in early foul trouble the Wolfpack can really take advantage.

The depth behind Omier is very young and inexperienced with A.J. Casey and Favour Aire both being freshmen. If Burns is able to spend any minutes going one on one in the post against either of those guys it could be a long day for the Hurricanes. It could also force them to send help on Burns and open up spots for Casey Morsell and Terquavion Smith to let it fly from deep.