Guard Nijel Pack returning for third year with Hurricanes
The Hurricanes basketball team is overhauling its roster after a disappointing 15-17 season, but there will be at least one familiar face in the starting lineup next season.
Veteran guard Nijel Pack is returning to Miami for his fifth season of college basketball, he announced Thursday. It will be his third season with the Hurricanes.
“I am back,” Pack wrote in a graphic posted on his Instagram. “Going into my final season, my focus is on getting healthy and leading our team to compete at the highest level in every aspect of the game every day.”
Pack dealt with nagging injuries this season but was productive when he was on the court, notching 13.3 points, 3.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game in 25 games.
Pack, who transferred to Miami from Kansas State before the 2022-23 season, considered entering the NBA draft last year but ultimately returned to UM.
Pack brings some stability to Miami’s roster for next year. UM has lost five players to the transfer portal: A.J. Casey, Bensley Joseph, Michael Nwoko, Jakai Robinson and Christian Watson.
The Hurricanes are adding a top-level recruiting class that includes five-star guard Jalil Bethea, and they could return key players like forward Norchad Omier and guard Kyshawn George.
Both George and Omier could also enter the NBA draft. Like Pack, Omier declared for the draft last year before withdrawing his name. He earned All-ACC second-team honors this season.
George impressed in his freshman year, averaging 7.6 points, three rebounds and 2.2 assists last season. The Ringer ranks him as the No. 26 draft prospect this year.
NP24 x @caneshoops
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— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) March 28, 2024