PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's basketball's
Clifford Omoruyi has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, while maintaining his NCAA eligibility the junior center announced on Thursday afternoon.
"We are thrilled for Cliff to explore the opportunity of declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft," head coach
Steve Pikiell said. "Cliff has become the ultimate ambassador for Rutgers on and off the basketball court and we will support him and his family through this exciting journey."
Omoruyi announced his decision with a letter to Rutgers Nation posted on his Instagram page.
Omoruyi became the first player in Rutgers basketball history to be selected Preseason First-Team All-Big Ten in 2022-23. At the completion of the season, the Benin City, Nigeria native was selected to First-Team All-Big Ten Defensive Team and to the Second-Team All-Big Ten (media).
Omoruyi averaged 13.2 points-per-game, 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Scarlet Knights. His 72 blocks on the year were good for 15th in the nation and third in the Big Ten. His 325 rebounds were tied for 17th in the country.
He became the first Rutgers player to lead the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots since Keith Hughes did so in the 1990-1991 season.
Omoruyi led the country in dunks heading into the NCAA Tournament last season and was one of the nation's best dunkers in 2022-23. Omoruyi had 73 dunks on the year, the sixth-most in the country. Omoruyi racked up double-doubles in 13 of the 34 games played this season.
Omoruyi was also chosen as a member of the semi-finalist watch list for the 2023 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, consisting of the top 10 centers in the country. The USBWA selected Omoruyi to their All-District II Team.
