Clifford Omoruyi Announces Return to Rutgers for 2023-24 Season
May 31 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Clifford Omoruyi is back for another season with Rutgers men's basketball.
The senior center announced on Wednesday that he is returning to the 2023-24 roster for another year of eligibility with a post to his social media accounts. Omoruyi cited believing in head coach Steve Pikiell’s vision and finishing his college degree as the main reasons for his return.
I’ve built a legacy at Rutgers. Coach Pikiell has a vision for this program to compete for a national championship next season and I believe in his vision. I plan to fulfill my promise to my mom to finish what I started and graduate with a college degree. I am excited for what’s to come! Rutgers Nation, Are You Ready?!Clifford Omoruyi
Omoruyi declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on March 23. The center worked out for many NBA teams over the last few months, while also competing as one of 45 prospects invited to the NBA G League Camp in Chicago on May 14 and 15.
Big Cliff had a highly decorated season in 2022-23. 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 became the second-straight RU player to be named to All-Metropolitan First-Team.
This is a big day for Rutgers basketball. We are thrilled to have Cliff back on the basketball court next season and are just as excited that he will finish his degree at Rutgers University. No one represents our program better than Cliff Omoruyi.Steve Pikeill
Omoruyi declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on March 23. The center worked out for many NBA teams over the last few months, while also competing as one of 45 prospects invited to the NBA G League Camp in Chicago on May 14 and 15.
Big Cliff had a highly decorated season in 2022-23. 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 became the second-straight RU player to be named to All-Metropolitan First-Team.
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. 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. Omoruyi will rejoin Rutgers as a senior in 2023-24 and be one of the top returning centers in the nation.
