Clifford Omoruyi, a 6’11” senior center from Alabama, is garnering excitement as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. Omoruyi’s expected landing destinations are of significant interest because of his defensive skills and speed.
Clifford Omoruyi’s Transfer Options: Top 5 Potential Landing Spots
John’s Red Storm
Legendary Rick Pitino has to replace big man Joel Soriano, and former Rutgers big Omoruyi is a top candidate. Omoruyi is an effective pick-and-roll lob threat and an excellent rebounder and rim protector. Throughout his college career, the Nigerian native started 104 games and averaged nearly three blocks per game.
Seton Hall Pirates
The Seton Hall Pirates are high after defeating Indiana State in a challenging game at Hinkle Fieldhouse to win the National Invitational Tournament. If Omoruyi chose to stay in New Jersey but transfer to the Big East, the Seton Hall Pirates under head coach Shaheen Holloway could be a good fit.
Holloway values outstanding defenders, and Omoruyi is an excellent rim protector who could anchor a strong defense. After the season concluded, Seton Hall’s squad was still in flux, but they could benefit from Omoruyi’s skills.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn was one of Omoruyi’s 2020 finalists before he chose to play at Rutgers. Bruce Pearl revitalized the Tigers program, and they are now a constant top-20 squad that prioritizes rim protection. Auburn had the country’s highest block rate at 10.7 percent.
Omoruyi might be an excellent match on Auburn’s defense, but there is a catch: Broome returns for the 2024-2025 season. There are instances where the two can coexist and exchange minutes to keep fresh and out of trouble, but it makes for a challenging sales pitch for Pearl.
It would be a fascinating match if Auburn sought him and Omoruyi liked playing in the SEC.
UConn Huskies
Dan Hurley’s Connecticut Huskies are at the top of the college basketball world. The Huskies are back-to-back National Champions and have done so with different players each season. Hurley has as much recruiting power as he will likely ever have, and there will be multiple roster openings to fill.
Importing Omoruyi from Rutgers would complete UConn’s big man rotation, which they have used well the previous two seasons. With Donovan Clingan heading to the NBA, UConn will need depth at the position, and Omoruyi could be a potential inclusion.
Oregon Ducks
If Omoruyi wants to relocate west and play in an entirely different environment than he would be in New Jersey, the Oregon Ducks could be a good fit. Oregon has a history of success with African big men, and Dana Altman’s style encourages rim running and pick-and-roll lobs, which Omoruyi excels at.
Oregon was not a strong defensive squad during the 2023-2024 season, and Omoruyi’s rim protection at Rutgers would be a massive advantage for Oregon the following season.
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Omoruyi’s defensive abilities and athleticism make him a promising pick portal pick-up. Teams looking to improve their interior defense and add a dynamic presence in the paint could consider him a potential addition.
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