Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi Declares for NBA Draft

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 10: Clifford Omoruyi #11 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is defended by Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Rutgers men's basketball star center Clifford Omoruyi has declared for the NBA Draft.

As a junior who will be a rising senior next year, Omoruyi still has NCAA eligibility.

Head Coach Steve Pikiell was quoted as saying in a Rutgers press release: "We are thrilled for Cliff to explore the opportunity of declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft."

"I am aware that there are no guarantees in life, so I will maintain my NCAA eligibility and the possible privelage to return to Rutgers University," Omoruyi said in a statement.

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Omoruyi became the first Rutgers player to lead the program in points scored, rebounds and blocked shots in a single season since Keith Hughes did it in 1990-91.

Omoruyi averaged 13.2 points-per-game, 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Scarlet Knights.

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Michael CohenWriter

Michael Cohen is the News and Sports Director at Fox Sports Radio New Jersey and Magic 98.3 FM, as well as a radio production assistant with Fox and Magic in New Jersey. He started his career in Somerset in 2018 initially as a news fill-in at WCTC 1450 AM, and soon moved up to higher responsibilities in the ensuing years, assuming News & Sports Director title in 2021Prior to his time with Fox Sports New Jersey, Michael was play-by-play voice for New Jersey Jackals baseball, and as well as play-by-play and color for the College of Staten Island basketball (men and women), softball and baseball. Michael began his career as a news and sportswriter with the Jersey Journal of Hudson County.