Rutgers Men’s Basketball

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.

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.