Leaving open the chance for a return to the Rutgers basketball program, Cliff Omoruyi declared for the NBA draft on Thursday. The Scarlet Knights center is one of the main reasons why Rutgers has made the postseason each of the last three years, with two of those appearances coming in the NCAA Tournament.
Omoruyi averaged a career-high 13.2 points per game this past year, his third at Rutgers. He also averaged 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, both impressive numbers.
He has seen growth in his ability as a scorer as well as his rebounding. Always a tenacious defender, Omoruyi has developed into one of the top post players in not just the Big Ten but also the nation.
Omoruyi released his statement about his intention to pursue a professional career on Thursday night.
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“We are thrilled for Cliff to explore the opportunity of declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said in a statement released by the program.
“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 has signaled that he will not hire an agent, thereby leaving the door open for his return to Rutgers for one more season.
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