UNC Target Cliff Omoruyi Chooses Alabama

UNC missed on another center.

Alabama has landed Rutgers transfer center Cliff Omoruyi. With Armando Bacot out of eligibility and James Okonkwo transferring, there was a major hole at the five. Now, the Tar Heels have one proven center, Jalen Washington, and the portal is thin on the position. Freshman James Brown will be behind Washington.

Cliff Commits

Omoruyi took visits to Alabama, Georgetown, and Kansas State before making his way to Chapel Hill. North Carolina got the last crack at him, but it wasn’t enough. Omoruyi is a menacing presence down low, and one that the Tar Heels needed.

What Could’ve Been

Omoruyi stands at 6’11 with a 7’6 wingspan. That allows him to be one of the best shot blockers in college basketball, averaging 2.9 blocks per game, good for third-best in the country.

In his last three seasons, Omoruyi has been an integral part of his Rutgers teams.

2021-2022: 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

2022-2023: 13.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.

2023-2024: 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game.

• Ranks 6th all-time in blocks at Rutgers
• Ranks 4th all-time in rebounds at Rutgers
• Big Ten All-Defensive Team (x2)
• Second-Team All-Big Ten (2022-2023)
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Finalist (2o22-2023)

Scholarships Available

North Carolina still has three scholarships available. The current squad is lacking depth at center. UNC returns two starters while adding one of the best shooters in Cade Tyson, and two five-star recruits. There is also roster continuation from Seth Trimble, Jalen Washington, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Zayden High.

Who will the Tar Heels target next?