Alabama Basketball: Cliff Omoruyi set to announce decision

Coach Nate Oats and his staff have done an excellent job so far this offseason, restocking the roster with talent from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal. It has the opportunity to add to that roster today with the decision of former Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi.

The Crimson Tide’s 2024-25 roster is loaded with shooting, length, and athleticism with elite depth in the backcourt and on the wings. While the Tide is still waiting on NBA Draft decisions from senior guard Mark Sears and freshman forward Jarin Stevenson, Omoruyi is the final transfer portal piece that Alabama hopes to reel in.

Cliff Omoruyi is one of the most highly sought after players in the portal, and would fill a major need in the Alabama frontcourt. While Grant Nelson and Nick Pringle did their best to play the role, a true rim-protecting, lob-catching big was the only piece Bama was missing this past season.

That void still exists on the current roster, making Omoruyi a priority add whose value goes far beyond his statistical contributions. This would be a synergistic pickup for an Alabama Basketball team that is already expected to be one of the nation’s best heading into 2024-25. 

A veteran in every sense of the word, Cliff Omoruyi has taken his time with this decision. He took all of his visits, and gave himself the opportunity to weigh his options before setting a commitment date. His four finalists are Alabama, Georgetown, Kansas State, and North Carolina, though many believe this is a Bama-UNC battle.

The blue blood and the new blood both need an imposing presence at the five, and a win on the recruiting trail would symbolize Bama’s rapid ascension to the top of the sport. Over the last two years, Alabama has been more than a thorn in the Tar Heels’ side.

The Tide beat top-ranked Carolina in the 2022-23 regular season, won the commitment of Chapel Hill native and 5-star recruit Jarin Stevenson in the class of 2023, and, most recently, ended the Heels’ season in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

If it can also sign Cliff Omoruyi, it would solidify the Tide as a national title contender heading into 2024-25.