Despite a strong performance at this weekend’s G League Elite Camp in Chicago, Rutgers center Cliff Omoruyi did not earn one of less than a dozen invites the the NBA Combine. Eight players from the G League Elite Camp were reportedly invited. The NBA Combine begins on Monday and is a week long evaluation period ahead of June’s NBA Draft.
Omoruyi stood out to many at the G League Elite Camp on Saturday. He scored 12 points on 6 of 7 shooting and showed off his elite athleticism for scouts, draft analysts and countless NBA personnel. Omouryi added 6 rebounds and a steal but did commit 4 turners and 4 fouls in 21 minutes. However, his physical skills, high motor, defensive skills and skill set caught the attention of many scouts and analysts who were watching.
On Sunday, Cliff scored just 3 points but he made the only shot he attempted. He showed his range and ability to shoot three after setting a screen. That’s a coveted skill which was a positive to display. Omoruyi also added 3 rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes.
From a physical standpoint, Omoruyi is at the top of the charts. His official measurements from the G League Elite Camp were 6’9” barefoot, 7’6 ¼”wingspan, 9’2 ½” standing reach, 11” wide hands, 243.2 lbs with 6.6% body fat.
While Cliff ultimately missed the cut for this week’s NBA Draft combine, it sounds like he was in the last three or four players to be left out. Performing in the top 25% of the group with two years of eligibility remaining means he has options. Now it is about processing the feedback he receives from NBA personnel regarding his performance at the G League Elite Camp.
Omoruyi will have options. While getting drafted in June appears unlikely now, it would be wrong to assume he will simply return to Rutgers. He could get a G League guarantee or have multiple offers overseas. We don’t know, but that’s why Cliff has two weeks to assess the best plan for him. And there are still analysts who believe that he deserves to be drafted.
The Second Team All-Big Ten selection and First Team All-Big Ten Defensive Team member performed well at the G League Elite Camp. He showed real potential to play at the next level and that he deserves long term consideration. Now the waiting really begins. Cliff has until May 31 to withdraw from the NBA Draft or forego his last two years of eligibility. His decision looms large for the Rutgers roster next season.
In addition, Caleb McConnell competed at the G League Elite Camp and received positive feedback as well. Defensively, McConnell impressed scouts. While he didn’t shoot particularly well, his defensive versatility in being able to defend multiple positions will generate consideration. More on his pro future soon.
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RU 1972
May 15, 2023 at 12:20 am
Who in the portal does RU pursue if Cliff does not return?
RU858
May 15, 2023 at 10:39 pm
What position is probably a bigger question than who right now. Plus who is well above my pay grade.
Unusually informative article today by Brian Fonseca suggests Paul will be back, Cliff is still very much up in the air, Mag is likely out until December, Coach should be in the market for a transfer wing. Particularly if Wolf will end up playing more 4 than 5, a big seems like the more obvious choice to me.
Henry Rutgers
May 15, 2023 at 7:56 am
Hmmm, I honestly don’t know what to make of this development. My first instinct was that the analyst that think he should go to the EU or hang in for the possibility of getting drafted are all Purdue, Michigan and PSU grads. Of course, that is a jaded suspicion not based in any reality (I hope). I still am hopeful that both he and Paul will return to the banks and lead us to our first Big Ten championship.
thevinman
May 15, 2023 at 10:58 am
I want Cliff to return to Rutgers but I am starting to feel he will go PRO and play somewhere, whether in the G league or in Europe.
RU858
May 15, 2023 at 1:06 pm
I feel like one more year at Rutgers would greatly improve his draft stock, shot at the NBA. Cliff may be very satisfied with the current prospect of a long and successful career in Europe, closer to his family, ability to cash in now, avoid risking injury.
Tough decision, both great options from where Cliff stands today.
BataliBoli98
May 15, 2023 at 10:02 pm
I agree with VIN and I hope that we are wrong. I don’t completely agree with the argument that returning improves his draft stock. If he goes to the G League, Cliff would become a full time player with no other distractions while competing against higher quality big men in practice. The G League minimum salary in 2022-23 was $40,500 for five months. While not a great salary, I imagine that it has to be more than what Cliff makes in NIL money.
RU1980TX
May 15, 2023 at 11:20 pm
I watched him all last season and there are obvious indicators in my mind that he’s not ready yet for the next step.
His FT shooting is poor (60%), His outside shooting is poor, His 3PT shot is also very inconsistent at 18%. Of course he’s a post player and be shooting down low not taking 20ft jumpers.
Speaking of post play he has no inside game other than a dunk, and his hook shot misses more than it hits, and he rarely uses shots off the glass and when he does they don’t fall very often either.
Cliff might thrive in the G-League or in Europe, but I’m not sure he’ll do well there either. Personally, I think he needs more time in the weight room, and working on that low post hook shot to be more consistent, along with improving his FT %.
Just my 2 cents.