Rutgers star center Cliff Omoruyi has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar award. The award is given to the best center in the country at the end of the season.
Omoruyi was named to the watch list along with nineteen other players, including Oscar Tshiebwe, Hunter Dickinson, Zach Edey, and Armando Bacot. Omoruyi is expected to improve throughout his junior season, and will have plenty of chances while leading the Rutgers offense after the departure of Geo Baker & Ron Harper Jr.
“It’s an honor to be selected, but the work has just begun,” Omoruyi said in a statement released by Rutgers communications. “This offseason I have worked on my outside game and being able to expand the floor. I have been focusing on improving my midrange game, shooting threes, and playing great defense. I can’t wait to get started with my teammates.”
Omoruyi was recently selected as a member of the Preseason All-Big Ten Team as the hype around him continues to grow. The big man led the nation in dunks last season, and he is prepared to pick up where he left off. In an exhibition game against Fairfield on October 30th, Omoruyi racked up 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Rutgers will officially open their season next Monday, November 7th against Columbia.
