By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Nigerian Clifford Omoruyi (23, 2.11 m) completes the front line of Oded Katash’s roster in Tel Aviv, with the club announcing his addition.
Per the press release: “Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv signed Clifford Omori (2.11 m, 23) to a two-year contract. The Nigerian center brings athleticism, excellent defense, offensive rebounding, the ability and threat to block shots, a high work ethic, and a great use of length and jumping to finish attacks above the rim.
After 5 seasons in college, as he approaches the age of 24, he migrates to another continent and continues his career as part of Oded Katash’s front line, which includes Roman Sorkin, TJ Leaf, Jaylen Hoard, and Marcio Santos.
“We welcome Cliff, who joins our family,” said coach Oded Katash after the signing. “He is a player with significant size and good instincts, with a presence on both ends of the court. He will add athleticism, rebounding, and energy to us. He has a lot of upside, and I have no doubt that he will help us reach our goals.”
“Heading into this summer’s free agency, we were looking for a player with impressive physical presence and dynamism at center,” explained general manager Claudio Coldebella. “One who can rebound at the highest level (especially on offense), protect the paint and rim with athletic presence, and be effective in pick-and-roll defense. All while also offering offensive ability to run the floor thanks to his athleticism, and complementing the dynamism of our guards.”
“I heard that the crowd here really loves basketball and the club,” Clifford Omori told the club’s official website after signing the contract. “I look forward to starting playing in front of the fans, let’s go Maccabi!”
Clifford Omori was born in Benin City, southern Nigeria, on October 11, 2001. At first, he played football and, as he grew taller, began playing basketball at the age of 14. When he was 16, he moved to the United States and played in high school in the New Jersey area. In his senior year, he averaged 14.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and no less than 5.4 blocks per game, which made him a sought-after player in colleges.
Omori chose to join Rutgers and, from his second season, began to flourish with double figures in points, intense defense, and a growing impact. In his third season, he already contributed 13.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, while in his fourth, he was already blocking 2.7 shots per game on average.
After four seasons, he took advantage of a clause implemented during the COVID pandemic and committed to another season in college, this time in the Alabama jersey. Last season, he averaged 7.9 points (74.3% for two), 6.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game”.