Former Rutgers center Omoruyi transferring to Alabama

Former Rutgers center Cliff Omoruyi committed to play for Alabama and head coach Nate Oats next season, he told Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 on Sunday.

Omoruyi also considered transferring to North Carolina, Georgetown, and Kansas State, according to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.

The 6-foot-11 center spent his first four years of college basketball at Rutgers and garnered Big Ten All-Defensive honors in back-to-back seasons while anchoring the Scarlet Knights' defense.

A native of Nigeria, Omoruyi averaged 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks at Rutgers.

Alabama made its first Final Four in program history last season, losing to eventual champion UConn.

Omoruyi is expected to make a formidable frontcourt with senior forward Grant Nelson, who recently announced he's returning for a fifth season.

Alabama already has an impressive transfer class. Former Auburn guard Aden Holloway, former South Florida guard Chris Youngblood, and former Pepperdine guard Houston Mallette committed to play for the Crimson Tide next year.

Coach Oats is also bringing in several top freshmen, with small forward Derrion Reid and center Aiden Sherrell ranked in the top 25 on the 2024 ESPN 100.