Big Decision for Big Cliff

When, after four years at Rutgers University, Clifford “Big Cliff” Omoruyi entered college basketball’s “transfer portal,” both the accolades and concerns started appearing on social media from Scarlet Knight fans. 

The great majority wished him well and felt he deserved the opportunity. Others expressed concern about Rutgers having two big time recruits coming to the school next year, but losing its defensive standout in the middle.  

In the new world of NIL, Cliff deserves the opportunity every other college athlete has. ESPN immediately published a story saying Cliff was the 2nd most attractive player in the transfer portal:  

“2. Clifford Omoruyi, 6-11, C, Sr., Rutgers Scarlet Knights  

Among the truly elite post defenders in college basketball. Omoruyi was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive team after averaging 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for one of the best defenses in the country.”  

Dozens of schools – all major programs – have reached out about Cliff, a guy who has raised nearly $100,000 for the Salvation Army Books & Basketball program in Newark, has put together a 3.8 GPA while earning a degree in Information Technology, and been a model student and teammate on campus.  

NIL is a good thing…and great guys like Big Cliff deserve to reap its rewards. It would be better if Clifford and other F-1 Visa students had the opportunity to earn money just like other college athletes, as we have written in the past (Link) . Our only hope is that we don’t have to travel “too far” to watch our friend on a new campus next year.