Clifford Omoruyi

[Russ Wood]

​

Spoke with Clifford Omoruyi and his guardian. He's back at Roselle Catholic, which sucks for me because his previous school is in Florida next week for the City Of Palms Classic and I was looking forward to seeing him in person.

He took an official visit to West Virginia in September. Said they were the only School to offer an official visit and make them aware that he could take them during his junior year.

He is also interested in checking out Georgia Tech and maybe coming down to Atlanta during the season because his guardian has relatives in Atlanta.

They also mentioned that they are hearing from Rutgers and Seton Hall among several other schools.

 

[whofrewdatmataRU13]

Thanks Russ

 

[TheAtlanticFiles]

Maybe one Omoruyi can help us get another

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

not Eugene brother right?

 

[Russ Wood]

not Eugene brother right?

No.

 

[Degaz-RU]

This kid is an absolute must get for 2020. A local kid at a school with which Pike has a good relationship, at a position of great need, and a high major prospect to boot.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

This kid is an absolute must get for 2020. A local kid at a school with which Pike has a good relationship, at a position of great need, and a high major prospect to boot.

HS coach is a very small factor with a high demand recruit. He has been at RU a couple of times for games, most recently Michigan State.

 

[RUforJERSEY]

Roselle Catholic huh. At least he's already familiar with the recruiting process. Wonder where The Patrick School cast their net this time?

 

[Russ Wood]

This kid is an absolute must get for 2020. A local kid at a school with which Pike has a good relationship, at a position of great need, and a high major prospect to boot.

So, if he doesn't commit to Rutgers they should shut the Men's Basketball program down?

 

[Degaz-RU]

So, if he doesn't commit to Rutgers they should shut the Men's Basketball program down?

Where did I say that?

 

[Degaz-RU]

So, if he doesn't commit to Rutgers they should shut the Men's Basketball program down?

I guess I’ll spell it out for you, it’s quite simple really:

It’s a local high major big guy with whom we have a decent shot, and these are the types of kids Pike needs to land. It’s not often we have a shot with a top 50-75 big man, so when the opportunity presents itself, we must take advantage.

Never said we should fold up the tent if we miss out on him.

 

[NBKnight]

Where did I say that?

You did call him a “must” get.

 

[Degaz-RU]

You did call him a “must” get.

Sure , but I didn’t say the program should be shut down if we don’t get him.

Come on people, it’s a figure of speech for crying out loud.

 

[Russ Wood]

I guess I’ll spell it out for you, it’s quite simple really:

It’s a local high major big guy with whom we have a decent shot, and these are the types of kids Pike needs to land. It’s not often we have a shot with a top 50-75 big man, so when the opportunity presents itself, we must take advantage.

Never said we should fold up the tent if we miss out on him.

I never said that you said RU should fold up the tent if they don't land Clifford Omoruyi. I was simply asking you if they should do that if he doesn't want in. Since you said that he's "an absolute must get for 2020."

I was wondering what's the next step for the program if they don't get your "absolute must get for 2020."

 

[Fzacsattac]

I guess I’ll spell it out for you, it’s quite simple really:

It’s a local high major big guy with whom we have a decent shot, and these are the types of kids Pike needs to land. It’s not often we have a shot with a top 50-75 big man, so when the opportunity presents itself, we must take advantage.

Never said we should fold up the tent if we miss out on him.

I like spelling!

 

[RUsojo]

I never said that you said RU should fold up the tent if they don't land Clifford Omoruyi. I was simply asking you if they should do that if he doesn't want in. Since you said that he's "an absolute must get for 2020."

I was wondering what's the next step for the program if they don't get your "absolute must get for 2020."

The next step is after not getting a guy like this is just continuing to be a bottom third recruiting team in conference and the worst team record wise in conference.

The fact of the matter is in order to improve in this conference you need to out recruit your peers. We will not have many recruits of this quality that will seriously consider Rutgers as an option. If you fail in those few chances you get you will continue to lose to Stony Brook Hartford and Fordham and continue to believe winning 2 conference games in a row means you can threaten for the NIT the next year. Far from the truth.

 

[Goku]

The next step is after not getting a guy like this is just continuing to be a bottom third recruiting team in conference and the worst team record wise in conference.

The fact of the matter is in order to improve in this conference you need to out recruit your peers. We will not have many recruits of this quality that will seriously consider Rutgers as an option. If you fail in those few chances you get you will continue to lose to Stony Brook Hartford and Fordham and continue to believe winning 2 conference games in a row means you can threaten for the NIT the next year. Far from the truth.

Agreed. Unless you want a 8-10 year rebuild, you need to get big-10 caliber players. The roster is getting filled with them, but maybe more of the secondary or role player types. We need players on our starting 5 that could start on other big-10 teams. Only way to move up the standings ladder is to first move up the recruiting ladder. Gotta keep beating out major programs for players and not be the only offer to players. Need to start reeling in the Hyatts and massouds

 

[RUsojo]

Agreed. Unless you want a 8-10 year rebuild, you need to get big-10 caliber players. The roster is getting filled with them, but maybe more of the secondary or role player types. We need players on our starting 5 that could start on other big-10 teams. Only way to move up the standings ladder is to first move up the recruiting ladder. Gotta keep beating out major programs for players and not be the only offer to players. Need to start reeling in the Hyatts and massouds

Russ provides a ton of great insight but he also likes to stir the pot don’t mind him. Still better off with him posting.

 

[bowlgoal]

You don’t go from where we were to an Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin or MSU in 3 years. Buts let’s review for a minute. Doucore was a 4 star, a miss, but a 4 star. Two freshman now are 4 stars in Mathis and Harper and both will be damn good. Carter was a highly rated Juco transfer. Geo was a very underrated 3 star. Mulcahy was a highly rated 3 star who was a 4 star by other rating services I believe. Young is a former 4 star playing for us next year and Kiss is going to be a really good player.

We don’t have a 5 star like Indiana but chances are he’s a one and done. We were in the mix for a few kids who might have been game changers like Battle and the point guard who went to Syracuse and yes, I was disappointed about Massoud and Hyatt. I think LSU plays a bit dirty in recruiting so there’s that.

But don’t kid yourself, this is a very good young team. We had some horrendous shooting nights of late but that can happen. Remember in the beginning of the season when we were on fire from 3 point range?? Seems like some have short memories.

We are in a very difficult if not the best conference in America. This is the first real year of the Pikiell rebuild and we are not far off the mark. Stay the course and keep coming. And yes, redo the outside of the damn RAC. Its an eyesore and something you have to do when you spend $80 million on a new practice center next door that makes the RAC look like a homeless shelter,

 

[RU82]

You don’t go from where we were to an Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin or MSU in 3 years. Buts let’s review for a minute. Doucore was a 4 star, a miss, but a 4 star. Two freshman now are 4 stars in Mathis and Harper and both will be damn good. Carter was a highly rated Juco transfer. Geo was a very underrated 3 star. Mulcahy was a highly rated 3 star who was a 4 star by other rating services I believe. Jacobs is a former 4 star playing for us next year and Kiss is going to be a really good player.

We don’t have a 5 star like Indiana but chances are he’s a one and done. We were in the mix for a few kids who might have been game changers like Battle and the point guard who went to Syracuse and yes, I was disappointed about Massoud and Hyatt. I think LSU plays a bit dirty in recruiting so there’s that.

But don’t kid yourself, this is a very good young team. We had some horrendous shooting nights of late but that can happen. Remember in the beginning of the season when we were on fire from 3 point range?? Seems like some have short memories.

We are in a very difficult if not the best conference in America. This is the first real year of the Pikiell rebuild and we are not far off the mark. Stay the course and keep coming. And yes, redo the outside of the damn RAC. Its an eyesore and something you have to do when you spend $80 million on a new practice center next door that makes the RAC look like a homeless shelter,

Jacobs?

Did he take Sheridan’s ride?

 

[bowlgoal]

You don’t go from where we were to an Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin or MSU in 3 years. Buts let’s review for a minute. Doucore was a 4 star, a miss, but a 4 star. Two freshman now are 4 stars in Mathis and Harper and both will be damn good. Carter was a highly rated Juco transfer. Geo was a very underrated 3 star. Mulcahy was a highly rated 3 star who was a 4 star by other rating services I believe. Jacobs is a former 4 star playing for us next year and Kiss is going to be a really good player.

We don’t have a 5 star like Indiana but chances are he’s a one and done. We were in the mix for a few kids who might have been game changers like Battle and the point guard who went to Syracuse and yes, I was disappointed about Massoud and Hyatt. I think LSU plays a bit dirty in recruiting so there’s that.

But don’t kid yourself, this is a very good young team. We had some horrendous shooting nights of late but that can happen. Remember in the beginning of the season when we were on fire from 3 point range?? Seems like some have short memories.

We are in a very difficult if not the best conference in America. This is the first real year of the Pikiell rebuild and we are not far off the mark. Stay the course and keep coming. And yes, redo the outside of the damn RAC. Its an eyesore and something you have to do when you spend $80 million on a new practice center next door that makes the RAC look like a homeless shelter,

Jacobs?

Did he take Sheridan’s ride?

Jacob Young. We used to call him Jacobs on the recruiting trail.

 

[zebnatto]

Agreed. Unless you want a 8-10 year rebuild, you need to get big-10 caliber players. The roster is getting filled with them, but maybe more of the secondary or role player types. We need players on our starting 5 that could start on other big-10 teams. Only way to move up the standings ladder is to first move up the recruiting ladder. Gotta keep beating out major programs for players and not be the only offer to players. Need to start reeling in the Hyatts and massouds

Good point, Goku. Yes, we have B1G players, but maybe th’re role players, second tier players. Many are young: How will they develop? But yes, we see a lot of parity across our roster, standouts and slackers from game to game. Is this pointing to a set of mediocre B1G players or to plus depth?

 

[SirScarlet]

Agreed. Unless you want a 8-10 year rebuild, you need to get big-10 caliber players. The roster is getting filled with them, but maybe more of the secondary or role player types. We need players on our starting 5 that could start on other big-10 teams. Only way to move up the standings ladder is to first move up the recruiting ladder. Gotta keep beating out major programs for players and not be the only offer to players. Need to start reeling in the Hyatts and massouds

Yes and no. I would argue that we have recruited those players the last couple of years. Those players that will compete in the middle of the Big Ten. If your post is to say that we need to jump over the middle of the pack and automatically start beating out the top Big Ten teams well that is my issue with this narrative being led by Sojo.

That is just unrealistic (and unnecessary). If we do that great.

Otherwise it's not necessarily an 8 to 10 year rebuild it's a 5-8 year rebuild which is what we are currently on the trajectory for.

 

[RutgHoops]

​

Spoke with Clifford Omoruyi and his guardian. He's back at Roselle Catholic, which sucks for me because his previous school is in Florida next week for the City Of Palms Classic and I was looking forward to seeing him in person.

He took an official visit to West Virginia in September. Said they were the only School to offer an official visit and make them aware that he could take them during his junior year.

He is also interested in checking out Georgia Tech and maybe coming down to Atlanta during the season because his guardian has relatives in Atlanta.

They also mentioned that they are hearing from Rutgers and Seton Hall among several other schools.

Thanks Russ. I believe Omoruyi came to RU for a game earlier this season. Maybe Michigan State. Maybe St. Johns.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

My question would be if RU doesn't land Cliff Omoyuri, everything is still fine??

Most anyone posting on recruits have not seen a player live.....we also have to avoid writing off players who are underclassmen and aren't averaging a double double every other game.

As much as I enjoy recruiting, rankings of classes don't win games, players buying in and dedicating themselves to the cause does it. I will see if I can see Omoyuri over this holiday season live, keep in mind he's just a HS Junior, so my guess is 4 years from now is when I would expect Omoyuri to be at his best, not his freshman or sophomore years in college.

 

[bowlgoal]

Agreed. Unless you want a 8-10 year rebuild, you need to get big-10 caliber players. The roster is getting filled with them, but maybe more of the secondary or role player types. We need players on our starting 5 that could start on other big-10 teams. Only way to move up the standings ladder is to first move up the recruiting ladder. Gotta keep beating out major programs for players and not be the only offer to players. Need to start reeling in the Hyatts and massouds

Yes and no. I would argue that we have recruited those players the last couple of years. Those players that will compete in the middle of the Big Ten. If your post is to say that we need to jump over the middle of the pack and automatically start beating out the top Big Ten teams well that is my issue with this narrative being led by Sojo.

That is just unrealistic (and unnecessary). If we do that great.

Otherwise it's not necessarily an 8 to 10 year rebuild it's a 5-8 year rebuild which is what we are currently on the trajectory for.

Exactly. The realistic next step in the process has to be finishing at .500 in the conference which hopefully means at least 17 wins. A solid 10 wins in the conference means we have a program that can get to post season. I think the quality of kids on this years roster coupled with the others coming in 2019 could get us to that point. And once you are on the plus side of winning, more doors will open up.

 

[RUsojo]

Yes and no. I would argue that we have recruited those players the last couple of years. Those players that will compete in the middle of the Big Ten. If your post is to say that we need to jump over the middle of the pack and automatically start beating out the top Big Ten teams well that is my issue with this narrative being led by Sojo.

That is just unrealistic (and unnecessary). If we do that great.

Otherwise it's not necessarily an 8 to 10 year rebuild it's a 5-8 year rebuild which is what we are currently on the trajectory for.

We’re on trajectory for a successful 5-8 year rebuild? I’m not pushing a narrative people are getting really upset that I am saying our conference record and our quality of recruiting out loud. People got upset when I asked where the wins were coming from this year and predicted a last place finish in conference (as did the rest of the country) and upset that I said Columbia was going to give us trouble without their best player.

Nobody seems to be upset when I say Pikiell will kill it in recruiting in 2020 with the practice facility at his back....

Im only arguing with the people that think we’re on track to make an NIT with a bottom third in conference average star ranking 5 years in a row. I don’t think that’s likely to happen. And people suggest this view is a narrative or agenda I’m making up out of thin air.

 

[RUsojo]

Exactly. The realistic next step in the process has to be finishing at .500 in the conference which hopefully means at least 17 wins. A solid 10 wins in the conference means we have a program that can get to post season. I think the quality of kids on this years roster coupled with the others coming in 2019 could get us to that point. And once you are on the plus side of winning, more doors will open up.

@Richard Schnyderite @ChrisNalwasky

Guys please read this and my last two posts in this thread and back me up. Perpetuating the sentiment and expectation based on current roster in this post here is only going to hurt the program.

 

[RutgHoops]

....
Im only arguing with the people that think we’re on track to make an NIT with a bottom third in conference average star ranking 5 years in a row. I don’t think that’s likely to happen. And people suggest this view is a narrative or agenda I’m making up out of thin air.

You post this over and over. Prove it. 247 does not do an average star conference ranking. Rivals does. Last season (Pike's 2nd class) according to Rivals, Rutgers ranked t-5th in average star ranking behind only Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan and Purdue.

https://n.rivals.com/team_rankings/2018/big10/basketball

 

[Richie O]

@Richard Schnyderite @ChrisNalwasky

Guys please read this and my last two posts in this thread and back me up. Perpetuating the sentiment and expectation based on current roster in this post here is only going to hurt the program.

I think there is a very good chance that next year is a .500 year. Rutgers will have two true point guards, most of the guys will be a year older and more developed (Baker, Kiss, Mathis, Johnson). We mentioned it in our predictions earlier this season, the style of play will keep games competitive, but they are still missing some pieces. Next year they will be have more of those pieces and be much improved. Rutgers is closer than people think to the middle of the B1G, but they have to show consistency too.

 

[Richie O]

You post this over and over. Prove it. 247 does not do an average star conference ranking. Rivals does. Last season (Pike's 2nd class) according to Rivals, Rutgers ranked t-5th in average star ranking behind only Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan and Purdue.

https://n.rivals.com/team_rankings/2018/big10/basketball

Add in a four star transfer in Jacob Young.

 

[RUsojo]

You post this over and over. Prove it. 247 does not do an average star conference ranking. Rivals does. Last season (Pike's 2nd class) according to Rivals, Rutgers ranked t-5th in average star ranking behind only Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan and Purdue.

https://n.rivals.com/team_rankings/2018/big10/basketball

247 composite rankings. I’ve mentioned many times that is the source I have been going by which is the best practice standard in recruiting rankings.

 

[RUsojo]

I think there is a very good chance that next year is a .500 year. Rutgers will have two true point guards, most of the guys will be a year older and more developed (Baker, Kiss, Mathis, Johnson). We mentioned it in our predictions earlier this season, the style of play will keep games competitive, but they are still missing some pieces. Next year they will be have more of those pieces and be much improved. Rutgers is closer than people think to the middle of the B1G, but they have to show consistency too.

You’re out of your mind. He said .500 in conference...

 

[Richie O]

You’re out of your mind. He said .500 in conference...

Oh I’m talking .500 in general next season, not in conference.

 

[RUsojo]

Oh I’m talking .500 in general next season, not in conference.

Yes he’s saying we have the roster to go .500 in conference. People are drastically overrating the talent on the roster.

 

[Richie O]

Yes he’s saying we have the roster to go .500 in conference. People are drastically overrating the talent on the roster.

I don’t see that happening just yet, maybe down the line at some point.

 

[RUJMM78]

For far too many seasons some fans have believed that the football and mens basketball programs could successfully compete in the B1G based on player development more so than recruiting.Such a strategy has failed as seen with the won/loss records.There is no quick fix in recruiting and fans are told time and again it takes time to rebuild .

 

[RutgHoops]

247 composite rankings. I’ve mentioned many times that is the source I have been going by which is the best practice standard in recruiting rankings.

If you want to use a source that has a class with (1) 4 star and (1) 3 star (Iowa), and another with (1) four star and (2) three star (Minnesota) as not only better, but significantly better than a class with (1) four star and (3) 3 star recruits then I can't help you. But it shows your argument is flawed in my opinion.

 

[bowlgoal]

I think there is a very good chance that next year is a .500 year. Rutgers will have two true point guards, most of the guys will be a year older and more developed (Baker, Kiss, Mathis, Johnson). We mentioned it in our predictions earlier this season, the style of play will keep games competitive, but they are still missing some pieces. Next year they will be have more of those pieces and be much improved. Rutgers is closer than people think to the middle of the B1G, but they have to show consistency too.

You’re out of your mind. He said .500 in conference...

I said the next step in the process is to go .500 in conference and never said it was for sure happening next season. We had three big 10 wins last season and this season I’m hoping for 5-6 big 10 wins. Then the goal will be to get to 10-10 in conference. The goal has to be 9-10 wins on order to get to above .500 overall. Look at this season. Assuming we win Saturday; we are 7-5 going into conference play. You win 8 conference games and you’re still only at 15-15 headed into the Big 10 tournament.

Am I hoping to finish above .500 next year? You’re damn right. I feel like we lost a few games and so many people are reverting back to same old Rutgers. We played very well with a really young team against MSU and on the road at Wisconsin. That’s not being overly optimistic. That’s a fact. We won a rare road game against an ACC team and lost a bad game to Fordham (which happens to be a tough place to win games) especially when their point guard plays like he did. Horrendous shooting against SHU and Columbia but we never gave up against SHU and overcame the worst 2-19 from 3 point range versus Columbia.

It’s amazing how quickly people became negative for no reason. This is a very young basketball team and I said that before the season started. St. John’s and Seton Hall were better than expected. We should have been able to beat Fordham home or away but instead we beat Miami. Gutsy comeback win against Columbia and we have to play better basketball and we will.

Do yourselves a favor. Watch the film on Mickey Pearson and I really hope we land this kid. I don’t think I remember a more athletic small forward on this roster since the late Keith Hughes. I think Pearson is just as good if not better. There is probably one more open scholarship coming if Doucore continues to sit on the bench. This is going to be one exciting team next season.

 

[Russ Wood]

Russ provides a ton of great insight but he also likes to be thought provoking don’t mind him. Still better off with him posting.

:smiley: