North Carolina is taking the next step in its offseason goal of shoring up the center position for the 2024-25 season. Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi has scheduled a visit to Chapel Hill tentatively set for May 2, sources confirmed to Inside Carolina on Friday. The Tar Heel staff has been evaluating many post options in the transfer portal since its season ended, but Omoruyi will be the first to visit Chapel Hill.
UNC has a massive void to fill with the departure of Armando Bacot, who became the school’s all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles over the course of his five-year career. Bacot averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks this past season, leading the team in rebounds and blocked shots. In his absence, UNC’s returning production at the ‘5’ spot is limited to Jalen Washington. The sophomore Washington averaged 3.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.6 blocks in 8.3 minutes per game. Thus, UNC is looking this offseason in the transfer portal for an immediate impact post player to join the rotation with Washington at the center position for 2024-25.
A native of Nigeria, Omoruyi has spent the last four seasons at Rutgers and has one season of eligibility remaining. He’s ranked the No. 8 overall player in the transfer portal by 247Sports after averaging 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game last season. The 6-11, 240-pound post anchor ranked No. 3 in the country in block percentage per KenPom, and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive team.
