Rutgers lands big one in star center Omoruyi

Steve Pikiell and Rutgers took other step toward becoming a major threat in basketball in the Big Ten Conference, getting a commitment from highly regarded center Cliff Omoruyi.

The 6-11 Omoruyi confirmed his choice Sunday in a telephone call with The Associated Press, adding Auburn and Arizona State also were under consideration.

Omoruyi, of Roselle Catholic, is the first New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year to commit to Rutgers. He is the Scarlet Knights’ biggest in-state recruit since Mike Rosario of St. Anthony’s in 2007.

Rutgers (20-11) was on the verge of its first NCAA Tournament berth in 29 years when the season was ended by the coronavirus pandemic earlier this month.

Rutgers’ 20-win regular season was its first in 37 years, and the first 20-win season overall since 2003-04. Rutgers’ 11 conference wins were its most in 29 years while the winning record in the league also was the first in the same period. The winning season was Rutgers’ first since 2005-06 (19-14), the previous time it made a postseason tournament (NIT).

Omoruyi is considered a top-50 high school prospect. He is a dynamic rebounder and shot blocker who has work to do on the offensive end.

He would join a team that has most of its top players returning, led by Geo Baker, Ron Harper Jr. and Montez Mathis.

HOYA DECLARES FOR DRAFT

Georgetown sophomore guard Mac McClung announced Sunday that he is declaring for the NBA draft but will maintain his eligibility so he can return to college.

The 6-foot-2 McClung attracted an online following for his high-flying dunks while he was in high school in Virginia.

HUSKIES COACH DIES

Former Washington football coach Jim Lambright has died at age 77, the school announced on Sunday.

Lambright spent nearly four decades associated with the Washington program as a player, assistant coach and head coach.