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Alabama assistant Preston Murphy continues to post cryptic messages amid pursuit of Clifford Omoruyi

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•05/01/24•

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Clifford Omoruyi Alabama Crimson Tide
Clifford Omoruyi is one of the top centers in the Transfer Portal (Wendell Cruz / USA TODAY Sports)

Alabama is working its way toward having one of the best rosters in college basketball next season. Head coach Nate Oats feels like another piece needs to be added though, with a rim protector needed. A couple of options are available but if you have been following Crimson Tide assistant Preston Murphy on social media, his guy is former Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi.

Preston has been posting cryptic messages on Twitter, with his latest coming on Wednesday. The graphic shows a dog park named the “Tuscallosa Dawg Park”, with Alabama players attached to dogs in the area.

Yes, Mark Sears is missing at the moment as he goes through the NBA Draft process but he could return to the park soon.

If you zoom in on the left side, you will notice Clifford the Big Red Dog. Murphy has used the cartoon as a way to recruit Omoruyi throughout the process but has been subtle with the hints.

You can check out the graphic here.

Alabama is thought to be one of the leaders for Omoruyi but it’s been an intense battle. Visits to Kansas State and North Carolina have taken place as well. Centers have become one of the most prized possessions in the NCAA transfer portal, being where programs are spending some cash.

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Based on Murphy’s social media activity, Alabama wants Omoruyi quite badly. Maybe if he does wind up in Tuscaloosa, Clifford the Big Red Dog can get a little more space on the graphic.

More on Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi

Omoruyi averaged 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game this season for Rutgers this past season. He was a key cog in the Scarlet Knights’ breaking their March Madness drought in 2021, making it to the Round of 32. 

Rutgers also made it to the NCAA Tournament in 2022, aided by the big man. However, they only made it to the NIT in 2023 and fell in the first round while also missing postseason play this past winter.

Omoruyi played high school basketball at Roselle (N.J.) Catholic High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 47 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state and the No. 8 center in the class.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report