Cliff Omoruyi injury: Nate Oates reveals health status of Alabama center

When Alabama lacked a true center during last year’s run to the Final Four, Nate Oats got aggressive in the NCAA transfer portal. He wound up landing one of the best out there, snagging Cliff Omoruyi from Rutgers. Omoruyi is expected to play a huge role for the Crimson Tide this season but is dealing with an injury as games get underway.

Oats revealed Omoruyi tweaked his back recently but has been able to practice and play in exhibitions through the issue. Alabama will still start him in Monday’s season opener against UNC Asheville but will be careful with the overall minutes. A few younger players could get playing time as a result.

“We’re trying to get him healthy,” Oats said during his preseason radio show. “He’s been able to play the two exhibitions, but he hasn’t had the same pop we’d seen out of him earlier in practice. We’re hoping that’s getting a lot closer to 100%. But we’re gonna try to keep him a little fresher, maybe play him fewer minutes.”

Omoruyi averaged 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game last season for Rutgers. He does have some NCAA Tournament experience, helping the Scarlet Knights get there two out of his three seasons in Piscataway.

Coming out of the transfer portal, Omoruyi was ranked the No. 4 center and No. 11 overall per the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings. Everyone in Tuscaloosa is expecting a huge season out of Omoruyi but appears to be taking the back issue slow to start the season.

Alabama brought in another center this offseason but through the high school recruiting ranks. True freshman Aiden Sherrell could get some nice run as Omoruyi battles through his tweaked back. Oats has discussed playing Mo Diabate at the position too if a smaller lineup takes the court.

Getting a win against UNC Asheville is top priority but Alabama will get back on the court Friday to face Arkansas State. As usual, Oats has scheduled a tough nonconference slate as they attempt to make another Final Four run.