Cliff Omoruyi injury update: Alabama center questionable vs. Missouri

Fresh off a tough rivalry loss to Auburn in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is set to hit the road once again. A top-15 opponent will be waiting for them on the other side, going up against Missouri. Just around 24 hours before the game is set to tip-off, there is some injury news.

Alabama center Cliff Omoruyi is questionable for the game, according to the SEC injury report. Omoruyi was not discussed by head coach Nate Oats earlier on Tuesday. His addition is a bit of a surprise and now something to watch for ahead of Wednesday night.

Derrion Reid is also included, being slated as doubtful. Reid returned to action against Auburn but Oats revealed the hamstring injury flared up. An MRI is once again scheduled, meaning he is unlikely to play against Missouri and maybe further down the road.

Feb. 18 Availability Report

Cliff Omoruyi is questionable for tomorrow's game at Missouri.

As Nate Oats said today, Derrion Reid (hamstring) is doubtful. pic.twitter.com/V23o1fZ991

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) February 19, 2025

Omoruyi would be a massive loss for Alabama as he has been a staple in the starting lineup all season. Finding a center was a big offseason priority for the Crimson Tide and when Omoruyi entered the NCAA transfer portal, there was mutual interest. Eventually, the two sides came together and the results have been fruitful.

Rebounding has been a strong suit for Alabama, averaging 44.4 per game — good enough for No. 1 in the country. Omoruyi has been a huge reason why. The 6-11 big man snags 6.6 boards a night and is quite the presence down low to help his teammates out.

If Omoruyi is not able to play, there might be an increase in minutes for true freshman Aiden Sherrell. He already serves as the backup center and mostly gets playing time in the first half. However, Oats did not get Sherrell into the game against Auburn, something he claims to be an accident.

“It had nothing to do with the way Aiden’s been playing because I think he’s been playing much better basketball,” Oats said. “I did feel bad. We tried to win the game, and I thought we went with guys who were working. I would anticipate Aiden getting minutes in the first half here against Missouri and seeing where that goes from there.”

Alabama has a few questions to answer after losing to Auburn but the task will not be easy against Missouri. Losing Omoruyi for the game would only add to the difficulty, playing without a key piece on both ends. The Crimson Tide will certainly be hoping he can go.