Preseason All-Big Ten pick Cliff Omoruyi inks ‘slam dunk’ NIL deal

Rutgers center Cliff Omoruyi has signed a “slam dunk NIL deal with 16 Handles,” one of the most iconic desert brands in the Tri-State Area.

Omoruyi, who led the NCAA in dunks last season and is a preseason All-Big Ten pick, will promote 16 Handles on social media and plans to develop a signature sundae with the soft-serve ice cream franchise. He will also make appearances at the 16 Handles location on the RU campus this semester.

Founded in 2008 as the first self-serve frozen dessert shop in New York City, 16 Handles has grown to become one of the most recognizable dessert chains in the Northeast and beyond. The brand has locations throughout New Jersey, including one on Rutgers’ Livingston Campus. 

“I smile every time I see a Rutgers student on campus enjoying a 16 Handles Sunday,” Omoruyi said in an email to On3. “Now, I’ll smile a little brighter!”

As part of the NIL deal, 16 Handles will also contribute to the Salvation Army. This past summer, Omoruyi volunteered as a counselor at the Books & Basketball program at the Salvation Army’s Newark Westside gym.

“We’re proud to make Cliff 16 Handles’ first NCAA athlete partner,” Neil Hershman, CEO of 16 Handles, said in an email to On3. “We admire his success on and off the court with his leadership, academic discipline, and community involvement.

“This partnership is especially sweet given Cliff is the star center at Rutgers University – the home to 16 Handles’ first on-campus store location. It also helps us to support community programs via the Salvation Army.”

Cliff Omoruyi poised for big season

Cliff Omoruyi is expected to play a big role in Rutgers’ goal of making it to three straight NCAA Tournaments. He’s worked tirelessly this offseason sculpting his body through conditioning and preparing himself to take the next step of becoming an NBA-caliber big man. 

Omoruyi accumulated five double-doubles last season and thinks he can average a double-double this year. He’s also working hard at being a force behind the 3-point line.

“I really worked on my outside game this offseason and being able to expand the floor with my midrange game,” Omoruyi told ScarletKnights.com. “I am taking my time working on them right now, but I hope to be able to shoot them in the game a lot when it’s the right shot.”

Cliff Omoruyi is a former On3 Consensus four-star recruit coming out of Roselle (New Jersey) Catholic. This is his first know NIL deal. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.