Commit Alert: Rutgers Basketball Lands Wing Eugene Omoruyi

It may be August, but the Rutgers men’s basketball coaching staff were able to make a quality pickup for next season when 6’6” Canadian wing Eugene Omoruyi committed to the program today after being on a visit to campus.

Omoruyi, who previously held offers from Marquette and USC, is from the class of 2016 and will be a freshman eligible to play this coming season. He will be the eleventh scholarship player on the roster, which is a big addition this late in the process. Depth is still a major concern for next season, but adding a versatile and strong bodied wing to the mix is a big plus. He is known for playing with a high motor, isn’t afraid of contact in the paint and finishes strong on the offensive end, as well as being effective at drawing charges on the defensive end.

How much Omoruyi can help right away will be a big question as the start of the season approaches. While he seems a bit raw on the offensive end and will need to develop a mid-range jumper at the collegiate level, his potential to help on defense immediately could earn him quality minutes in his freshman season. His body and effort on the court bode well for a player head coach Steve Pikiell and the staff can develop over time. He could end up being a major steal for the program in the long term.

In the short term, it gives Pikiell one more scholarship player to work with. While the team is still shorthanded in the backcourt and Rutgers will need at least two newcomers to become major contributors, adding Omoruyi late is worth the risk of having one less scholarship for the class of 2017. With frontcourt players Deshawn Freeman, Ibrahima Diallo, and Shaq Doorson all returning from season ending injuries, adding another wing adds some flexibility for the coaching staff with different lineups they can have on the floor.

Baylor graduate transfer and 6’11” center Rykhoek was also on a visit to Rutgers, no word on his status as of yet. As of now, Rutgers technically has just one available scholarship for the class of 2017. However, regardless of what happens with Rykhoek, Rutgers will likely continue to pursue their top targets in the class of 2017, including point guards Jose Alvarado and Christian PoPoola.

Welcome to the banks Eugene!