Alabama Center Earns Spot on Naismith DPOY Watchlist
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi has been named to the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist — which recognizes the best defensive player in collegiate basketball annually since 2018.
The Crimson Tide has never had a finalist for the award.
Omoruyi is no stranger to defensive honors, being named to the Big Ten All-Defensive team in 2023 and 2024 while with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Omoruyi has been stellar for the Crimson Tide this season, averaging 7.2 points and 6.4 blocks a night while shooting at a 75% clip.
However, Omoruyi's most prominent impact for the Crimson Tide has been on the defensive side of the court. While his 1.2 blocks per game average currently ranks as his fourth-lowest total, his presence at the rim has helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 19-3 record and the top of the SEC.
Omoruyi and Alabama hit the court again on Saturday, Feb 8, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville.
For more Alabama Baseball, Basketball, and Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.
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