Alabama desperately needed Clifford Omoruyi’s dominant inside presence last year, as his rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability could have been a game-changer.

In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where every possession counts and the difference between success and failure can be razor-thin, teams often find themselves needing that one player who can change the entire dynamic of a game. For the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024, that player could have been Clifford Omoruyi. While Omoruyi was never officially a part of the Alabama roster, his potential presence in the lineup would have provided the Crimson Tide with the missing ingredient they sorely lacked — a dominant inside presence. The 2024 season was a roller coaster for Alabama, with the team showing glimpses of greatness but ultimately falling short in crucial moments, particularly in the NCAA Tournament. Reflecting on that season, it’s clear that Omoruyi’s skill set, which includes elite rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability, could have made a monumental difference.

Clifford Omoruyi: A Brief Overview

Before delving into how Omoruyi could have impacted Alabama, it’s essential to understand just how talented the New Jersey native is. Omoruyi, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, quickly became one of the most intimidating forces in the NCAA. His game is built on a blend of strength, agility, and intelligence, which makes him a force on both ends of the court.

Omoruyi’s defensive abilities are what first garner attention. Known for his shot-blocking and rim protection, he is a player who can alter the course of a game simply by being present in the paint. In addition to his shot-blocking prowess, Omoruyi is an elite rebounder, regularly pulling down double-digit boards and anchoring his team’s defense. Offensively, he is a versatile big man who can score in the post, finish at the rim, and even step out to hit mid-range jump shots. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ gives him the ability to impact the game in numerous ways, making him one of the most well-rounded centers in college basketball.

In 2024, Omoruyi averaged 13.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the country at his position. His all-around game and ability to take over both ends of the floor made him a nightmare for opposing teams. It’s easy to see how his attributes could have been the missing piece for Alabama.

The Missing Piece for Alabama

In 2024, Alabama entered the NCAA Tournament as one of the most promising teams in the country. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide had assembled an impressive roster, featuring standout players like Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, and Mark Sears. They were known for their up-tempo, high-scoring style of play, and their defense, though not perfect, was solid enough to win games in the SEC and beyond.

However, despite the overall talent on the roster, Alabama lacked a dominant force in the paint — particularly someone who could protect the rim, secure rebounds, and provide a consistent scoring presence inside. This gap was most evident during the NCAA Tournament when the Crimson Tide faced tough competition from teams that had stronger, more experienced big men.

Alabama’s reliance on perimeter shooting and outside scoring was effective at times but ultimately failed them when they encountered teams with physical, dominant big men. Against teams that could control the paint and secure rebounds, Alabama struggled to maintain control of the game, particularly in close matchups. In games against teams like San Diego State and Houston, Alabama’s lack of a true inside presence became a glaring issue.

Had Omoruyi been part of the Alabama lineup, he could have addressed many of the Crimson Tide’s shortcomings. His presence in the paint would have alleviated pressure on Alabama’s perimeter players, allowed the team to control the boards more effectively, and given them a reliable option in the post. Moreover, Omoruyi’s ability to block shots and contest attempts around the rim would have drastically improved Alabama’s defense and made it harder for opposing teams to score inside.

Impact on Rebounding

One of the most crucial areas where Alabama needed improvement was rebounding. While the team had players capable of crashing the boards, none of them could consistently dominate the glass in the same way that Omoruyi could. Throughout the 2024 season, Alabama’s rebounding numbers were inconsistent. While players like Noah Clowney and Brandon Miller contributed on the boards, the Crimson Tide often found themselves getting out-rebounded in key games, especially against more physical teams.

In the NCAA Tournament, this trend continued, with Alabama’s inability to secure rebounds often costing them in close games. In their matchup against San Diego State in the Sweet 16, for instance, the Aztecs dominated the boards, collecting 15 offensive rebounds and limiting Alabama’s second-chance opportunities. Omoruyi’s elite rebounding ability could have helped mitigate this issue. With his size, strength, and anticipation, he would have been able to box out opposing players, secure defensive rebounds, and create second-chance scoring opportunities for his team. His ability to grab offensive rebounds and finish in the paint would have also helped Alabama in those crucial moments when the team needed a quick basket.

In games where the Crimson Tide struggled to maintain possession of the ball or secure defensive stops, Omoruyi’s presence on the boards could have turned the tide. His dominance on the glass would have provided Alabama with extra possessions and opportunities to push the ball in transition, playing to their strengths.

Shot-Blocking and Rim Protection

Another area where Omoruyi’s presence would have been invaluable is rim protection. Alabama’s defense in 2024, while solid, often lacked a shot-blocker who could protect the paint and alter opposing teams’ shooting attempts. When facing teams with aggressive inside play, Alabama’s defense sometimes struggled to contest shots effectively in the paint. This issue was especially evident in their loss to San Diego State, where the Aztecs repeatedly attacked the rim and found success due to Alabama’s lack of rim protection.

Omoruyi’s shot-blocking ability could have provided Alabama with the protection they needed in such situations. His ability to guard the rim and alter shots without fouling would have helped contain opponents’ inside game and forced them to settle for less efficient shots. With Omoruyi patrolling the paint, Alabama’s perimeter defenders would have been able to pressure opposing guards and wings more effectively, knowing that they had a reliable shot-blocker behind them.

Moreover, Omoruyi’s presence in the paint would have likely led to more fast-break opportunities for Alabama, as opposing teams would have been forced to alter their shots or take them from lower percentages. Omoruyi’s ability to contest and block shots would have given Alabama a much-needed defensive anchor, allowing the team to play with more aggression and confidence.

Scoring in the Paint

Offensively, Alabama struggled at times in the paint, especially when their outside shooting wasn’t falling. In games where the perimeter shots weren’t dropping, Alabama’s offense stalled, as they didn’t have a reliable option in the post to generate easy baskets. While players like Brandon Miller and Mark Sears were capable of scoring, they were primarily perimeter players, and Alabama didn’t have a consistent inside presence to rely on.

Clifford Omoruyi’s ability to score in the post and finish around the rim would have provided a different dimension to Alabama’s offense. Whether it was scoring off offensive rebounds, posting up smaller defenders, or finishing lobs, Omoruyi’s presence in the paint would have added a much-needed inside scoring threat. Against teams that packed the paint and tried to limit Alabama’s three-point shooting, Omoruyi could have been the focal point of their offense, drawing defenders and opening up opportunities for his teammates.

His versatility as a scorer — able to finish with both hands and capable of stepping out to hit mid-range jump shots — would have kept opposing defenses guessing. Omoruyi’s ability to score in a variety of ways would have made it difficult for teams to game-plan against Alabama’s offense.

The Emotional Impact of Omoruyi’s Presence

Beyond the tangible on-court contributions, Clifford Omoruyi’s presence would have provided Alabama with an emotional boost. A player like Omoruyi, with his leadership and intensity, would have been a stabilizing force during moments of adversity. Whether it was rallying the team after a tough stretch or leading by example with his physicality and competitive fire, Omoruyi’s veteran presence would have given Alabama the emotional lift they needed during the highs and lows of the tournament.

In close, high-pressure situations, Omoruyi’s composure and experience would have been invaluable. His ability to control the pace, calm his teammates, and make key plays in clutch moments could have been the difference between victory and defeat in several of Alabama’s tight games.

A Missed Opportunity for Alabama

Looking back on the 2024 NCAA Tournament, it’s clear that Alabama’s lack of a dominant inside presence was one of the key factors in their early exit. While the Crimson Tide had plenty of talent, including standout players like Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney, they were ultimately undone by their inability to consistently control the paint, secure rebounds, and defend the rim.

Clifford Omoruyi, with his combination of elite rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability, would have been the perfect solution to these issues. His presence would have transformed Alabama into a more complete, well-rounded team capable of competing against the top teams in the nation.

Although Omoruyi was never part of Alabama’s roster, his hypothetical addition serves as a reminder of how crucial a dominant big man can be

in March Madness. With his abilities, Alabama could have made a deeper run in the tournament, potentially altering the course of their season. Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide’s inability to address their inside presence last year remains one of the key factors that prevented them from achieving their full potential.