Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort. - Paul J. Meyer
At 6’10, Cliff Omoruyi has the type of size that gets your attention. His hustle and grit is the thing that keeps your attention. Big Cliff is always communicating on the floor. His constant pointing and willingness to rotate and help uplifts his team. Big Cliff loves to rebound. It’s clear he takes proide in dominating the glass. He’s willing to hit the ground for loose balls to give his team extra possessions. Cliff can make your team better without shooting a shot.
Recently we sat down with NY Lightning center Cliff Omoruyi to discuss playing on the Nike EYBL, his relationship with his high school coach, one key thing the school recruiting him must have and more. -Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop on Twitter and Instagram
TheDribbleDrop: You play for the New York Lightning. For those who don’t know, tell us about the program and your experience with the program thus far.
Cliff Omoruyi: I love playing for the NY Lightning. We are a tight knit family. We play together at all times. Offensively, we share the ball and we rotate defensively to help each other out.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one word or phrase that encapsulates the NY Lightning?
Cliff Omoruyi: I would say passionate. We all play very hard. We dive on the ground for loose balls and collectively rebound as a team.
TheDribbleDrop:You have numerous offers and can play on any circuit. Why did you decide to go to Nike EYBL and play for The NY Lightning?
Cliff Omoruyi: The NY Lightning are a great program. I like playing with Posh (Alexander.) We are both very intense on both sides of the floor and we feed off of each other. I have had fun playing on the EYBL. It’s been a great experience.
TheDribbleDrop: You recently transferred from Roselle Catholic to Montclair Immaculate. Why was this an ideal move for you?
Cliff Omoruyi: I used to play at Roselle Catholic, but I decided that it was best to move on to Montclair Immaculate. Montclair was a good fit for me. The teachers and the coaches have all embraced me. I really like it there.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me about your relationship with coach Salmons.
Cliff Omoruyi: Coach always takes care of us. We can always go to him and talk to him about basketball or anything else. He’s never too busy for us.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s the best piece of advice that you got from coach Salmons?
Cliff Omoruyi: The best piece of advice I got from coach is to be ready. He’s big on not only being prepared, but staying focused and being ready when you are called to contribute.
TheDribbleDrop: We often talk about how coaches would pitch themselves, but lets play role reversal. You are in front of your dream school, in place to get an offer. How would describe yourself to lock you in as his dream recruit.
Cliff Omoruyi: I would start off by saying that this team is not just about me. I’m going to do whatever it takes for my team to win. I can rebound. I will block shots and play good help defense. I will get on the floor for loose balls. When you pass it to me down low, I will deliver.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one facet of your game you’re working hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level.
Cliff Omoruyi: I’m working hard to take my post game from the block to another level. I’m also looking to expand my game away from the rim some and have the ability to make short jump shots.
TheDribbleDrop: Right now you are uncommitted. Tell me what you are looking for from a program.
Cliff Omoruyi: A good school is very important to me. I need my school to have a very good mechanical engineering program. That’s something that is very important to me. I’m a student first. The books come first with me.