Omoruyi was born in Benin City, Nigeria and immigrated to Canada with his family as a one-year-old. He grew up playing soccer and began playing basketball during his second year of high school at Monsignor Percy Johnson.[1] Omoruyi attended Orangeville Prep in Orangeville, Ontario, averaging 16.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game and earning Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association First Team All-Star honours in his final season. He played alongside Jamal Murray and Thon Maker.[2] He competed for Advantage Titans on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit.[3] Omoruyi committed to playing college basketball for Rutgers over an offer from Loyola (Illinois).[4]
College career
As a freshman at Rutgers, Omoruyi averaged 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.[5] On November 28, 2017, he scored a sophomore season-high 22 points in a 78–73 loss to Florida State.[6] As a sophomore, Omoruyi averaged 7.9 points and five rebounds per game. For his junior season, he was named a team co-captain.[7] During the offseason, he improved his shooting by taking 1,000 shots for six mornings per week. On November 11, 2018, he recorded a junior season-high 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 95–66 win over Drexel.[8] On November 23, Omoruyi posted 20 points and 17 rebounds in a 54–44 win over Boston University.[9] He averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a junior. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and Second Team All-Met selection.[10]
For his senior season, Omoruyi transferred to Oregon and sat out for his next season due to National Collegiate Athletic Association transfer rules.[11] His decision to transfer from Rutgers was described by the media as unexpected.[12] On December 2, 2020, he made his debut for Oregon and recorded a career-high 31 points and 11 rebounds in an 83–75 loss to Missouri.[13] As a senior, he averaged 17.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game, earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors. Following the season, Omoruyi declared for the 2021 NBA draft.[14]
Professional career
Dallas Mavericks (2021)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Omoruyi signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks on August 13, 2021, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends.[15] On December 15, he suffered a season-ending injury while playing with the Legends, and on December 26, he was waived by the Mavericks.[16][17]
Oklahoma City Thunder (2022–2023)
On July 2, 2022, Omoruyi signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.[18] His contract was converted to a multi-year deal on February 10, 2023.[19] On February 26, Omoruyi was waived by the Thunder.[20]
Detroit Pistons (2023)
On March 3, 2023, Omoruyi signed a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons.[21] On March 13, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Pistons.[22] On March 23, Omoruyi signed a rest-of-season contract with the Pistons.[23]
Washington Wizards / Capital City Go-Go (2023–present)
On July 12, 2023, Omoruyi signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards[26] and on March 1, 2024, he signed a standard contract with the Wizards.[27]