Rutgers basketball’s Cliff Omoruyi begins shoes drive for Nigerian players
When Cliff Omoruyi was growing up in Nigeria, he had trouble finding shoes in his size.
And the shoes he did have would wear out quickly because of how much basketball he played on outdoor courts.
It wasn’t an easy situation, and the Rutgers 6-foot-11 center decided he wants to help other people in his home country who might be experiencing something similar.
Omoruyi this week began a shoe drive at Rutgers to benefit those in need back in Nigeria.
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There is a bin in the lobby of the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, one that was full Tuesday afternoon and already needed to be emptied once.
“I’m beyond appreciative,” Omoruyi said.
The bin is available for dropoffs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day this week through Friday. There will also be one set up at SHI Stadium for the Rutgers football team’s Scarlet-White Game Friday night.
Scarlet Knights coach Steve Pikiell, who donated three bags’ worth.
The Rutgers community has responded more than even Omoruyi expected.
“They’ve been great to me,” Omoruyi said. “It shows everybody is supportive of what we’re doing and everybody’s got our back. They support everything we do here.”
Omoruyi has also been working in the gym every day following a brief break.
“I’m working on everything,” Omoruyi said. “Everyone’s working to get better.”
Chris Iseman is the Rutgers football beat writer for the USA TODAY Network-New Jersey. For unlimited access to all Rutgers analysis, news and more, please subscribe today and download our app.