Eugene Omoruyi found himself at a crossroads yet again. For the fifth time in just three years, he was let go by an NBA team, leaving the Rexdale native back home in Toronto, contemplating his next steps. While he considered heading overseas to continue his basketball career, after battling his way onto the rosters of the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards, he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, especially after playing 87 games in the NBA.
It’s challenging, but you have to maintain a bounce-back mentality and recognize that more opportunities will arise. You can’t dwell on setbacks,” Omoruyi shared in an interview with the Star. “If you get stuck in that mindset, you’ll find it hard to move forward.” At 27, he participated in training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves on an Exhibit 10 contract. However, following a major trade that sent NBA superstar Karl Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for a group of players including Julius Randle and Donte DiVicenzo, the Timberwolves opted to waive the six-foot-six forward. Minnesota offered Omoruyi a chance to join their G League affiliate, which would have come with a potential bonus of up to $77,500 for 60 days of play.
However, he turned down the offer, opting instead to enter the G League player pool with a clear message to all teams: he wanted to play for the Raptors 905.
“If I’m going to play in the G League, I want to be close to my family. I know they can’t make it to every game,” Omoruyi expressed. His desire was fulfilled when the Raptors 905 picked him up on November 21. Now, he’s just a 15-minute drive from his childhood home, where his friends and family cheer him on at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Omoruyi’s journey back home has been a long one. His family immigrated to Canada from Nigeria when he was a young child, settling in Rexdale.
His parents worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings. Few could have anticipated that he would land a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks after going undrafted in 2021. “Many people didn’t believe in my dreams coming from Rexdale,” said Omoruyi, who grew up alongside Dalano Banton, a former Raptors draft pick currently with the Portland Trail Blazers. “It was definitely a tough path, but it also instilled the toughness and determination in me to strive for greatness.” As he steps onto the court in Mississauga wearing his warm-up attire, there’s a notable glimmer in his eyes. It’s clear that playing for the Raptors 905 holds special significance for him.
Those close to Omoruyi describe him as the biggest “Toronto guy” they know, always eager to attend local basketball events, even after turning professional. He grew up dreaming of playing for his hometown team and can recall the Raptors players he admired, from Jamario Moon to Anthony Parker to Vince Carter. He often reminisces about running around his driveway in a Raptors jersey, pretending to take the game-winning shot. “I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Omoruyi says about joining the 905. In his first ten games with the team, he’s averaged 20.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 59.0 percent in 28.9 minutes. “He’s had several games where he’s been incredibly efficient, like a force around the rim with his versatility,” noted Raptors 905 general manager Luke Winn. “He’s exactly the type of player you want on the 905
NBA star Luka Doncic helped Omoruyi out during his rookie season in Dallas by giving him 20 pairs of Jordans. In Oklahoma, he forged a close friendship with fellow Canadians Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort. “We shared some good times in OKC; he’s a fighter,” said Dort, who has known Omoruyi since they both played at Orangeville Prep. “We all know what to expect from him on the court; he plays hard. He’s a key player, and I believe it’s only a matter of time before he lands back on a team.” Last season in Washington, Kyle Kuzma even questioned why Omoruyi wasn’t included in the team’s rotation. Despite receiving high praise across the league, he’s struggled to find a lasting home in the NBA.
Eugene’s journey reflects the typical path in the NBA. We often look at players like Shai, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett; that isn’t the usual experience,” explained Chris Smalling, Omoruyi’s mentor and a long-time basketball coach in the Greater Toronto Area. “The grind of trying to secure a two-way deal and earn a full contract is the reality that Eugene has faced.” Moving to different cities in pursuit of his NBA dream has become a regular part of Omoruyi’s life. That’s why, when waived by Minnesota, he wanted to take control of his next basketball decision. “I want to play in the NBA; I feel like I’ve proven myself there,” Omoruyi shared. “I want to show them that I’ll give my all, no matter when my name is called.”
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