Sources: Dallas Mavericks to Host Clifford Omoruyi, Obinna Anochili-Killen for Pre-Draft Workouts

Grant AfsethMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025no comment

Left: Alabama Athletics / Right: Marshall Athletics

With just the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks remain active in evaluating talent that is expected to be available in the second round.

Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that the team has scheduled pre-draft workouts next week with Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi and Marshall forward Obinna Anochili-Killen—two under-the-radar frontcourt talents who could emerge as developmental targets.

Dallas previously traded its second-round pick (No. 35 overall) to Philadelphia in the deal that brought in Caleb Martin and sent out Quentin Grimes. While the Mavericks are expected to select former Duke star Cooper Flagg first overall, they have a history under general manager Nico Harrison of maneuvering to acquire second-round talent, including adding picks or moving up.

In 2022, the Mavericks traded their 2024 and 2028 second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings to acquire the draft rights to Jaden Hardy, who was selected 37th overall in the second round. In the 2024 NBA Draft, Dallas held the No. 58 pick (the final pick of the draft), but traded up to No. 51 to select Melvin Ajinça.

Clifford Omoruyi Offers Size, Interior Defense

Clifford Omoruyi, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center with a 7-foot-6 wingspan from Benin City, Nigeria, began his college career at Rutgers before finishing as a graduate student at Alabama. Known for his rim protection and physicality, Omoruyi was a two-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection and a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award finalist in 2023.

In 2022-23, Omoruyi averaged a dynamic 13.2 points and 9.6 rebounds for Rutgers, while totaling 72 blocks and 20 steals. In 2024-25, he achieved 12 double-figure scoring performances, including a 17-point performance in the NCAA Tournament and shot 73.4% from the floor for Alabama.

Omoruyi made his presence felt at both Rutgers and Alabama with multiple standout performances. In November 2022, he recorded a dominant 25-point, 11-rebound, three-block game for Rutgers against LIU. In March 2025, he went a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 17 points in Alabama’s NCAA Tournament win over Robert Morris. He followed that up with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double against Saint Mary’s, also in March 2025. Earlier that year, in January 2025, he scored 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in an overtime victory over Auburn. His ability to impact games with efficient scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking made him a consistent force in the paint throughout his college career.

Scouts view Omoruyi as a lob threat and paint protector with elite rebounding instincts and shot-blocking ability. His defensive impact has made him a candidate for a second-round selection or two-way deal.

Obinna Anochili-Killen Brings Length and Versatility

Obinna Anochili-Killen, a 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, played his collegiate career at Marshall and emerged as one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most disruptive defenders. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he started all 30 games as a senior and averaged 14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game.

He led the Sun Belt in effective field goal percentage (58.0%) and blocked shots (3.2 per game) during the 2024-25 season, earning Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference honors. At the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, his wingspan and mobility stood out among NBA evaluators.

Anochili-Killen delivered several memorable performances for Marshall. In January 2024, he exploded for 30 points and 10 rebounds against Coastal Carolina. In December 2023, he had a remarkable 15-point, 10-block outing versus Jackson State that showcased his elite rim protection. He broke Marshall’s all-time block record in February 2024 with a five-block performance against UNCW and hit a dramatic game-winning shot with less than two seconds remaining in the 2025 Sun Belt Tournament in March. Additional highlights include a 24-point, four-block effort against Old Dominion in February 2024 and an 18-point, nine-block game versus Louisiana in January 2024.

Anochili-Killen projects as a versatile defender capable of switching onto multiple positions. Offensively, he’s a developing play-finisher with improving range and a willingness to move the ball. Though raw in some areas, his defensive tools and toughness could earn him consideration as a value add late in the draft.

Dallas Mavericks Continue Evaluating Frontcourt Depth

The Mavericks’ decision to work out both Omoruyi and Anochili-Killen aligns with their broader efforts to assess affordable frontcourt depth in a class widely considered thin on big men. Along with Auburn’s Dylan Cardwell—another late draft prospect drawing interest around the league—Omoruyi and Anochili-Killen have drawn attention from teams seeking high-motor defenders and developmental upside.

As the 2024-25 season displayed, the Mavericks could benefit from fortifying frontcourt depth as much as possible in case injuries pile up after Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford all became sidelined at the same time for an extended period.

Dwight Powell has a $4 million player option for 2025-26, but given he’s set to turn 34 in July, adding a viable depth option to develop as a potential replacement in the near future could benefit Dallas.

Dallas may not currently hold a second-round pick, but history shows that won’t prevent the front office from aggressively targeting players they believe can help. With the Flagg selection all but assured, these workouts make it clear Dallas is keeping every option open — even beyond pick No. 1.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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