North Carolina
UNC Basketball: Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi commits to Alabama over North Carolina
Portal season, besides the commitment of Cade Tyson and return of RJ Davis, has been an underwhelming one for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels thus far. News didn’t get any better on Sunday afternoon as top target Cliff Omoruyi chose Alabama over North Carolina and others.
The 6-foot-11 Rutgers big man was one of multiple centers that the Tar Heel staff recently pushed for to fill the departure of Armando Bacot, but Coach Davis has had zero luck and will still be searching heading into mid-May for a replacement center. After a near silent recruitment, Omoruyi was in Chapel Hill for a visit earlier this week, but it ended up not being enough to get him in Carolina blue.
This miss is extremely concerning for North Carolina, as the transfer portal window has closed and Omoruyi was presumed as the last elite center in this years cycle. For reference, Omoruyi was ranked 12th in On3’s transfer portal rankings, and the next uncommitted center is ranked 210th. As Hubert Davis has shown us in the past, it is all about fit and system more so than ranking, but there have been one too many swings and misses to be content with where the Tar Heels currently are.
Jalen Washington, Zayden High, and James Brown are the front court right now for North Carolina. Although Washington and High have shown flashes, that is a very inexperienced position group that is typically the centerpiece of Tar Heel teams. There’s reason to believe Jalen Washington will have a significantly increased role in 2024-25, but with three remaining scholarships, bringing in someone with a different skillset makes tons of sense for Hubert and his staff.
As all of the portal noise begins to die down, all eyes will be on North Carolina and how they close out what has been a poor performance to date. Talent is still on the market, but needs have to be addressed before the Tar Heels just try to fill out a roster with the best available.
A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.
According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.
Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.
Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.
In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.
Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.
Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.
Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.
He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.
Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.
He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.
Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.
Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.
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