Omar Oraby, a 7-2 junior who appeared in 34 games last season for the Rice Owls, has been granted his release and will transfer to another institution, the school announced Friday.
“I want to thank Omar for his contributions to Rice basketball over the past two years,” Rice head coach Ben Braun said in a release. “I want wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Oraby is a native of Cairo, Egypt, who averaged 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just under 12 minutes per game last season for the Owls. His 54 total blocks last season set a school record.
His best game of the year came in early January when he tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks in a loss to Marshall.
According to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com, high-major programs could be in the mix for Oraby’s services.
Oraby first caught the eye of schools at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championships, where he was one of the tournament’s leading rebounders.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_