Duruji is a native of Germantown, Maryland, and played basketball at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland.[1][2] He reached the 1,000 career points mark in three seasons.[2] Duruji was a nationally ranked triple jumper but chose to focus on his basketball career.[3] He competed in the American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk competition in 2017 and finished in second place.[2][4] Duruji was recruited especially by college programs near his hometown but chose to commit to Louisiana Tech due to their coaching staff.[2]
College career
As a freshman for the Bulldogs, Duruji became known for his athleticism.[5] He was selected to the Conference USA All-Freshman team.[6] Duruji averaged 12.2 points and 6.2 rebounds during his sophomore season.[7]
Duruji transferred to the Florida Gators and sat out the 2019–20 season.[7][8] He became a valuable contributor for the Gators after they lost forward Keyontae Johnson early in the 2020–21 season.[8] Duruji started 17 of 25 games and averaged 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.[8] He started alongside Colin Castleton in the low post during the 2021–22 season and averaged 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.[8]
On April 1, 2022, Duruji declared for the 2022 NBA draft to forgo his final season of college eligibility.[8]
On September 12, 2022, Duruji signed with the Charlotte Hornets.[11] He appeared in two preseason games before he was waived on October 14, 2022.[12] On November 4, 2022, Duruji was named to the opening night roster for the Greensboro Swarm.[13]
