All articles tagged with #rutgers basketball
Rutgers men's basketball made history with two top-five NBA draft picks despite not qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, highlighting a paradox of individual success versus team performance and raising questions about the program's future under coach Steve Pikiell.
The 2025 NBA Draft is underway with the Dallas Mavericks selecting Duke star Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 pick, followed by Rutgers' Dylan Harper going to the San Antonio Spurs. The draft features a highly anticipated class of prospects, with notable storylines including Rutgers' historic missed NCAA Tournament and the uncertainty surrounding top prospects like Ace Bailey. The draft order and player evaluations are being closely followed, with many first-round picks expected to be freshmen.
Dylan Harper, a freshman star for Rutgers, had a standout performance in Las Vegas, scoring 36 points in a thrilling overtime victory against Notre Dame. His father, Ron Harper Sr., a former NBA champion, celebrated his son's success, highlighting Dylan's potential as a top NBA Draft prospect. Despite the win, Harper emphasized the importance of team effort, noting the need for more support from his teammates. The game marked a significant moment for Harper, showcasing his talent on a prominent stage.
Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey made a stunning debut in college basketball, showcasing his exceptional skills in a game against Monmouth. Bailey, a five-star recruit and potential top NBA draft pick, scored 17 points and demonstrated his athletic prowess with impressive plays, including a 360-degree spin and fadeaway shot. Despite some concerns about his fitness, Bailey's performance promises an exciting season for Rutgers fans. Coach Steve Pikiell aims to refine the team's defense as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Rutgers sophomore basketball player Antwone Woolfolk has decided to enter the transfer portal, indicating his intention to leave the team and potentially join another college basketball program. Woolfolk, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is seeking a new opportunity elsewhere.
Rutgers basketball's backcourt depth takes a hit as starting guard Derek Simpson enters the transfer portal, leaving the team with two more years of eligibility remaining.
Rutgers basketball secured its fifth consecutive home victory against Indiana, winning 66-57 at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Scarlet Knights' strong defensive performance under head coach Steve Pikiell contributed to their ninth win in the last 11 games against Indiana. The result was met with mixed reactions, with former players and sports analysts commenting on the game's implications for both teams in the Big Ten and NCAA tournament prospects.
Rutgers basketball player Mawot Mag made a triumphant return to the court after recovering from an ACL tear, helping his team secure a 70-63 victory against rival Seton Hall in the Garden State Hardwood Classic. Mag's presence on defense and the boards proved crucial, as Rutgers held Seton Hall to 36 percent shooting. Cliff Omoruyi also had a standout performance, reaching the 1,000-point milestone and earning the Joe Calabrese MVP award. The win marks Rutgers' first victory at the Prudential Center since 2013 and improves their record to 6-3.
Dylan Harper's commitment to Rutgers as the highest-rated recruit in the program's history, along with fellow five-star recruit Ace Bailey and the rest of their highly-ranked Fab Five classmates, has generated excitement for the possibility of a deep postseason run in 2024. This marks a significant development for a Rutgers basketball program that has historically been on the sidelines of big-time college basketball.
Rutgers basketball secures a major recruiting win with the commitment of five-star combo guard Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Harper's commitment elevates Rutgers' recruiting class to No. 3 overall, the highest in program history. The 6-foot-6 guard chose Rutgers over top programs like Duke, Indiana, Auburn, and Kansas. Harper's versatility and basketball IQ make him a valuable addition to the team, and he will join five-star forward Ace Bailey in forming a dynamic duo. This recruiting success marks a significant milestone for Rutgers, which has historically not landed top-tier recruits.
Dylan Harper, the nation's second-ranked high school player in the Class of 2024, chose Rutgers basketball because of the trust he and his family have in head coach Steve Pikiell and top assistant Brandin Knight. Pikiell and Knight earned this trust by developing Dylan's older brother, Ron Harper Jr., into an All-Big Ten wing and a professional player. The Harpers value the mentorship and guidance provided by the Rutgers coaching staff, making trust the deciding factor in Dylan's commitment to the program.
Rutgers basketball suffered a 68-61 loss to Princeton in their season opener, as their new-look backcourt struggled to find their rhythm.
Rutgers basketball forward Mawot Mag, who tore his ACL in February, is listed as questionable on the pregame availability report for the Scarlet Knights' season opener against Princeton. Mag's return would provide a major boost to the team, as his absence last season resulted in a collapse that caused Rutgers to miss the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Steve Pikiell has stated that Mag is progressing well and has been cleared for contact, but the team is taking a cautious approach to his return.
Rutgers basketball transfer Jeremiah Williams has been charged with tampering records in an ongoing investigation into sports gambling in Iowa. Williams is accused of being part of a scheme to place sports bets while underage, allegedly placing 15 bets totaling $1,560. If convicted, he could face up to one year in county jail or two years in prison. This follows similar complaints filed against players from Iowa and Iowa State football teams. Williams, who last played for Temple, will require an NCAA waiver to be eligible to play this season, but it is unlikely. He will likely be available for the 2024-25 season.
Rutgers basketball lost to Hofstra 88-86 in overtime in their NIT opener, ending their season with a 19-15 record. Despite the loss, senior guard Caleb McConnell set a program record for career steals and was named a finalist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year. The game was a high-level matchup, with Hofstra proving that mid-majors can compete with high-majors. Rutgers fans showed up in force, providing a great environment for the team. The end of the season marks a time for personnel decisions and recruiting for the program.