History
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team represents Rutgers University in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The team has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in 1906.
The Scarlet Knights have won two NCAA Tournament games, in 1976 and 1981. The team has also won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship twice, in 1975 and 2022.
Rutgers has had a number of successful players over the years, including Phil Sellers, Roy Hinson, Quincy Douby, and Caron Butler. The team has also had a number of successful coaches, including Tom Young, Frank Burns, and Steve Pikiell.
Current Team
The 2023-24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team is led by head coach Steve Pikiell. The team returns several key players from last year’s squad, including Caleb McConnell, Paul Mulcahy, and Mawot Mag.
Rutgers is expected to be a competitive team in the Big Ten this season. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and they are led by a strong coaching staff.
Schedule
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s 2023-24 schedule is as follows:
Date | Opponent | Location |
---|---|---|
November 7, 2023 | Fairfield | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
November 10, 2023 | Sacred Heart | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
November 14, 2023 | Temple | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
November 18, 2023 | UMass | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
November 22, 2023 | Lafayette | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
November 27, 2023 | Delaware | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
December 2, 2023 | at Boston College | Conte Forum |
December 6, 2023 | at Seton Hall | Prudential Center |
December 10, 2023 | Princeton | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
December 13, 2023 | at Saint Joseph’s | Hagan Arena |
December 17, 2023 | at Fordham | Rose Hill Gymnasium |
December 22, 2023 | Columbia | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
December 30, 2023 | at Penn State | Bryce Jordan Center |
January 4, 2024 | Michigan | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
January 7, 2024 | at Purdue | Mackey Arena |
January 11, 2024 | Indiana | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
January 15, 2024 | at Wisconsin | Kohl Center |
January 18, 2024 | at Maryland | Xfinity Center |
January 22, 2024 | Minnesota | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
January 26, 2024 | at Illinois | State Farm Center |
January 29, 2024 | Iowa | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
February 1, 2024 | at Michigan State | Breslin Center |
February 5, 2024 | Northwestern | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
February 10, 2024 | at Nebraska | Pinnacle Bank Arena |
February 12, 2024 | Wisconsin | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
February 16, 2024 | at Indiana | Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall |
February 19, 2024 | Ohio State | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
February 23, 2024 | at Rutgers | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
February 26, 2024 | at Michigan State | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
March 2, 2024 | Maryland | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
March 5, 2024 | Purdue | Jersey Mike’s Arena |
March 9, 2024 | at Iowa | Carver-Hawkeye Arena |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team?
A: Steve Pikiell
Q: What is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s record?
A: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s record is 1,654-1,404.
Q: How many NCAA Tournament games have the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team won?
A: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has won two NCAA Tournament games.
Q: How many NIT championships have the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team won?
A: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has won two NIT championships.
Q: Who are some of the most famous players to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team?
A: Some of the most famous players to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team include Phil Sellers, Roy Hinson, Quincy Douby, and Caron Butler.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, comprising 14 universities located primarily in the Midwest. Founded in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic conferences in the country. Members compete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, ice hockey, women’s volleyball, and wrestling. The conference is known for its academic excellence and athletic success, and its teams have won numerous national championships throughout its history. The Big Ten also plays a significant role in the development of intercollegiate athletics and has been at the forefront of many innovations in the field.
Basketball Schedule
- Monday, March 6th
- 6:00 PM: Varsity Boys vs. City High School
- Tuesday, March 7th
- 4:00 PM: JV Girls vs. Linn-Mar High School
- 6:00 PM: Varsity Girls vs. Linn-Mar High School
- Wednesday, March 8th
- 6:00 PM: C-team Girls vs. Prairie High School
- Thursday, March 9th
- 4:00 PM: Freshman Boys vs. Washington High School
- 6:00 PM: Varsity Boys vs. Washington High School
- Friday, March 10th
- 4:00 PM: Freshman Girls vs. Kennedy High School
- 6:00 PM: Varsity Girls vs. Kennedy High School
Roster
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a roster that consists of players from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Head Coach: Steve Pikiell
- Assistant Coaches: Brandin Knight, Jim Carr, Karl Hobbs
Forwards:
- Cliff Omoruyi (Junior)
- Aundre Hyatt (Graduate Student)
- Mawot Mag (Junior)
- Dean Reiber (Graduate Student)
- Oskar Palmquist (Sophomore)
Guards:
- Cam Spencer (Junior)
- Paul Mulcahy (Junior)
- Caleb McConnell (Senior)
- Jaden Jones (Grad Transfer)
- Derek Simpson (Sophomore)
- Braeden Wheeler (Freshman)
The team is known for its strong defense and team chemistry. With a mix of experience and young talent, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make a strong run in the Big Ten Conference this season.
Tickets
Get ready for electrifying basketball action at the Jersey Mike’s Arena, home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team. With a passionate fan base and a thrilling gameday atmosphere, each game is an unforgettable experience. Tickets are now available for purchase, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the excitement. Don’t wait, secure your seats today and witness the Scarlet Knights battle it out on the court!
Stats
- Wins: 1,358
- Losses: 1,048
- Win-Loss Percentage: .562
- Home Record: 795-362
- Away Record: 383-492
- Neutral Record: 180-194
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 17
- NCAA Tournament Wins: 10
- NIT Appearances: 12
- NIT Wins: 12
Standings
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team competes in NCAA Division I and is a member of the Big Ten Conference. Here are their recent standings:
- 2022-23: 18-14 overall, 11-9 in conference
- 2021-22: 18-15 overall, 12-8 in conference
- 2020-21: 16-12 overall, 10-9 in conference
- 2019-20: 20-12 overall, 12-8 in conference
- 2018-19: 14-18 overall, 5-15 in conference
News
- Geo Baker and Paul Mulcahy return as experienced guards.
- Newcomers Clifford Omoruyi (F) and Dereon Seabron (G) expected to make significant contributions.
- Head coach Steve Pikell enters his fifth season at Rutgers.
- Scarlet Knights aim to improve on last season’s 20-12 record and reach the NCAA Tournament.
- Team faces a challenging schedule, including games against Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue.
- Defense and rebounding expected to be strengths for Rutgers.
- Fan expectations are high as the Scarlet Knights look to make a run in March.
Highlights
- National Champion of the 1976 National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
- 44 postseason appearances, including 18 NCAA tournament appearances, 2 NCAA Final Four appearances, and 1 NCAA Elite Eight appearance
- 12 regular season conference championships
- 16 tournament conference championships
- 5 First Team All-Americans
- 2 National Coach of the Year awards
- 11 conference coach of the year awards
History
Rutgers University’s men’s basketball team, the Scarlet Knights, has a rich and storied history.
- Early Years: Founded in 1906, the program struggled in its early years. However, under coach Bob Sun, they achieved their first national ranking in 1949.
- Phil Esler Era: From 1953 to 1976, Phil Esler guided Rutgers to unprecedented success. He led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1955 and seven consecutive NIT appearances.
- Tom Young Era: Tom Young took over in 1976 and led the Scarlet Knights to their greatest heights. In 1976, they reached the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time. Young’s tenure also saw the team’s first Big East Tournament championship in 1986.
- Decline and Resurgence: After Young’s departure, Rutgers experienced a period of decline. However, under coach Fred Hill, the team regained prominence. In 2006, they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 17 years and made several NCAA Tournament appearances under Hill.
- Recent Years: In recent years, Rutgers has struggled to maintain consistency. They joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014 and have faced stiff competition. Nevertheless, the program remains committed to rebuilding and regaining its past glory.
Coaches
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has had a total of 20 head coaches in its history, dating back to its inception in 1906. The team’s first coach was Frederick W. Maroney. The current head coach is Steve Pikiell, who was hired in 2016. Notable coaches include Fran Dunphy, who led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1976, and Mike Rice, who led the team to its first NCAA Tournament win in 1983.