History
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball program represents Rutgers University in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I competition. Competing as a member of the Big Ten Conference, the team plays its home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights are currently coached by Steve Pikiell.
The program was founded in 1906 and has a rich history, having won 23 conference championships and appearing in 15 NCAA Tournaments. Some of the most notable players in Rutgers basketball history include:
- Bob Hurley
- Roy Hinson
- Phil Sellers
- Quincy Douby
- Jonathan Mitchell
Recent History
In recent years, the Scarlet Knights have struggled to maintain their past success. The team has not won an NCAA Tournament game since 2004 and has only reached the tournament once since 2009. However, there are signs of improvement under Pikiell, who is entering his eighth season at the helm.
In 2022-23, the Scarlet Knights finished 18-15 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten. They reached the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament and earned an NIT berth.
Roster
The 2023-24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights roster features a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers. Here is a look at some of the key players:
| Name | Position | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Spencer | Guard | Senior |
| Mawot Mag | Guard | Junior |
| Dean Reiber | Forward | Senior |
| Aundre Hyatt | Forward | Junior |
| Derek Simpson | Forward | Sophomore |
Schedule
The Scarlet Knights’ 2023-24 schedule features a challenging mix of non-conference and Big Ten opponents. Here are some of the highlights:
- November 7: at Temple
- November 11: vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
- November 14: vs. Central Connecticut State
- November 18: vs. Saint Peter’s
- November 22: vs. Lafayette
- November 25: vs. Coppin State
- November 29: at Seton Hall
- December 3: vs. UMass
- December 7: vs. Purdue
- December 10: at Nebraska
- December 17: vs. Wagner
- December 21: vs. Rider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ all-time record?
A: 1,557-1,262
Q: Who is the Scarlet Knights’ all-time leading scorer?
A: Roy Hinson (2,292 points)
Q: How many NCAA Tournament appearances do the Scarlet Knights have?
A: 15
Q: Who is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ current head coach?
A: Steve Pikiell
Q: Where do the Scarlet Knights play their home games?
A: Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). It consists of fourteen member universities, primarily located in the Midwestern United States. The Big Ten was founded in 1896 as the Western Conference and initially consisted of seven schools in the Midwest. Over the years, it expanded its membership and changed its name to the Big Ten in 1917.
The Big Ten is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, particularly in American football. Notable institutions in the conference include the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Big Ten Football Championship Game is an annual event that determines the conference champion.
The Big Ten also sponsors other sports, including basketball, hockey, soccer, and wrestling. The conference is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and is recognized as one of the "Power Five" athletic conferences in NCAA Division I.
Basketball Schedule
The basketball schedule consists of a list of games and practices that are scheduled for a team or individual player over a period of time. It typically includes information such as:
- Date and time: The specific date and time of each game or practice
- Location: Where the game or practice will take place
- Opponent: The team or individuals that will be playing against
- Additional details: Any other relevant information, such as the type of game (e.g., league game, tournament game, scrimmage), special events, or travel arrangements
Roster
| Player | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Mawot Mag | Guard | Senior |
| Paul Mulcahy | Guard | Senior |
| Caleb McConnell | Guard | Senior |
| Cliff Omoruyi | Forward | Senior |
| Dean Reiber | Center | Senior |
| Braeden Waikiki | Forward | Senior |
| Oskar Palmquist | Forward | Junior |
| Jalen Miller | Guard | Junior |
| Derek Simpson | Guard | Sophomore |
| Cameron Ridley | Forward | Sophomore |
| Antwan Hepburn | Guard | Freshman |
| Gavin Griffiths | Forward | Freshman |
| CJ Onyechi | Guard | Freshman |
| Tyler Hawkins | Guard | Freshman |
| Henry Coleman III | Guard | Redshirt Freshman |
Tickets
Attending Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Tickets are available for purchase through the Rutgers Athletics Ticket Office, with various options ranging from single-game tickets to season tickets. Season ticket packages provide guaranteed access to all home games, exclusive benefits, and priority seating.
Ticket prices vary depending on seat location and game day demand. Lower-level seats typically command higher prices, while upper-level seats offer a more affordable option. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and military members.
To purchase tickets, visit the Rutgers Athletics website or call the ticket office directly. Fans are advised to act quickly, as popular matchups and weekend games tend to sell out quickly.
Highlights
- 1976 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship: Defeated Marquette in the final to claim their first major postseason title.
- 1983 NCAA Tournament First Round Upset: Overcame 15-point deficit to defeat fifth-ranked Kentucky.
- 1991 NCAA Tournament Second Round Upset: Knocked off ninth-ranked Indiana to reach the Sweet Sixteen.
- 2004 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen: Advanced to the region’s final eight as a 12th seed, defeating fourth-seeded Illinois along the way.
- 2019 Big Ten Tournament Runner-Up: Lost to eventual national champion Michigan State in the championship game, but secured an NCAA Tournament berth.
- 2021 NCAA Tournament Round of 32: Toppled sixth-seeded Clemson and 11th-seeded Syracuse to reach the Sweet Sixteen.
- 2022 NCAA Tournament Round of 32: Upset third-seeded Purdue to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for a second consecutive year.
- Individual Accomplishments:
- Roy Hinson: College Basketball Hall of Famer, former NBA player
- George Blaney: 22-season head coach, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Pat Hobbs: All-American forward, drafted into the NBA
- Ron Harper: Three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers
- Rashod Kent: Rutgers’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder
News
- December 12, 2022: Rutgers starts the 2022-2023 season with a 6-5 record, including wins over Boston College, Seton Hall, and Purdue Fort Wayne.
- January 2, 2023: Forward Cliff Omoruyi earns Big Ten Player of the Week honors after averaging 20.7 points and 12.3 rebounds in two games.
- February 1, 2023: Rutgers loses to No. 1 Purdue 79-76, snapping a four-game winning streak.
- February 15, 2023: The Scarlet Knights upset No. 14 Iowa in overtime, 84-82.
- March 7, 2023: Rutgers finishes the regular season with a 20-11 record and earns a No. 8 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
- March 9, 2023: Rutgers loses to No. 9 seed Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, 82-73.
- March 12, 2023: Rutgers receives an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, their first appearance since 2019.
- March 17, 2023: The Scarlet Knights face No. 9 seed Oregon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Recruiting
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a long and storied history of recruiting top high school and college basketball players. In recent years, the program has been led by head coach Steve Pikiell, who has made significant strides in attracting talented players to the university.
Under Pikiell’s leadership, the Scarlet Knights have landed several high-profile recruits, including:
- Ron Harper Jr. (McDonald’s All-American)
- Caleb McConnell (JUCO National Player of the Year)
- Paul Mulcahy (Four-star recruit)
- Mawot Mag (Five-star transfer from Nebraska)
These recruits have played a major role in the Scarlet Knights’ success on the court. In the 2020-21 season, the team finished with a 16-12 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years.
The Scarlet Knights are expected to continue to attract top talent in the years to come. With Pikiell at the helm, the program is poised to become a perennial contender in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
Stats
- Record: 18-14 (12-8 Big Ten)
- KenPom ranking: 63
- NET ranking: 62
- Offensive efficiency: 110.5 (65th nationally)
- Defensive efficiency: 99.6 (42nd nationally)
- Leading scorer: Cliff Omoruyi (18.6 ppg)
- Leading rebounder: Cliff Omoruyi (10.3 rpg)
- Leading passer: Paul Mulcahy (5.7 apg)
History
Rutgers University’s men’s basketball program has a storied history dating back to the late 19th century.
Early Success (1906-1930)
- Won the Intercollegiate Basketball League (IBL) championship in 1906
- Led by star player Harold Van Doren
- Reached the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 1926
Lean Years (1930-1970)
- Struggled to find consistent success during this period
- Despite some talented players, the team failed to qualify for postseason play
Resurgence under Tom Young (1970-1985)
- Coach Tom Young took over in 1970 and led the Scarlet Knights to a resurgence
- Reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 1976
- Produced All-American players James Bailey and Ernest Lorch
NCAA Tournament Successes (1985-2000)
- Continued success under coach Kevin Bannon
- Appeared in the NCAA Tournament 10 times during this period
- Made the Elite Eight in 1990 and 1999
Recent Era (2000-Present)
- Struggled for consistency in recent years
- Made the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2006
- Currently plays in the Big Ten Conference
Coach
- Steve Pikiell (2016-Present):
- Led Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years in 2018
- Coached the team to its first Big Ten Tournament semifinal in program history in 2019
- Signed a contract extension in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten
- Mike Rice (2010-2013):
- Fired for verbally and physically abusing players
- Led to the dismissal of athletic director Tim Pernetti
- Fred Hill (2006-2010):
- Coached Rutgers to its first NIT appearance in 10 years in 2008
- Record of 58-69 in four seasons
- Gary Waters (1996-2006):
- Coached Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 14 years in 1999
- Record of 194-168 in 10 seasons
Stadium
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team plays their home games at the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC), located on the university’s College Avenue campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The RAC, which opened in 1977, has a seating capacity of 8,000. The stadium has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including the 1980 Final Four. In addition to basketball, the RAC also hosts Rutgers volleyball and wrestling teams.
Uniforms
- Primary Uniform: White jerseys with the "Rutgers" script logo in scarlet, scarlet shorts with white side stripes
- Alternate Uniform: Scarlet jerseys with the "R" logo in white, white shorts with scarlet side stripes
- Special Uniforms: Black uniforms for "Blackout" games, alternate uniforms with a camouflage pattern for "Military Appreciation" games
- Manufacturers: Adidas (2016-present), Nike (2010-2016)
- Design Features: Bold block lettering, subtle striping details, ventilated mesh fabric for breathability and mobility
Injuries
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has faced several notable injuries during recent seasons.
2022-23 Season:
- Caleb McConnell: Missed multiple games in late November and early December due to a knee injury.
- Aundre Hyatt: Season-ending ACL injury suffered in November.
2021-22 Season:
- Paul Mulcahy: Missed the final seven games of the regular season with a shoulder injury.
- Ron Harper Jr.: Ankle injury limited his effectiveness towards the end of the season.
2020-21 Season:
- Geo Baker: Missed 10 games in January due to a foot injury.
- Myles Johnson: Season-ending wrist injury suffered in February.
2019-20 Season:
- Mamadou Doucoure: Missed all of conference play due to a knee injury.
The team’s injury history has impacted its performance in recent years, leading to fluctuating results and missed opportunities. The Scarlet Knights have consistently looked to overcome these setbacks with a strong team effort and depth.
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