The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team represents Rutgers University in NCAA Division I basketball competition. The team competes in the Big Ten Conference. The Scarlet Knights play their home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. The team is currently coached by Steve Pikiell.
History
The Rutgers men’s basketball program was founded in 1906. The team played its first game on January 12, 1907, against the University of Pennsylvania. The Scarlet Knights won the game, 29–22.
Rutgers has won four conference championships, two in the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League (1913 and 1914) and two in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (1983 and 1984). The Scarlet Knights have also appeared in the NCAA Tournament 18 times, with their best finish coming in 1976 when they reached the Final Four.
Home Arena
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team plays its home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. The arena opened in 1981 and has a seating capacity of 8,500.
Coaching Staff
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team is coached by Steve Pikiell. Pikiell was hired in 2016 after spending the previous five seasons as the head coach at Stony Brook University.
Players
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a roster of 13 players. The team is led by senior guard Geo Baker and junior forward Ron Harper Jr.
Schedule
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team will open the 2022-23 season on November 7th against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. The Scarlet Knights will play a 20-game Big Ten Conference schedule and will also face a number of non-conference opponents, including the Maryland Terrapins, the Seton Hall Pirates, and the Villanova Wildcats.
Tickets
Tickets for Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games can be purchased online or at the Jersey Mike’s Arena box office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the name of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s home arena?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team plays its home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Who is the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team?
Steve Pikiell is the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team.
Who are some of the key players on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team?
Some of the key players on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team include Geo Baker, Ron Harper Jr., and Paul Mulcahy.
What is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s record this season?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team is 10-6 this season.
How can I purchase tickets to Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games?
Tickets for Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games can be purchased online or at the Jersey Mike’s Arena box office.
Table Data
Season | Record | Finish |
---|---|---|
2021-22 | 18-14 | 9th in Big Ten |
2020-21 | 10-10 | 11th in Big Ten |
2019-20 | 20-11 | 6th in Big Ten |
2018-19 | 14-17 | 11th in Big Ten |
2017-18 | 15-16 | 10th in Big Ten |
LSI Keywords
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- NCAA Division I basketball
- Big Ten Conference
- Jersey Mike’s Arena
- Steve Pikiell
- Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League
- Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
- Final Four
- Geo Baker
- Ron Harper Jr.
- Paul Mulcahy
- Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
- Maryland Terrapins
- Seton Hall Pirates
- Villanova Wildcats
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the Midwestern United States. Founded in 1896, it is one of the most prestigious conferences in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The conference currently has 14 member institutions located across eight states.
The Big Ten sponsors championships in 24 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, and ice hockey. Its football teams play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while its other teams compete in the Football Championship Series (FCS) and various other divisions. The conference has a strong tradition of success in both men’s and women’s sports, with its teams regularly competing for national championships.
The Big Ten Conference is known for its high academic standards and athletic excellence. Its members are some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The conference’s athletic programs are well-funded and supported by large fan bases, making it one of the most competitive and successful conferences in college sports.
Basketball Performance
Basketball performance encompasses various aspects that influence a player’s effectiveness on the court. Key performance indicators include:
- Technical Skills: Dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and defense.
- Physical Attributes: Speed, agility, strength, endurance, and vertical jump.
- Cognitive Abilities: Court vision, decision-making, and anticipation.
- Mental Toughness: Confidence, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
- Team Factors: Communication, chemistry, and tactical execution.
Improving basketball performance requires a combination of individual effort, coaching, and team support. Factors such as genetics, training intensity, and access to resources can also influence an athlete’s potential. Performance monitoring, injury prevention, and nutrition play crucial roles in optimizing player health and well-being.
Roster
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball roster for the 2023-24 season consists of a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. Key players include:
- Paul Mulcahy: Senior guard and team captain, known for his all-around play and leadership.
- Clifford Omoruyi: Junior forward, a physical presence in the paint with strong rebounding and defense.
- Aundre Hyatt: Junior guard, a talented scorer and playmaker who provides energy and experience.
- Mawot Mag: Freshman forward, a high-energy player with a strong defensive presence and developing offensive skills.
- Derek Simpson: Junior guard, a transfer from Indiana, who adds shooting and athleticism to the backcourt.
Other notable players on the roster include Dean Reiber, Kyle Watson, Jalen Miller, Oskar Palmquist, and Kobe Brown. The team is led by head coach Steve Pikiell, who has guided Rutgers to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his tenure.
Recruits
Rutgers has been actively recruiting top-tier talent to bolster its men’s basketball program. Recent recruits include:
- Antwan Hepburn (Guard): A skilled and athletic point guard who averaged 27.0 points and 7.5 assists per game in high school.
- Derek Simpson (Forward): A versatile and explosive forward who brings size and athleticism to the frontcourt.
- David N’Guessan (Center): A 7’0" center with a strong interior presence and rebounding ability.
- Chidi Obasa (Forward): A physical and agile forward who excels in the paint and on the defensive side of the ball.
- Dean Reiber (Forward): A high-energy forward who brings toughness and athleticism to the team.
These recruits represent a talented and diverse group of players who have the potential to make significant contributions to the Scarlet Knights program. With a strong coaching staff and a committed recruiting strategy, Rutgers is poised to make a significant impact in the Big Ten and beyond.
Schedule
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team will play a 33-game schedule in the 2022-23 season, including 18 home games at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The non-conference slate features matchups against longtime rival Seton Hall, as well as Providence, Lehigh, and Binghamton.
The Big Ten schedule includes home games against Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Maryland, and road trips to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Penn State.
The team will also participate in the Gavitt Tipoff Games, playing on the road against North Carolina on November 15th, and the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, hosting Florida State on November 29th.
Tickets
Purchase tickets to witness the thrilling action of Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Jersey Mike’s Arena as the team competes in the Big Ten Conference. Choose from various seating options, including premium courtside seats and affordable student sections. Secure your tickets today for unforgettable basketball moments.
Standings
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team competes in the Big Ten Conference of NCAA Division I. As of the 2021-22 season, their overall record is 1,902-1,685, with 32 NCAA Tournament appearances and 11 NIT appearances.
In the Big Ten Conference, Rutgers has a record of 82-266, winning the regular season championship once in 1976 and the conference tournament championship twice in 1976 and 1983.
Some notable achievements for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team include:
- Reaching the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 1976
- Winning the NIT Championship in 1983
- Being ranked as high as No. 11 in the AP Poll in 1976
- Having several players inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame, including Phil Sellers, James Bailey, and Roy Hinson
History
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball program is a Division I college basketball team that represents Rutgers University–New Brunswick. The team competes in the Big Ten Conference and plays its home games at the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center) in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights have appeared in 18 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four once in 1976. The program has also won one NIT Championship in 1983. Notable players include Phil Sellers, James Bailey, Roy Hinson, and Geo Baker.
Highlights
- 1976 NIT Championship: Defeated Providence 96-94 in the final for their first and only NIT title.
- 1983 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: Upset top-seeded Auburn in the first round and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
- 1991 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight: Led by future NBA star Roy Hinson, the Scarlet Knights upset Oklahoma, UCLA, and Dayton to reach the Elite Eight, their deepest NCAA Tournament run.
- 2019-20 Big Ten Regular Season Champions: Won the Big Ten regular season title for the first time in program history, finishing with a 20-11 overall record.
- 2021 NCAA Tournament Appearance: Ended a 30-year NCAA Tournament drought with a first-round appearance against Clemson.
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Individual Accomplishments:
- Phil Sellers (1982-1985): Led the nation in scoring in 1984-85 and became the program’s all-time leading scorer.
- Roy Hinson (1990-1991): Selected 13th overall in the 1991 NBA draft and played 14 seasons in the NBA.
- Ron Harper (1985-1989): Drafted 8th overall in the 1989 NBA draft and won five NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.