The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has been a member of the Big Ten Conference since 2014. The Scarlet Knights have a long and storied history, dating back to 1883. They have won 12 conference championships and have made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Joining the Big Ten Conference
Rutgers joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014, becoming the first school from New Jersey to join the Power Five conferences. The move was a major coup for Rutgers, which had been a member of the American Athletic Conference since 2013.
The Scarlet Knights have struggled in the Big Ten Conference, with a record of 34-112 (.232). However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2021 for the first time since 1991.
Key Players
Some of the key players in Rutgers’ history include:
| Player | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Sellers | 1973-1977 | Two-time All-American; Led Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1976 |
| Roy Hinson | 1984-1988 | All-American; Led Rutgers to its first Big East Conference championship in 1988 |
| Quincy Douby | 2001-2006 | All-American; Led Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament win in 2004 |
| Hamady N’Diaye | 2007-2011 | Two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year; Led Rutgers to its second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010 |
| Geo Baker | 2017-2022 | Two-time All-Big Ten selection; Led Rutgers to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 |
Head Coaches
Some of the head coaches in Rutgers’ history include:
| Coach | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Young | 1936-1965 | Won four conference championships; Led Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1957 |
| Bob Wenzel | 1982-1997 | Won two conference championships; Led Rutgers to its first Big East Conference tournament championship in 1989 |
| * Fred Hill Jr. | 2001-2010 | Led Rutgers to its first two NCAA Tournament wins in 2004 and 2006 |
| * Steve Pikiell | 2016-Present | Led Rutgers to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 since 1991 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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When did Rutgers join the Big Ten Conference?
- Rutgers joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014.
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How many NCAA Tournament appearances have the Scarlet Knights made?
- The Scarlet Knights have made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances.
-
Who is the current head coach of the Scarlet Knights?
- Steve Pikiell is the current head coach of the Scarlet Knights.
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What is the home arena for the Scarlet Knights?
- The Scarlet Knights play their home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
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What are the Scarlet Knights’ school colors?
- The Scarlet Knights’ school colors are scarlet and white.
Conclusion
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a long and storied history. The Scarlet Knights have struggled in the Big Ten Conference, but they have shown signs of improvement in recent years. With a talented roster and a strong head coach, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make a run at the NCAA Tournament in the near future.
References
Rutgers Men’s Basketball Conference
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team competes in the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I level. The team has a long and storied history, dating back to 1895. Rutgers has won 20 conference championships, including 14 in the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League (EIBL) and 6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10). The Scarlet Knights have also made 21 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen four times and the Elite Eight once. In 2022, Rutgers joined the Big Ten Conference, becoming the first New Jersey school to compete in the Power Five.
Big Ten Men’s Basketball
The Big Ten Conference is one of the oldest and most prestigious college athletic conferences in the United States. The conference is made up of 14 universities, located primarily in the Midwestern United States.
Big Ten men’s basketball is one of the most competitive conferences in the country. The conference has won a total of 21 national championships, the second-most of any conference. Several Big Ten teams have consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, and Purdue.
The Big Ten Tournament is held annually at the United Center in Chicago. The tournament winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Big Ten has had a team reach the Final Four in 10 of the last 12 years.
The Big Ten is home to some of the best players in college basketball. Several Big Ten players have gone on to successful NBA careers, including Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Evan Turner.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Schedule
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team will play a challenging schedule in the 2023-24 season, featuring matchups against several ranked opponents.
Non-Conference Highlights:
- Nov. 11: vs. Sacred Heart
- Nov. 18: vs. Yale
- Nov. 21: at Seton Hall
- Nov. 28: vs. Michigan State (Gavitt Tipoff Games)
- Dec. 3: vs. Rider
- Dec. 6: vs. Lafayette
- Dec. 13: at Illinois
Big Ten Schedule:
The Scarlet Knights will face each Big Ten opponent twice, with one game at home and one on the road.
Home Games:
- Maryland
- Ohio State
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Purdue
- Iowa
- Nebraska
Away Games:
- Maryland
- Ohio State
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Purdue
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Michigan State
- Penn State
- Minnesota
Key Dates:
- Feb. 23: Senior Day vs. Indiana
- March 8-12: Big Ten Tournament (Indianapolis, IN)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Roster
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball roster for the 2021-22 season consists of the following players:
- Guards:
- Paul Mulcahy
- Geo Baker
- Caleb McConnell
- Aundre Hyatt
- Jalen Miller
- Oskar Palmquist
- Forwards:
- Ron Harper Jr.
- Clifford Omoruyi
- Mawot Mag
- Dean Reiber
- Jacob Young
- Centers:
- Myles Johnson
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Tickets
Purchase Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball tickets to witness thrilling matchups at Jersey Mike’s Arena (formerly known as RAC). The team, led by head coach Steve Pikiell, plays in the Big Ten Conference. Fans can choose from various ticket options, including season tickets, single-game tickets, and group tickets. Season ticket holders enjoy exclusive benefits, such as priority seating, access to exclusive events, and personalized service. Single-game tickets offer flexible attendance options for those who prefer to attend individual games. Group tickets allow larger parties to experience the excitement of Rutgers basketball together. With state-of-the-art facilities and an enthusiastic fan base, Jersey Mike’s Arena provides an unforgettable game-day atmosphere.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball News
- Geo Baker Transferring: Senior guard Geo Baker, who led the Knights in scoring the past two seasons, has announced his decision to transfer for his remaining year of eligibility.
- Caleb McConnell Returns: Sixth-year guard Caleb McConnell has decided to return for a final season at Rutgers. He was named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team and was a key leader on the team.
- Incoming Transfers: Rutgers has added three transfers: guard Cam Spencer from Penn State, wing Aundre Hyatt from Penn, and forward Jalen Miller from UMass.
- Recruiting Class: The Knights have signed three-star recruit Shaquan Davis, a 6’7" forward from St. Thomas More School.
- Departure of Ron Harper Jr.: All-Big Ten forward Ron Harper Jr. has declared for the NBA Draft after four seasons at Rutgers. His departure leaves a significant void in the frontcourt.
- Head Coach Steve Pikiell Extension: Rutgers has extended head coach Steve Pikiell’s contract through the 2027-28 season. Pikiell has led the Knights to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years and three consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Highlights
- 2022-23 Season: Reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991, advancing to the Second Round.
- 2021-22 Season: Won the program’s first Big Ten Tournament title, securing an automatic NCAA Tournament berth.
- Geo Baker: All-American guard who led the Scarlet Knights to their historical successes.
- Ron Harper Jr.: Dynamic forward who was named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2021.
- Paul Mulcahy: Skilled point guard who helped guide the team through its recent resurgence.
- Steve Pikiell: Head coach who has transformed the program into a perennial contender in the Big Ten.
- The RAC: Known for its passionate and enthusiastic fan base, creating a unique home-court advantage.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Recruiting
Rutgers University, located in Piscataway, New Jersey, has been an active participant in Division I men’s basketball recruiting. In recent years, the university has seen success in attracting top-rated prospects and improving its overall program.
Under the leadership of head coach Steve Pikiell, Rutgers has secured commitments from talented high school recruits. Notable additions include two five-star recruits in Cliff Omoruyi and Derek Simpson. The coaching staff has also focused on building a strong foundation of local talent, with players like Mawot Mag and Oskar Palmquist joining the team.
The Scarlet Knights have consistently ranked among the top recruiters in the Big Ten Conference. Their commitment to developing talented players has been evident in their recent performances, as the team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances under Coach Pikiell. The program aims to continue its upward trajectory by attracting elite prospects and competing for championships in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Stats
- Overall Record: 993-1296-8 (.435)
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 14
- NCAA Sweet Sixteen Appearances: 1
- NCAA Elite Eight Appearances: 0
- NIT Appearances: 7
- NIT Championships: 0
- CBI Appearances: 0
- CIT Appearances: 0
- Conference Championships: 3 (1986, 1990, 2022)
- Regular Season Conference Championships: 9
- All-Americans: 3 (Roy Hinson, James Bailey, Ron Dorsey)
- All-Conference Players: 21
- Leading Scorer: Roy Hinson (2,109 points)
- Leading Rebounder: Roy Hinson (1,093 rebounds)
- Leading Assists: Mike Britt (539 assists)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball History
Early Years and NIT Success:
- 1906: Program established.
- 1963: First NCAA Tournament appearance.
- 1976: First NIT Championship.
- 1983: Second NIT Championship.
Rankin Era and NCAA Tournament Runs:
- 1991: Tom Rankin hired as head coach.
- 1991-1997: Five NCAA Tournament appearances.
- 1993: Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Decline and Post-Rankin Years:
- 2006: Rankin fired after 15 seasons.
- 2007-2016: Struggles and NCAA Tournament droughts.
Pikiell Era and Return to Prominence:
- 2016: Steve Pikiell hired as head coach.
- 2018: First NCAA Tournament appearance under Pikiell.
- 2020: First NCAA Tournament win since 1999.
- 2021: Sweet Sixteen appearance.
- 2022: NCAA Tournament berth and first Big Ten Tournament Championship.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Coach
Steve Pikiell has been the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team since 2016. Prior to joining Rutgers, Pikiell spent five seasons as the head coach at Stony Brook, where he led the Seawolves to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. Under Pikiell’s leadership, Rutgers has shown significant improvement, with consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022. He has also guided the Scarlet Knights to several memorable victories, including a win over eventual national champion Villanova in 2022. Pikiell’s success at Rutgers has earned him recognition as one of the top coaches in the Big Ten Conference.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Championship
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has never won a national championship. They have made one Final Four appearance in 1976, where they lost to Michigan in the championship game. Rutgers has also won seven conference regular season championships and four conference tournament championships.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Social Media
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball program has a strong presence on social media, with accounts on multiple platforms. The team’s official Twitter account (@RutgersMBB) has over 50,000 followers and is used to share team news, updates, and highlights. The team also has an official Facebook page, currently with over 38,000 followers. The page is updated with similar content and interactive contests and promotions.
On Instagram, the Scarlet Knights can be found at @RutgersMBB, with over 30,000 followers. The team’s Instagram account features behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and player profiles. For game updates and highlights, the team uses the hashtag #RUmblers.
In addition to the team’s official social media accounts, many players and coaches have their individual accounts, where they share personal content and interact with fans. The Scarlet Knights’ social media presence as a whole helps to connect with fans, promote games, and enhance the overall fan experience.
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