The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team represents Rutgers University–New Brunswick in the NCAA Division I and competes in the Big Ten Conference. The team is coached by Steve Pikiell, who is in his ninth season at the helm. The Scarlet Knights play their home games at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
2023-24 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7 | Fairleigh Dickinson | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 94-52 |
| Nov 11 | Bryant | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 89-68 |
| Nov 14 | Wagner | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 83-62 |
| Nov 18 | at Merrimack | Hammel Court | W 87-69 |
| Nov 22 | at Michigan State | Breslin Center | L 68-78 |
| Nov 25 | Lehigh | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 89-71 |
| Nov 29 | at Delaware | Bob Carpenter Center | W 71-67 |
| Dec 3 | Pittsburgh | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 72-65 |
| Dec 7 | at DePaul | Wintrust Arena | W 69-64 |
| Dec 10 | Yale | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 86-67 |
| Dec 17 | at Rider | Alumni Gymnasium | W 82-69 |
| Dec 21 | Lafayette | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 88-60 |
| Dec 31 | at Illinois | State Farm Center | L 68-81 |
| Jan 4 | Michigan | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 67-72 |
| Jan 8 | at Iowa | Carver-Hawkeye Arena | L 79-93 |
| Jan 11 | Indiana | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 81-90 |
| Jan 15 | at Nebraska | Pinnacle Bank Arena | L 72-76 |
| Jan 18 | Purdue | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 67-84 |
| Jan 22 | at Northwestern | Welsh-Ryan Arena | W 79-73 |
| Jan 28 | Wisconsin | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 56-69 |
| Feb 2 | at Maryland | Xfinity Center | L 70-81 |
| Feb 5 | Ohio State | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 69-84 |
| Feb 9 | at Indiana | Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall | L 63-79 |
| Feb 12 | Northwestern | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 84-73 |
| Feb 15 | at Penn State | Bryce Jordan Center | W 82-63 |
| Feb 19 | Michigan State | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 70-80 |
| Feb 22 | at Wisconsin | Kohl Center | L 59-81 |
| Feb 26 | Penn State | Jersey Mike’s Arena | W 87-63 |
| Mar 2 | at Purdue | Mackey Arena | L 61-74 |
| Mar 5 | Maryland | Jersey Mike’s Arena | L 65-74 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s next game?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s next game is on January 18th, 2023, against Purdue at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Where can I watch Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games?
Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball games can be watched on television on Big Ten Network, FS1, and ESPN2. They can also be streamed online on ESPN+ and the Fox Sports app.
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.
What is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s record this season?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team is 10-9 this season.
Who are the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s best players?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team’s best players are Cam Spencer, Caleb McConnell, and Mawot Mag.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Roster
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team competes in the NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The team is currently coached by Steve Pikiell. The Scarlet Knights play their home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The current roster includes a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers. Key players include:
- Paul Mulcahy (Guard)
- Cam Spencer (Guard)
- Cliff Omoruyi (Center)
- Caleb McConnell (Guard)
- Aundre Hyatt (Guard)
The team has a strong foundation of returning players and a promising group of recruits. They are expected to compete for a high finish in the Big Ten and make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Tickets
Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball tickets provide access to witness the team compete in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights play their home games at the RAC, a historic arena known for its passionate atmosphere. Fans can purchase tickets through the official Rutgers Athletics website or through secondary ticket marketplaces. Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent, seat location, and availability. The Scarlet Knights offer a variety of ticket packages and discounts for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. For information on premium seating options, suites, and club memberships, contact the Rutgers Athletics ticket office.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Big Ten Conference
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014 after departing from the American Athletic Conference. Since then, Rutgers has struggled to find success in the competitive conference.
In their first six seasons, the Scarlet Knights posted a dismal record of 14-90 in conference play. They failed to finish above last place in any of those seasons and never qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
However, in 2020-21, Rutgers made a breakthrough under head coach Steve Pikiell. Led by All-American candidate Ron Harper Jr., the Scarlet Knights finished with a 12-11 record in conference play and narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament.
In 2021-22, Rutgers took another step forward, securing a 13-7 record in Big Ten play and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. The Scarlet Knights defeated Clemson in the first round before falling to eventual national runner-up North Carolina in the second round.
Despite these recent improvements, Rutgers remains a mid-tier team in the Big Ten. The conference’s depth and talent make it difficult for the Scarlet Knights to consistently compete for the NCAA Tournament. They continue to build under Pikiell, hoping to establish themselves as a regular contender in the years to come.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Wins and Losses
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a long and storied history. They have won two NCAA Tournament championships, in 1976 and 1981, and have appeared in the tournament 16 times. They have also won the NIT Tournament twice, in 1983 and 1991, and have appeared in the tournament 11 times.
The Scarlet Knights have also had a number of individual players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA. Some of the most notable players include Roy Hinson, Phil Sellers, James Bailey, and Eddie Jordan.
In recent years, the Scarlet Knights have struggled to maintain consistency. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent seasons. In the 2020-21 season, the Scarlet Knights finished with a record of 16-11 and earned an NCAA Tournament bid. They lost in the first round to the Clemson Tigers.
In the 2021-22 season, the Scarlet Knights finished with a record of 18-14 and earned an NIT Tournament bid. They lost in the first round to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Scarlet Knights are looking to build on their recent success in the 2022-23 season. They have a talented roster led by senior guard Geo Baker and junior forward Ron Harper Jr. The Scarlet Knights are hoping to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a Big Ten Championship.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Highlights
- Established in: 1906
- Head coach: Steve Pikiell
- Home arena: Jersey Mike’s Arena
Notable Achievements:
- NCAA Tournament appearances: 7 (including 2 Sweet 16 appearances)
- NIT Championships: 1 (1983)
- ACCT Championships: 2 (1991, 2019)
- All-Americans: Phil Sellers (1987), Quincy Douby (2006)
- Conference Player of the Year: Roy Hinson (1982), Quincy Douby (2006), Myles Mack (2014)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Stats
- Conference: Big Ten Conference
- Division: NCAA Division I
- Head Coach: Steve Pikiell (since 2016)
- Home Arena: Jersey Mike’s Arena (capacity: 8,500)
- Current Season (2022-23): 17-12 overall, 10-8 in Big Ten Conference
Recent History
- 2021-22: NCAA Tournament appearance (Sweet 16)
- 2020-21: 16-11 overall, 10-9 in Big Ten Conference
- 2019-20: 20-11 overall, 12-8 in Big Ten Conference
- 2018-19: 15-18 overall, 6-14 in Big Ten Conference
Team Leaders (2022-23)
- Points: Cam Spencer (14.2 ppg)
- Rebounds: Cliff Omoruyi (9.6 rpg)
- Assists: Paul Mulcahy (3.8 apg)
All-Time Records
- Overall: 1,797-1,725 (50.5% winning percentage)
- Home: 960-761 (55.8%)
- Away: 466-601 (43.7%)
- Neutral: 371-363 (50.4%)
Notable Players
- Geo Baker
- Ron Harper Jr.
- Corey Sanders
- Eddie Jordan
- Mike O’Koren
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Recruits
Rutgers Men’s Basketball has secured a strong recruiting class for the 2023-2024 season. Led by top-100 recruit Derek Simpson, who is considered a five-star prospect by ESPN, the class also includes Kaleb Thornton, a four-star point guard, and Aundre Hyatt, a three-star wing.
Simpson is a 6’6" forward from Toronto, Canada, and is known for his versatility and athleticism. Thornton, a 6’1" point guard from St. Louis, is a gifted passer and scorer. Hyatt, a 6’5" wing from Philadelphia, is a physically strong and explosive player.
Rounding out the class are Samad Samad, a 6’4" guard from Harlem, and Nick Carter, a 6’4" wing from Detroit. Both Samad and Carter are considered highly talented prospects with significant upside.
Head coach Steve Pikiell is excited about the potential of this recruiting class, stating, "We have a group of talented and hardworking young men who are eager to contribute to the success of our program."
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Rankings
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has a long and storied history, with several notable rankings throughout the years.
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AP Poll: The team has been ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 on several occasions, most recently in the 2021-22 season when they reached as high as number 14.
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Coaches Poll: Rutgers has also been ranked in the Coaches Poll, reaching as high as number 16 in the 2021-22 season.
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NCAA Tournament: The Scarlet Knights have made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with their highest seed being a No. 4 seed in 1976.
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National Invitation Tournament (NIT): Rutgers has participated in the NIT eight times, winning the tournament in 1986.
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Other Rankings: The team has also been ranked by other organizations, such as KenPom and BPI, which consider factors such as offensive and defensive efficiency to determine rankings.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Predictions
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights enter the 2022-23 season with a mix of experience and young talent. After finishing 18-14 last year and earning an NIT berth, the Knights are looking to take the next step and compete for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Strengths:
- Experience: Rutgers returns four starters from last season’s team, including All-Big Ten selection Clifford Omoruyi.
- Defense: The Knights have consistently been one of the best defensive teams in the conference.
- Frontcourt talent: Omoruyi is a force in the paint, while Aundre Hyatt and Dean Reiber provide depth and versatility.
Weaknesses:
- Backcourt consistency: Rutgers needs to find a consistent point guard after the departure of Geo Baker.
- Three-point shooting: The Knights struggled from beyond the arc last season, shooting just 31.7%.
- Depth: The bench is untested and it remains to be seen if they can provide a sufficient level of support.
Expectations:
- Big Ten finish: Rutgers is picked to finish in the middle of the Big Ten standings.
- NCAA Tournament hopes: The Knights have a talented team with the potential to earn an NCAA Tournament berth, but it will require a strong regular season and a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament.
- Ceiling: Rutgers has the potential to finish in the top half of the Big Ten and compete for an NCAA Tournament seed.
- Floor: The Knights could struggle with backcourt inconsistency and a lack of three-point shooting and finish in the bottom third of the conference.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Big Ten Tournament Summary
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have participated in the Big Ten Tournament since joining the conference in 2014. Their most successful performance came in 2021 when they reached the semifinals, falling to eventual champion Purdue. Overall, Rutgers has a 5-10 record in the tournament and has yet to win a game as a seeded team.
In 2022, the Scarlet Knights entered the tournament as the No. 10 seed but were eliminated in the first round by No. 7 seed Wisconsin. In 2023, they return as the No. 12 seed and will face No. 5 seed Maryland in the first round.
Rutgers has struggled to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten, but they have shown signs of improvement in recent years. Their strong defense and rebounding abilities have been key factors in their success. With a balanced scoring attack and experienced leadership, the Scarlet Knights hope to make a run in this year’s tournament and earn their first Big Ten Tournament victory as a seeded team.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball NCAA Tournament History
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has participated in the NCAA Tournament 16 times, with their first appearance coming in 1976. They have won a total of three tournament games, advancing to the Sweet 16 in 1976 and 2022. The Scarlet Knights’ most recent NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2022, where they defeated Clemson in the First Round before falling to LSU in the Second Round.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball History
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball program is one of the oldest and most successful in the country. The program dates back to 1883, and the Scarlet Knights have won 13 conference championships and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Rutgers has had a number of notable players over the years, including Bob Hurley Sr., Roy Hinson, Phil Sellers, and Quincy Douby. The program has also been led by several successful coaches, including Tom Young, Gary Waters, and Mike Rice.
In recent years, Rutgers has struggled to maintain its success. The Scarlet Knights have not won an NCAA Tournament game since 1991, and they have not finished above .500 in the Big Ten Conference since 2004.
However, there is reason to believe that Rutgers can return to prominence. The program has a strong tradition, and it has a number of talented players on its roster. If the Scarlet Knights can find the right coach, they have the potential to be a major force in college basketball once again.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team is led by head coach Steve Pikiell. He is assisted by associate head coach Brandin Knight, assistant coaches Danny Hurley Jr., Tom Moore, and Stephen Boyle. This coaching staff has guided the Scarlet Knights to several notable achievements, including NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2023.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Stadium
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team plays their home games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena, formerly known as the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center). The arena is located on the College Avenue campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.
- Capacity: 8,500
- Opened: 1977
- Home team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball
Jersey Mike’s Arena is one of the most recognizable basketball venues in the Big Ten Conference and has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and other major events. The arena features modern amenities, including comfortable seating, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and a variety of concessions.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Merchandise
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team offers a wide range of merchandise for fans to show their team spirit. Official merchandise is available at the Rutgers Athletics website and at the Rutgers University Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
Merchandise includes game jerseys, practice jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and accessories. Fans can also purchase autographed memorabilia and game-used items.
The Scarlet Knights have a long and storied history, and their fans are passionate and loyal. Official merchandise is a great way to show support for the team and to commemorate their successes.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball News
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Geo Baker Withdraws from NBA Draft: Senior guard Geo Baker has withdrawn from the 2023 NBA Draft and will return to Rutgers for his final season.
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Rutgers Signs 3-Star Recruit Gavin Griffiths: The Scarlet Knights have added 3-star recruit Gavin Griffiths to their 2023 signing class. Griffiths is a 6’7" forward from West Virginia.
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Steve Pikiell Named Big Ten Coach of the Year Finalist: Head coach Steve Pikiell was named one of five finalists for the Big Ten Coach of the Year award.
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Rutgers Wins First Big Ten Title: The Scarlet Knights captured their first Big Ten regular season title in program history, sharing the crown with Purdue.
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Rutgers Earns NCAA Tournament Berth: The Scarlet Knights secured a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 8 seed North Carolina in the first round.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men’s Basketball Updates
- Young roster shows promise in exhibition win: Rutgers defeated Kean University 78-57 in an exhibition game, showcasing the potential of its young roster featuring freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk.
- Aundre Hyatt to miss season with injury: Junior guard Aundre Hyatt is expected to miss the entire season due to a torn ACL, dealing a significant blow to the team’s depth.
- Non-conference schedule released: Rutgers announced its non-conference schedule, which includes matchups against prominent opponents such as Louisville, DePaul, and UMass, among others.
- Geo Baker receives Big Ten Preseason Honorable Mention: Senior guard Geo Baker was recognized as one of the top players in the Big Ten, earning Preseason Honorable Mention honors.
- Steve Pikiell enters 9th season as head coach: Head coach Steve Pikiell enters his ninth season at the helm of the Rutgers men’s basketball program, looking to build on last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance.
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