339 in Kenpom, but the Scarlet Knights did make it through an injury-riddled November without taking a Lafayette-type loss. Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell (22) waits to enter the game during the first half against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Jersey Mike's Arena. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. c191Y2ZyPTAiIC8+Cjwvbm9zY3JpcHQ+CjwhLS0gRW5kIGNvbVNjb3JlIFRh McConnell made the 15-minute walk from his moms Jacksonville apartment to the courts and he spent hours in pickup games, a majority of which against grown men. Players didnt call fouls because there were none allowed. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. 28,939. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Find doctors, specialized in Cosmetology and compare prices, costs and reviews. He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. All McConnell needed was a chance, and Rutgers was the one that gave it to him. My Rutgers family helped me grow from a unrefined freshman to the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and I thank you all for that from the bottom of my heart!. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). He scored just 4 points, but had 4 rebounds, 4 steals and the all-important blocked shot. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. In a vintage sequence, he tracked down a loose ball under Central Connecticuts hoop and fed an Omoruyi dunk with a behind-the-back pass. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Im unbreakable because no matter what happens, Im still going to keep going and overcome all the challenges, all the injuries, all the setbacks, all the doubts. Was perfect 12-12 at free throw line against Purdue (Jan. 28), tied for most ever by a RU player in a Big Ten game. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. That aspect of the game has been a mainstay and strength during the Pikiell era as McConnell has personified the type of player that has developed and excelled under the head coach's direction. Ive got to yank him out of the gym. Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. McConnell was selfless, a kid who loved basketball and hated to let anyone down. Wearing a heavy brace on his leg, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year came off the bench and logged 25 minutes during the Scarlet Knights 83-49 victory over Central Connecticut State. "I made a pass to Cliff (Omoruyi) and he didnt see it coming; I was forcing things, and then I hear someone say, Caleb, just let it come to you! After that I kind of relaxed. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. Caleb McConnell (22) Guard - Caleb McConnell is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the only individual award given to a RU player since joining . (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). When visiting his dad in the summer, the routine was the same: hours spent at outdoor courts and in the local recreation center, where his aunt organized a basketball camp. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. McConnell told him about his budding basketball career and his cousin described life on the inside: the lack of freedom, the danger of being housed with violent criminals, the feeling of separation from the world and everything hes known. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. Iowa State kicks senior guard off team: 'Said something I Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', Unprecedented turnaround sets this team up to be MLB's greatest show, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Theyve been down and out more times than I can count. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. UNBREAKABLE.. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. Season-saving. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Written off, lost and bewildered. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of The Year, one of 10 players as a semi-finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of The Year award and was also earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. MARCH. Neither do we. I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. Led Big Ten in steals, setting new career-high in steals with 70 on the season. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Every bit of it., After notching his first double-double of the season against Clemson, Caleb McConnell had the honor of slapping Rutgers into the next round of the NCAA Tournament on a big bracket at Bankers Life: pic.twitter.com/d6hzq4n3GY. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . Its paid off immensely: McConnell leads the Big Ten in steals (2.1 per game), provided game-changing defensive performances in numerous wins -- including upsets of Big Ten title contenders Purdue and Michigan State -- and is in the thick of the race for the award with a month left in the regular season. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is not expected to play in Thursday night's meeting with Michigan due to the back injury he suffered during pregame warmups ahead of Saturday's win over Wisconsin . "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. 11.3K followers. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. THIS. Rutgers led 70-60 before Garcia scored the next four points and Battle hit consecutives 3s to pull the Golden Gophers to 73-70 with 22 seconds left, and Jaden Henley's putback cut the deficit to 73-72. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. Please check your email for a confirmation. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Not too bad. Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with the Scarlet Knights. Caleb McConnell is a semifinalist for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. He was previously selected to the watchlist last month. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. He was a key member of the 2019-20 team that would have snapped Rutgers then 29-year NCAA Tournament drought had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic. That label of this soft, skinny kid, I think it pissed him off, quite frankly.. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. Rutgers' Geo Baker, left, Ron Harper Jr., middle, and Caleb McConnell walk off the court after the team's loss to Notre Dame in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament . Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. Rutgers falls to Minnesota at the buzzer, Scarlet Knights suffer gut-punch. 16 Ohio State (four), No. He came into Rutgers as part of the 2018 recruiting class with Harper Jr., who already hired an agent and will not return to use his final year of college eligibility at Rutgers. Whats next for Rutgers Athletics following the 2021-2022 season? Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. IS. Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. 10 Iowa as he recovered from a back injury, Scored 12 points with 3 assists and four rebounds versus Ohio State (Jan. 9), Posted season-highs with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in win over Minnesota (Feb. 4). pic . With latest Big Ten loss, Rutgers basketball continues KenPom slide, Elijah King, a three-star edge, opens up on Rutgers football offer and his spring visit to Ohio State, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. Rutgers Recruiting: Will Scarlet Knights make surprise push for Bronny James? Even though McConnell broke his foot just before Pikiell was scheduled to fly out and watch him play, Pikiell made the trip to Ohio anyway. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. Battle's game-winn According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. Hes playing through a partially torn hip labrum and hes working out six times a day. Then Pikiell inserted McConnell into the starting lineup, the Scarlet Knights won five of their next six games and eventually squeaked into the tournament, ending a 30-year drought. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. Hes not soft. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. McConnell, teary-eyed and frustrated when he lost, often talked about quitting, but his dad would not let him. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. McConnell, who led the conference with 70 steals last season, decided for one last ride with his beloved Scarlet Knights after working out with several NBA teams this offseason. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. Expect McConnell to once again be one of the Big Ten Conference's top defenders in the 2022-23 season, as he hopes to continue to develop his game and help lead Rutgers to their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG Baker was sensational. Averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds with 26 steals and 32 assists, Led team in 3-point percentage (35.7%) and was second in team in steals, Among Big Ten freshman, ranked fifth in steals, Scored in double-figures six times, five of those coming against Big Ten foes, including a career-best 25 points at Illinois (Feb. 9), Averaged 11.8 points over the final four games of the season, A 247Sports and Rivals three-star prospect who attended SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio, helping the team to a 22-6 record in 2017-18 under head coach Dave Briski, Averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals-per-game as a senior, Scored 30 points with seven assists against Our Savior Lutheran (N.Y.), Ranked the No. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. The NCAA opened a window for McConnell to return when it granted every Division I player a free year of eligibility that season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. 0:49. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. When he reached eighth grade, his parents decided that a permanent move to Dayton to be with his father would be the best path toward a future in basketball. How do you survive in here? McConnell asked. Simpson, a point guard out of Lenape High School, finished with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting Saturday and brought the crowd to its feet with a thunderous breakaway dunk. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. He was finally healthy heading into his junior season, but a month and a half before he was scheduled to return to school, a freak accident in a pickup game left him with two slipped disks in his back. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Yes, Rutgers basketball fans fully grasped the importance of seeing No. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell and guard Caleb McConnell (22) are a "match made in heaven," McConnell's high school coach said.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve his game. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell averaged 7.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game, all of which were considered career highs for him. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). That is the minimum expectation from him across March, when Rutgers will play two more regular-season games . bCk7CiAgfSkoKTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+Cgo8bm9zY3JpcHQ+CiAgPGltZyBzcmM9 The fifth-year senior guard, who earns his bachelors degree in a couple of weeks, finally got cleared after suffering a left knee injury in early October. His father, a former college athlete and a decent playground hoops player in his own right, often joined his son and rarely went easy on him. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is not expected to play in Thursday night's meeting with Michigan due to the back injury he suffered during pregame Read more on nj.com. Follow. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. There are no statistics available for this player. He also drew a charge and dished out a point guard-quality assist. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. There is still the option to withdraw up until June 13th, as per the NBA rules, but that would not allow them to retain their college eligibility. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. It was his second consecutive game with 4 steals and McConnell is doing everything possible to boost his candidacy for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year or worst case the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. Without McConnells miraculous play, the eventual 10-0 run is erased and Rutgers would have trailed by six points with just over two minutes to play. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is pulling his name out of the NBA Draft pool and is returning to Rutgers for his final season . After being spurned by just about every Big Ten school, McConnell is now a key member of Rutgers basketball renaissance who, with eight games remaining in his senior season, is a top candidate for the conferences Defender of the Year award. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. One phrase can describe senior guard Caleb McConnell's four-year career as a member of the Scarlet Knights (18-12, 12-8): tough as nails.. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/02/caleb-mcconnell-is-a-semifinalist-for-naismith-mens-defensive-player-of-the-year/, Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year. The Scarlet Knights will look to earn as many automatic qualifier spots to the NCAA Tournament that they can this weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. His cousins story was similar to thousands across the country a good kid, McConnell believed, who got caught in a bad situation and was paying the price for it and he was about to see him for the first time in four years. IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. 71 posts. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. I have seen the students and the fans at Jersey Mikes Arena create what is now the best home court advantage in all of college basketball. Gambling problem? His senior year in high school, the question about him was, Are you soft? and now, he might be the toughest damn dude in the Big Ten, which might be the toughest conference in the country. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. Battle made three 3s and Dawson Garcia scored four points during the stretch. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. He battled through countless injuries and college coaches who doubted him a skinny high school player many believed was too soft for high-major hoops. A mistake. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD My teammates really helped me find my spots by sharing the game., Added Pikiell: Real pleased with what he gave us hes been playing well for us in the absence of Paul and Caleb.. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. I couldnt imagine not having graduated high school and youve already had to adjust a couple of times, missing your family because of something you wanted so bad, something that you believed in so bad for yourself. Kristian Dyer. When the Scarlet Knights opened 7-1, he was dying to join them. He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Rutgers Wrestling Prepares for Big Ten Conference Tournament this Weekend. There were many big plays, including Geo Bakers clutch drive with the game on the line to draw the foul and knock down the pair of free throws. The freshman had 19 points in the game and was a problem for the Scarlet Knights all night. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. Was the new setting going to make things weird? Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. Woolfolk, the backup center, tallied 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting and added four boards and two steals. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . Odds & lines subject to change. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. The kids fearless, man. How do you define wealth and a good life? If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. Still, McConnells basketball future was cloudy as the end of his senior season approached. It will eventually come off. He was rewarded with the honor of moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv 8/10 Indiana, Earned All-Met Player of the Week (Dec. 6), Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, First Rutgers player to win conference Defensive Player of the Year award since Hamady Ndiaye in 2009-10, Also named Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and to Big Ten All-Defensive Team. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). Rutgers (18-12 overall, 10-9 Big Ten) led this game through 39 minutes and 59.9 seconds, until Jamison Battle's 3-pointer fell through the net as the buzzer sounded. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. McConnells return comes at a crucial juncture for Rutgers (5-1), which enters the schedules biggest gauntlet: at Miami Wednesday, followed by Big Ten favorite Indiana at home, at Ohio State, and then home games against rival Seton Hall and Wake Forest. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. Im with this kid every day. 16 Buckeyes, Played in 20 games (eight starts), averaging 5.7 points and career-best 4.3 rebounds with career-high 29 steals, Did not make season debut until Jan. 2 against No. McConnell played his entire senior season with a sports hernia and a painful hip injury, and it took a broken foot to get McConnell off of the court for good. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . 113. We've received your submission. Not too bad. . Man, it felt good," McConnell said. All rights reserved (About Us). Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. . Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. Baker scored the final five points for Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights built an 11-point lead and nearly gave it all away. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. Scored in double-figures four times in a five-game span (Clemson, Purdue, Seton Hall, Maine), 16 points versus Clemson was new career-high, Also set career-highs in rebounds (12, Seton Hall), assists (9, UMass) and steals (6, UMass), Had four steals in each of wins over No. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. "We've been trying to let these guys know we need more from them with me and Paul out, and theyve been bringing it," McConnell said. The Buckeyes still led 64-60 with 2:33 to play when they threw the deep pass from their own baseline coming out of a timeout to find Malaki Branham wide open just past midcourt. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Nobody wanted him. Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect.
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