Rutgers Men’s Basketball Team has only made March Madness eight times in history, including two recent appearances in 2021 and 2022. They’re aiming to break that streak this year. After a disappointing 15-17 record in 2023-2024, The Scarlet Knights missed both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT. Now, with Coach Steve Pikiell having a revamped roster—including some of the nation’s top recruits, transfers, and returning players—the Scarlet Knights are determined to make this year different. This year, they’re looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and cement themselves as a basketball powerhouse for the future.
Meet the Team
After last season, Rutgers made numerous changes to its roster. The team recruited new players from high school, added experienced players from the transfer portal, and retained some returning players. The team also lost some players to the transfer portal.
High School Recruits
Rutgers’s 2024 recruiting class included five players, two of whom were five-star recruits and ranked in the top five for the 2024 High School Basketball Rankings.
The two five-star recruits are
- Ace Bailey: A 6-foot-10 forward from McEachern High School in Georgia
- Dylan Harper: A 6-foot-6 guard from Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey.
They’re expected to be the go-to scorers for Coach Pikiell’s team, bringing a whole new level of offensive firepower.
Rutgers also added three other talented players:
- Lathan Somerville: A 6-foot-10 center from Richwood High School in Illinois
- Bryce Dortch: A 6-foot-9 forward from The Brimmer and May School in Massachusetts
- Dylan Grant: A 6-foot-7 forward from Michigan Collegiate High School in Michigan
Somerville will serve as the backup center for Rutgers but could possibly become the starter as the year progresses. Dortch and Grant could see some bench minutes as well in their freshman season.
Transfer Portal: Newcomers and Losses
Rutgers benefited from the transfer portal but also lost some key players from last season.
Incoming Transfers:
- PJ Hayes IV (San Diego State): A savvy veteran who can score and pass
- Jordan Derkack (Merrimack): A tough defender and leader
- Zach Martini (Princeton): A graduate transfer with experience and basketball IQ
- Tyson Acuff (Eastern Michigan): A high-scoring guard who can score at will
Departing Players:
- Derek Simpson (Saint Joseph’s): A steady point guard
- Mawot Mag (BYU): A skilled forward who missed part of last season due to injury
- Gavin Griffiths (Nebraska): A talented young player who didn’t quite live up to expectations at Nebraska
- Cliff Omoruyi (Alabama): A dominant big man who was a key part of the team for three years
Returners
Rutgers has three key players that will be returning this season. Emmanuel Ogbole (Jr.), a promising center, will look to build on his limited playing time from last year. Rutgers brings back two guards as well: Jeremiah Williams and Jamichael Davis. Jeremiah Williams (Sr.), a reliable guard and team captain, will be a key contributor and the “glue guy” for this team, as he averaged 12.2 points per game last season. Jamichael Davis (So.), another experienced guard, will provide depth and steady play as the backup point guard.
Graduates
Rutgers also lost some key players to graduation. Noah Fernandes, a reliable shooting guard, averaged 6.4 points per game. Aundre Hyatt, a versatile forward, contributed 10.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Oskar Palmquist provided valuable three-point shooting off the bench.
Schedule
Rutgers, which is currently ranked Number 24 in the AP Poll, will take on six more non-conference opponents before its conference play begins. Rutgers has already beaten two non-conference opponents: Wagner University on Nov. 6, winning 75-52, and Saint Peter’s University on Nov. 11, winning 75-65. Rutgers started the season ranked Number 25 in the AP Preseason Poll. During conference play, the Scarlet Knights will play 20 games against the Big Ten, along with three games against more non-conference opponents. Here are some of the marquee matchups to lookout for this year:
Nov. 27: No. 24 Rutgers vs. No.2 Alabama
This matchup will take place in the Players Era Festival. This is a Thanksgiving tournament, and the field of eight teams include Rutgers, Alabama, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, San Diego State, Creighton, and Texas A&M.
Dec. 14: No. 24 Rutgers vs. Seton Hall
Rutgers and Seton Hall have played 74 times in their history; each time they face off, it is known as the Garden State Hardwood Classic. This interstate rivalry goes back to 1916, when Rutgers won the first meeting.
Dec. 21: No. 24 Rutgers vs. Princeton
Rutgers and Princeton will play each other in the Never Forget Tribute Classic.
Jan. 9: No. 24 Rutgers vs. No. 13 Purdue
This matchup for the past three years has been headlined by the bigs, with Rutgers having Cliff Omoruyi and Purdue having Zach Edey, but the focus now shifts to the guards and forwards. This will be the first of two meetings for these teams, as they will meet again on March 4th, at Purdue.
Jan. 25: No. 24 Rutgers vs. Michigan State
This game will take place at Madison Square Garden.
Feb. 16: No. 24 Rutgers vs. Oregon
This will be the first time in history that the Scarlet Knights will travel to the West Coast to play a conference game. With the expansion of the Big Ten, the conference welcomed numerous teams from the Pac-12, including Oregon.
What to Expect from the Scarlet Knights
This season could be a turning point for Rutgers basketball. With the addition of two highly-touted recruits, the Scarlet Knights have the potential to make a significant impact on the field. These talented newcomers will add depth, skill, and star power to the team, giving the Scarlet Knights a chance to compete at an even higher level than before. With a revamped roster, ranging from recruits to transfers to returners, and a schedule that will prepare them for March, get ready for Rutgers basketball to make some noise in the college basketball landscape. The Scarlet Knights are poised for a great season.
