Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. Woolfolk, the backup center, tallied 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting and added four boards and two steals. 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. 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. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. THIS. He doesnt want anybody to know something is hurting. 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. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Yes, Rutgers basketball fans fully grasped the importance of seeing No. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. 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 . Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv 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. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . Thank you to my family for making me the man I am today and supporting me through every up and down. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. 16 Ohio State (four), No. Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh Of course, he was ultimately named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg Rutgers Recruiting: Will Scarlet Knights make surprise push for Bronny James? 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. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. After tearful conversations with his father and Pikiell, McConnell elected to have surgery, take a medical redshirt and miss an entire basketball season for the first time in his life. Minnesota won 75-74. . Feb 20, 2023. What a spark for @RutgersMBB! At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. Verified. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. Rutgers doesnt need him to produce a ton of points at the Big Ten level, but its important that he keeps defenses honest with the threat of scoring. bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl IS. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. 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. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Count them out at your own risk. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. He kept going at dudes. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is closer to receiving national recognition in 2023. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. I got to play for my brothers.. "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. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. He always wanted to get better.. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. Sitting at 16-12 (10-8 Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights have the potential to book a tournament berth if they split their remaining regular season games and get at least one win in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. However, it was Caleb McConnells block after coming out of seemingly nowhere that is ultimately the play that will be most remembered in this victory. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw . 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. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. 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. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. Eventually, the outdoor courts in Jacksonville and Dayton became his home. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. Theyve been down and out more times than I can count. 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. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. 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.. Freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk, who will be needed in Big Ten competition, have gotten valuable time and shown growth this month. 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.. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. 13 Michigan State and No. A three-star recruit, he had nowhere to go. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. He returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 71 posts. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? 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. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. 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. 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. How much had he changed? Golden Gophers forward Jameson Battle hit a game-winning buzzer-beater as the horn sounded to give Minnesota the 75-74 victory. The Scarlet Knights are now 14-9 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten play. A return to Rutgers would be big for the program as head coach Steve Pikiell is looking to retool after losing Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., both of whom were instrumental in the programs resurgence. Battles game-winning shot capped a 15-4 run in the final 1:15 for Minnesotas only lead of the game. All rights reserved (About Us). In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Will have a story up soon, but you'll hear first: Pikiell said he is not expecting Caleb McConnell to be available on Thursday against Michigan due to the back injury he sustained during warmups for the Wisconsin game. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. Right now its there for some stability.. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. 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. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Kristian Dyer. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. 12 Illinois (four). The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. Hes playing through a partially torn hip labrum and hes working out six times a day. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . AP. Thank you to Coach Pikiell for believing in me and recruiting a kid from Jacksonville, Florida, and Dayton, Ohio to play at Rutgers when few people believed in me. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. A mistake. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project, Men's Basketball Loses 75-74 to Minnesota on Thursday Night, Caleb McConnell Named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist, Mens Basketball Pulls Off Biggest Comeback Since 1996 at PSU, Men's Basketball Heads to Penn State for Sunday Night Matchup, Men's Basketball Falls to Michigan Thursday. Baker was sensational. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Neither do we. All rights reserved (About Us). a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. Assisted by Caleb McConnell. Commanded his way off the bench with a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds) in win against Clemson in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament (Mar. #1. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Simply put, it changed the game. 0:49. 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. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. Neither took the court Friday for the Scarlet Knights' first test . moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. 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 . McConnell had 12 points (5-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal over 32 minutes during Sunday's 59-56 win over Penn State. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. After watching his son dominate players his age in one-on-one games, Bryant McConnell paid older kids to go all out against his son on the court. North Brunswick, New Jersey. That roar became an eruption a minute later, when McConnell converted his first touch into a bucket an eight-foot running floater from the baseline. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. Just as Rutgers was being read its last rites on the game in what really was a must win to maintain hope for a repeat trip to the NCAA Tournament, McConnell, like the team, came back from the dead to save the day. Up 10 points on the Big Ten's last-place team with 1:15 remaining, with a third straight NCAA Tournament berth nearly locked up, the Scarlet Knights suffered an epic . Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. . His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. All the things Ive been through and all the things Ive overcome, then you throw basketball in there and all the things I dealt with in my college career, I never folded, I never gave up on myself, McConnell said. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. 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. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . McConnell was the star of the historic win, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and playing his trademark defense. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. 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. UNBREAKABLE.. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. There are no statistics available for this player. On Thursday, Caleb McConnell was one of 15 players named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said.