Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. Baker scored the final five points for Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights built an 11-point lead and nearly gave it all away. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Please update it here. PISCATAWAY A huge cheer arose from the 5,000 denizens of Jersey Mikes Arena five minutes into Saturdays game, when Caleb McConnell rose from the bench and checked in at the scorers table. Its unlikely the Scarlet Knights will return to the NCAA Tournament this season, but McConnell has another year of eligibility, so he can return and make another run if he wants. Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoogeorgia foraging laws. 11.3K followers. Hes fearless.. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. 0:49. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. McConnells first sport was football, just like his older brothers Bryant and Jordan, but he found another love when he was around 8 and his mom signed him up to play basketball. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. McConnell will give it everything he has, carried by the unbreakable mindset that got him here, sharing all the fruits of his labor with those who backed him up along the way. He caught the pass cleanly and looked to have a clear path to the basket in what would have been a devastating play for Rutgers to allow in that situation. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Feb 20, 2023. 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. 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. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. 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!. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m 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. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this season. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. Eventually, the outdoor courts in Jacksonville and Dayton became his home. He was rewarded with the honor of moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell's availability for the start of the 2022-23 season is unclear as he works his way back from the knee injury he sustained in practice earlier this month, head . He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. 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. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. Minnesota won 75-74. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. He has also been a rebounds machine of late, with 32 rebounds so far in 2023. 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. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). 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.. . He returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. Hes playing through a partially torn hip labrum and hes working out six times a day. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. 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 . Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. 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). "Ive been out these last six weeks and had just three or four practices. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. Mulcahy remains sidelined indefinitely by left shoulder injury; Pikiell said he's been cleared to practice but not for contact. 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. He adjusted the brace a few times, short-ironed a couple of shots, but did a lot of the dirty-work as usual deflecting balls, altering shots, setting screens, making the extra pass. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. McConnell, teary-eyed and frustrated when he lost, often talked about quitting, but his dad would not let him. All McConnell needed was a chance, and Rutgers was the one that gave it to him. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. Im with this kid every day. When Spire Academy, an elite sports performance training and education program in Geneva, Ohio, offered McConnell a chance to transfer there for his senior season, it meant living on his own for the first time 200 miles from his dad and 900 miles from his mom. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. Rutgers falls to Minnesota at the buzzer, Scarlet Knights suffer gut-punch. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. He followed it up with the best summer of his college career and entered his senior year with a specific goal: to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). Yes, Rutgers basketball fans fully grasped the importance of seeing No. We've received your submission. Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. He found a better balance in his schedule, spending less time wearing his body out in the gym and more time studying film of the opposing teams best player. 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. He kept going at dudes. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. McConnell was the star of the historic win, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and playing his trademark defense. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Your account has an invalid email address. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. 0:05. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv Of course, he was ultimately named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. Find doctors, specialized in Cosmetology and compare prices, costs and reviews. 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 . Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT So how did McConnell look? Made season debut versus CCSUafter missing the five games due to injury (knee), Excelled at Miami with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists in 35 minutes, Posted 16 points, 10 rebounds for double-double in win over No. Sophomore guard Jalen Miller has been a defensive specialist to this point, but he broke out on the offensive end Saturday, scoring a career-high six points on 2-3 shooting to go with three rebounds. Not too bad. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. 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. Neither do we. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. Not too bad. 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. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are walking in the ceremony guard Paul Mulcahy, forwards Oskar Palmquist and Aundre Hyatt all have at least one year of eligibility remaining, and thus have the option to return to Rutgers next winter. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. 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. You cant replace 114 games of college experience and the intangibles he brings in terms of leadership and basketball IQ. The award comes days after the Scarlet Knights' (18-12, 12-8) season finale win over Penn State.. McConnell, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, earned the prestigious award with 67 total steals this season, 20 more than second-place Hakim Hart. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. 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. The kids fearless, man. It will eventually come off. 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. In Indianapolis, they defeated Clemson for their first March Madness win in 38 years. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. 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. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. Assisted by Caleb McConnell. 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. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. MARCH. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. 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. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . 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. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Golden Gophers forward Jameson Battle hit a game-winning buzzer-beater as the horn sounded to give Minnesota the 75-74 victory. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. 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. 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. photo: Creative Commons / Gage Skidmore https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2./deed.en. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 22 on the court for the first time this season. What would they talk about? Battle's game-winn Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. Please check your email for a confirmation. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. 25 Ohio State a 67-66 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night. Theyve been down and out more times than I can count. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? That is the furthest thing from his mind. Caleb McConnell is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the only individual award given to a RU player since joining the conference in 2014. Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. Nobody wanted him. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Ive got to yank him out of the gym. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. 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. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. On an evening that has suddenly become crucial for its NCAA Tournament hopes, Rutgers will honor its veteran players with its annual Senior Day festivities ahead of their regular season finale against Northwestern at Jersey Mikes Arena on Sunday. His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. 9 recruit in Ohio by 247Sports.com, Averaged 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior at Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar High before transferring to SPIRE, A 2016-2017 Associated Press Southwest All-District II honoree, Competed on the AAU circuit for C2K Elite, Son of Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Meade, Signed with Scarlet Knights over reported offers from West Virginia, Wichita State, UMass, St. Bonaventure, Temple, Missouri State, Wright State, Akron and Kent State. And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. 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. Rutgers mens basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year. The Hurricanes, who made the NCAA Tournaments Elite Eight last season, are 5-1 thus far with a Kenpom ranking of 50 (Rutgers is 34). cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg 16 Ohio State (four), No. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. And just like that, it became McConnells mantra, too, something he repeated over and over to himself in tough moments on and off the court. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. Tip time is 7:15 p.m. Im looking forward to these next couple of games because I know the competition is going to get better," he said. The caption read: Proverbs 3:5-6. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. He scored just 4 points, but had 4 rebounds, 4 steals and the all-important blocked shot. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov Battle made three 3s and Dawson Garcia scored four points during the stretch. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. UNBREAKABLE.. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Follow. 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. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. 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. He has 2.3 assists a game. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go Starter at guard in 21 of 31 games played, averaging 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds with 25 steals, Shot 41.1 percent from the field and team-best 79.2 percent from the free throw line, Against Big Ten competition, averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds with 13 steals while shooting 80 percent from the free throw line, Scored in double-figures 10 times, leading team in scoring four times, Scored season-high 20 points on 8-8 shooting with a career-high five assists in win at Nebraska (Jan. 3), Had first career double-double with 10 points and career-high 12 rebounds in win over Minnesota (Jan. 19). California's agriculture industry leans into big tech as farming expenses soar, Gunfire at SW Miami-Dade apartment complex, HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Nantucket boys basketball come up short in MIAA tourney. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. On Thursday, Caleb McConnell was one of 15 players named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. I got to play for my brothers.. Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. THIS. Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? 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. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. January 22, 2023 7:47 pm ET. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Jun 01 He was by no means a flashy recruit and was the third-highest recruit out of 4 in Rutgers' 2018 class.. Now, McConnell has recently been crowned the Big . MUNSTER SECTIONAL. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. bCk7CiAgfSkoKTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+Cgo8bm9zY3JpcHQ+CiAgPGltZyBzcmM9 How do you survive in here? McConnell asked. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. A mistake.