With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. So how did McConnell look? I got to play for my brothers.. 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). (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 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. Minnesota won 75-74. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. 12 Illinois (four). 13 Michigan State and No. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Follow. AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg 13 Michigan State (four) and No. 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. 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 . Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. 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. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj Golden Gophers forward Jameson Battle hit a game-winning buzzer-beater as the horn sounded to give Minnesota the 75-74 victory. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. 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. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. IHZlcnNpb24gb2YgY3MuanMgc28gd2UgYWx3YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3Qg Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Im with this kid every day. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. 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. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy Please check your email for a confirmation. MARCH. Senior Caleb McConnell was the first Rutgers player since Hamady N'Diaye to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. Kristian Dyer. 113. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. "It was a tough six weeks for me. Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. 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. Hes fearless.. 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. The kid just was relentless, he recalled. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the 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. 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. It was a four point swing that swung the game in Rutgers favor. Battle's game-winn Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell returning for his postgrad year The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers defeats Michigan State, 84-63. 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. Neither do we. Buzzer-beater caps Gophers' comeback win over Rutgers 75-74 The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. Rutgers' Caleb McConnell's injury status is unclear heading into start Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. 1,244 following. 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. Those cheers turned into a roar moments later, when the substitution was introduced over the public address system. Whenever were in the huddle, hes always saying, Ill guard him. Theres a great feeling as a coach knowing that someone wants to accept the challenge of stopping the best player.. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. Caleb McConnell's stuff of legend - On the Banks The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. 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. He has also been a rebounds machine of late, with 32 rebounds so far in 2023. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg 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. That is the minimum expectation from him across March, when Rutgers will play two more regular-season games . Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. GET TKR PREMIUM FREE FOR 30 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE. 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 . He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. McConnell announced the decision to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft on March 28th with a post on Instagram that read as follows: These last four years were amazing! YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Garcia added 19 points and Pharrel Payne had 15 for Minnesota (8-20, 2-16 Big Ten), which shot 54 percent (15 of 28) in the second half and made 11 of 24 3-pointers overall. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? A mistake. 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. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell grimaces after colliding with a Minnesota player during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Minneapolis. 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. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 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. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. The senior guard came through on the defensive end to save the game for Rutgers in the upset of No. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. That has made Rutgers a tough matchup regardless of the opponent. 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. He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. 22 on the court for the first time this season. He doesnt want anybody to know something is hurting. 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. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. 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. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . Aaron Breitman. Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? Not too bad. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. 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. 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. Men's Basketball 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. 16 Ohio State. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. 16 Ohio State (four), No. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. McConnell Update | Rutgers Scarlet Knights fan forums - TheKnightReport He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. It was not a seamless transition. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement. Rutgers basketball suffers shocking meltdown at Minnesota As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. Baker was sensational. McConnells has a decorated resume through 60 career starts and 114 games played. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. 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. 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. 70413 lego - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv 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. dmVyc2lvbgogICAgcy5zcmMgPSAiaHR0cHM6Ly9zLnlpbWcuY29tL2N4L3Z6 Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Neither do we. We've received your submission. 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. 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. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf 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. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. Caleb McConnell returning to Rutgers for 2022-23 season 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. It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. 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). At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . It was his way of getting me better. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. . I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. "Ive been out these last six weeks and had just three or four practices. Caleb McConnell's Big Ten award another sign Rutgers is a national threat Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. Season-saving. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. Gambling problem? Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. 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. Caleb McConnell making a greater impact than ever for Rutgers It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnell's career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. There were the attributes obvious to everyone some sharp shooting, an ability to drive to the rim, dynamic playmaking, a willingness to pass the ball but Briski was impressed by something else. They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. He also added 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci. pic . All rights reserved (About Us). Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. 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. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoo - creditsolutionexperts.com There would be no more fitting award for Caleb McConnell than Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten., Pretty damn close to every Big Ten school called about him or came to see him, and no one pulled the trigger. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. 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). bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl Nobody wanted him. As expected, rusty. Caleb McConnell Biography | ESPN Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of Central Connecticut 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 . Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. Ron Harper Jr. spent a good portion of his childhood in the city where his famous father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., grew up. Caleb McConnell was fouled . 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. 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. He is focused solely on finishing the fourth year of a Big Ten basketball career few believed could happen on the right foot, carrying an unshakable belief that Rutgers can disprove the doubters and return to March Madness. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. Geo Baker speaks loudly, lifts Rutgers past Clemson 60-56 Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. Holden beats buzzer with 3, No. 25 Ohio State edges Rutgers * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). The kids a dog.. Thanks for contacting us. Yes, Rutgers basketball fans fully grasped the importance of seeing No. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. 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. As he waited in the prison, Caleb McConnell didnt know what to expect. There are no statistics available for this player. 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. . The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. Battles game-winning shot capped a 15-4 run in the final 1:15 for Minnesotas only lead of the game. Caleb McConnell Stats, News, Bio | ESPN Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. It will eventually come off. Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. Men's Basketball Loses 75-74 to Minnesota on Thursday Night 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). 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. Find doctors, specialized in Cosmetology and compare prices, costs and reviews. With less than two full weeks left in January, he has 16 steals this month, including a season-high four on January eighth. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. 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. Rutgers basketball suffers shocking meltdown at Minnesota; NCAA hopes