Baker was sensational. 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. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Caleb McConnell is a semifinalist for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. 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. PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is closer to receiving national recognition in 2023. c191Y2ZyPTAiIC8+Cjwvbm9zY3JpcHQ+CjwhLS0gRW5kIGNvbVNjb3JlIFRh Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. All rights reserved (About Us). They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. 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. 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. That is the furthest thing from his mind. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. Dont be surprised of the Blue Devils (0-7) remain on Rutgers schedule going forward. Rutgers targeted by Penn State fans' vulgar, racist language during comeback win Unfortunately, in the article, Nj.com writes about the BYU-Duke volleyball game: "[R]acial slurs and threats were directed at a Black player on Duke's team during a match in Utah on Aug. 26." The BYU investigation revealed these slurs and threats did not occur. 113. Thanks for contacting us. His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player Caleb McConnell intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with the Scarlet Knights. 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. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. 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. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg 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. Neither took the court Friday for the Scarlet Knights' first test . With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. 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. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). 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. IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. McConnell was selfless, a kid who loved basketball and hated to let anyone down. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. 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 was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. He did that every day. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN 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. 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. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. As this team proved once again highlighted by the block from the rafters by Caleb McConnell, Rutgers is very much alive as the calendar turns to mid-February. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm From top to bottom I think were good," McConnell said when asked to compare it to last year's NCAA qualifier. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. 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. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. Credit Solution Experts Incorporated offers quality business credit building services, which includes an easy step-by-step system designed for helping clients build their business credit effortlessly. The freshman had 19 points in the game and was a problem for the Scarlet Knights all night. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. It was his way of getting me better. 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. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. 11.3K followers. . It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. As he waited in the prison, Caleb McConnell didnt know what to expect. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv 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. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. When the Scarlet Knights opened 7-1, he was dying to join them. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. In unserem Vergleich haben wir die unterschiedlichsten 70413 lego am Markt unter die Lupe genommen und die wichtigsten Eigenschaften, die Kostenstruktur und die Bewertungen der Kunden abgewogen. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. THIS. They have a 4-3 record against Quad 1 opponents and have won back to back games against ranked foes for the first time since 2008. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. 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. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. 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). "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. All rights reserved (About Us). News never stops. 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. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . IS. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! 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 made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . 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. Battle made three 3s and Dawson Garcia scored four points during the stretch. Not too bad. 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. He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. 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. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. #1. I think hes the best and the most versatile defender in the league, Pikiell said. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. UNBREAKABLE.. 12 Illinois (four). Simply put, it changed the game. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. MINNEAPOLIS Jamison Battle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointerand finished with 20 points as Minnesota beat Rutgers 75-74 on Thursday night to snap a 12-game losing streak. Jun 01 I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. 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. He was previously selected to the watchlist last month. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. 16 Ohio State (four), No. 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. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Rutgers falls to Minnesota at the buzzer, Scarlet Knights suffer gut-punch. 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 latest stats, facts, news and notes on Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. Aaron Breitman. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. 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. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. 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 Henleys putback cut the deficit to 73-72. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. Ive got to yank him out of the gym. McConnell was a great locker room presence, able to flip a switch from the relentless player he was on the court to a unifying force off of it. 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. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. 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. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. 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 . I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. "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. Hes going to go out and play.. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. 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. Gambling problem? 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Hes not soft. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. "Ive been out these last six weeks and had just three or four practices. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. Then, you factor in his rebounds and his assists, he does a lot of things for us that equate to winning. "I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. He woke his dad at 6 a.m. every morning for rides to workouts with a personal trainer. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 1,244 following. 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. 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. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Nobody wanted him. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. 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. 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. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 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. It was not a seamless transition. Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement.