After a disappointing end to their season, Rutgers Basketball is looking for a bounce-back year in the Big 10. Rutgers missed out on the NCAA Tournament after falling to Purdue in the Quarterfinals of the Big 10 Tournament.
After this unfortunate end to the season, Rutgers looks to improve itself and get back to contention in the Big 10 Conference.
What does Rutgers need to improve on or keep for next season?
Is a Bounce-Back Imminent for Rutgers Basketball?
Improvements for Rutgers
Offensive Production
When it comes to offense, it is no secret that Rutgers is not the most efficient offensive team. The Scarlet Knights need to improve their offensive production, especially without Cam Spencer returning to Piscataway, NJ, next year. Rutgers was 189 out of 363 Division I teams in offensive efficiency last season and needs to change.
In terms of offense in their conference, Rutgers was 10th in points per game out of 14 teams in the Big 10 Conference. They were also 12th in overall field goal percentage, so their offensive production and efficiency need to make big strides this upcoming basketball season.
More importantly, they were only 10th in their conference in free throw shooting at 70%. Foul shots are an easy way to generate points. Free-Throws are another area that must improve for Rutgers this season.
Three Point Shooting
Without Cam Spencer, Rutgers really needs to improve their three-point shooting. They were second to last in three-point shooting percentage in the Big 10 at 32.1%. Cam Spencer was a 43.4% perimeter shooter, so the Scarlet Knights have a lot of needed improvement from the three-point line with his absence.
It also is essential because of big man Clifford Omoruyi’s skill set in the paint. Omoruyi is a rim-rolling, active paint player who can score on quick post moves. Therefore, Rutgers must develop three-point shooting success to give more space for their big man to operate.
What Has Worked?
Their Defense
While Rutgers has their offensive problems, they are exceptional on the defensive end of the floor. They were number one in points per game allowed, opponent’s field goal percentage, and three-point shooting percentage defense in the Big 10 this past season.
Now, it will be harder to keep that mark with two-time Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year Caleb McConnell Graduated, but Head Coach Steve Pikiell built Rutgers on strong defensive principles. Therefore, Scarlet Knight fans should be excited about the future of the team from a defensive standpoint. Rutgers has Omoruyi returning, which brings an excellent rim presence defensively for this upcoming season.
Exciting New Additions
While Rutgers loses three key players in McConnell, Spencer, and Paul Mulcahy, the Scarlet Knights have excited new additions for this upcoming season. Gavin Griffiths was the 49th-ranked prospect in the incoming ESPN 100, and Gavin will be coming into Piscataway for his first season. They also bring in Jamichael Davis, another talented First-Year. Additionally, Rutgers picked up some transfers that will make an impact. Noah Fernandes, who averaged 13.4 ppg at Umass last season, and Junior College transfer Emmaunel Ogbole looked to bring some impact to the Rutgers squad.
Their Toughness
Rutgers is one of the toughest teams in the country. While they may struggle on offense and fail to hit perimeter shots consistently, they are always in a game because of their toughness. Pikiell instilled being a physically and mentally tough team. Their grit was evident in their loss to Purdue. They clawed that entire game and held their own against Zach Edey. Rutgers embraces a physical game, and their press, mixed with smart, tenacious half-court defense, makes them a team that is always competitive.
Rutgers basketball is synonymous with grit. While it may not always be pretty, it has led to two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last three years.
Expectations
Regarding expectations for Rutgers, this squad has a lot of optimism. Even though they will be without Spencer, they have a team of experienced and talented players. Also, they have a coach that showed success in his time at Rutgers. Therefore, it would be reasonable to see Rutgers back in the mix next season.
