It was not a seamless transition. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. 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. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. IHZlcnNpb24gb2YgY3MuanMgc28gd2UgYWx3YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3Qg He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. 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. 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. Aaron Breitman. Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Was the new setting going to make things weird? Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. Kaleb Johnson leaving Rutgers football to join the Florida Gators in the SEC, Antwann Hill Jr. discusses Rutgers football offer and where things stand with Ohio State, Rutgers basketball dominates and somehow loses at Minnesota, CBS Sports Jerry Palm has Rutgers basketball in the First Four. I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. MARCH. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. 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. Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. Count them out at your own risk. pic . Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement. Still, McConnells basketball future was cloudy as the end of his senior season approached. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. 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. 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. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. There are no statistics available for this player. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. 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. 0:49. Men's Basketball He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. 71 posts. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. AP. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 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. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. So how did McConnell look? X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). 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. Jun 01 Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. 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. 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. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . Rutgers Wrestling Prepares for Big Ten Conference Tournament this Weekend. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. Nobody wanted him. That label of this soft, skinny kid, I think it pissed him off, quite frankly.. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv 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. I got to play for my brothers.. Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. 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). Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm 0:05. He also drew a charge and dished out a point guard-quality assist. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. Baker scored the final five points for Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights built an 11-point lead and nearly gave it all away. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. The kids fearless, man. 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. The Scarlet Knights are now 14-9 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. 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. Of course, he hustled. 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). Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh 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. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. Hes not soft. 8/10 Indiana, Earned All-Met Player of the Week (Dec. 6), Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, First Rutgers player to win conference Defensive Player of the Year award since Hamady Ndiaye in 2009-10, Also named Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and to Big Ten All-Defensive Team. 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 . 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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. 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. 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. A mistake. 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. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. 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. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. 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. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. 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. Rutgers men's basketball's fifth-year captain Caleb McConnell has been named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist, consisting of 10 of the top defenders in the country. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. He always wanted to get better.. 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. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. 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. And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. We cant do it without you. I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. Follow. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl Thanks for contacting us. You saw the energy he brings," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. 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. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . Not too bad. Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. He scored just 4 points, but had 4 rebounds, 4 steals and the all-important blocked shot. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. Thank you to all the coaches and staff for supporting me and helping me evolve into the player and person that I am today. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. Dont be surprised of the Blue Devils (0-7) remain on Rutgers schedule going forward. Battle made three 3s and Dawson Garcia scored four points during the stretch. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. I think hes the best and the most versatile defender in the league, Pikiell said. 70413 lego - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. 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. We miss having you out there. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. 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. Kristian Dyer. 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. Play By Play - 1st Half; Time Remaining RU Away Team Score Play Team Indicator Home Team Score PSU Game Score Team Indicator Play; 19:36: TURNOVER by MCCONNELL,CALEB 16 Ohio State. I have seen the students and the fans at Jersey Mikes Arena create what is now the best home court advantage in all of college basketball. Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. 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. 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. Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. Hes just tough. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 22 on the court for the first time this season. photo: Creative Commons / Gage Skidmore https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2./deed.en. 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. 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 . From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports MINNEAPOLIS (AP)Jamison Battle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished with 20 points as Minnesota beat Rutgers 75-74 on Thursday night to snap a 12-game losing streak. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. 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. . (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). 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. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. Im with this kid every day. . Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. On Thursday, Caleb McConnell was one of 15 players named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. 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. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . 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. 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. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. 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. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. 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. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. 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.. 16 Ohio State (four), No. 5 takeaways as the standout guard returned from a knee injury Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. Written off, lost and bewildered. It was a four point swing that swung the game in Rutgers favor. From top to bottom I think were good," McConnell said when asked to compare it to last year's NCAA qualifier. 12 Illinois (four). 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.

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