Rutgers’ Caleb McConnell Named Defensive Player of the Year
It is now official, Rutgers men’s basketball guard Caleb McConnell is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for 2022. He becomes the first ever member of the Scarlet Knights to ever be bestowed the honor. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is voted on by the coaches in the Big Ten Conference.
In a press release issued by Rutgers Athletics, Head Coach Steve Pikiell said in a statement: “In my 30-plus years of coaching, I have coached a lot of great defenders and I can truly say Caleb McConnell is a one-of-a-kind defensive player, who can guard all five spots. I want to congratulate Caleb on this prestigious award. I truly believe he is not only the best defender in the Big Ten Conference, but the best defender in the country.”
HISTORY for Rutgers and Caleb McConnell.@caleb_mcco has been named the 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) March 8, 2022
McConnell was also recognized as the All-Big Ten Defensive Team as selected by the coaches. That team comprises of Trent Frazier of Illinois, Trayce Jackson-Davis of Indiana, E.J. Liddell of Ohio State, Eric Hunter Jr. of Purdue and McConnell.
McConnell has been a standout performer for Pikiell’s Scarlet Knights all season. He leads the Big Ten in steals with 67, which is tied for seventh in the nation. He also leads the conference in steals in conference games with 43.
Perhaps the biggest play of McConnell’s season that demonstrates his defensive prowess came February 9 when he chased down Ohio State’s Malaki Branham, and swatted the ball away as Branham was trying to go up for a layup. Instead the block powered Rutgers to a 10-0 run and a thrilling 66-64 victory.
Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco 🤯
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 10, 2022
cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci
McConnell had a legendary streak of four games of over four-plus steals to key wins over 13th ranked Michigan State (four), 16th ranked Ohio State (four), 13th ranked Wisconsin (six), and 12th ranked Illinois (four).
His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03.
McConnell is also a semifinalist for the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award, to be announced April 3.
NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 12: Myles Cale #22 of the Seton Hall Pirates drives to the basket as Caleb McConnell #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends during the second half of a game at Prudential Center on December 12, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. Seton Hall defeated Rutgers 77-63. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 05: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans looses the ball as Caleb McConnell #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights knocks it away with the help of teammate Paul Mulcahy #4 during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 5, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – JANUARY 04: Eli Brooks #55 of the Michigan Wolverines attempts a shot as Caleb McConnell #22 and Clifford Omoruyi #11 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defend during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on January 4, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
