Rutgers’ Caleb McConnell the Latest to Declare for NBA Draft

Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell is the latest Scarlet Knight to declare for the NBA Draft.

McConnell joins Ron Harper Jr. and Jaden Jones who have already declared their intentions to enter the NBA Draft, which takes place June 23.

McConnell was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the first Rutgers player to receive such a Big Ten honor, and was recognized as a member of the All-Big Ten Defensive Team as selected by the coaches.

"Caleb McConnell has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court," head coach Steve Pikiell said. "I want to congratulate Caleb on what he has given the Rutgers program in his four seasons as a Scarlet Knight. He is an unbelievable person and has one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. He chose Rutgers and has helped our program become what it is today. I have watched him grow from a freshman to an elite defender on any level. I truly believe he is not only the best defender in the Big Ten Conference, but the best defender in the country. I wish Caleb and his family the best in exploring the 2022 NBA Draft process."

McConnell had 60 starts and 114 games played as a Scarlet Knight. McConnell is ninth all time on the RU steals list with 150 steals. He scored 718 points, had 177 assists, 452 rebounds and 33 blocks in his career with RU.

McConnell averaged 7.1 points-per-game, 2.2 steals, 2.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds this season.

McConnell posted to his social media his farewell message to Rutgers basketball.