Rutgers Men’s Basketball Looks for Third Straight Trip to NCAA’s

As the dawn of a new men's basketball season is slowly coming into the picture, Rutgers Head Coach Steve Pikiell and his club enter the 2022-23 season with higher goals and even higher expectations. That is what happens when a team as talented as the Scarlet Knights comes off of back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament. Two seasons ago Rutgers won in the Round of 64 against Clemson, and took Houston to the brink the Round of 32.

Last year, Rutgers went down the wire against Notre Dame in the First Four -- a game RU lost 89-87 in double over time. Now can they do it again, and perhaps win even more games in the tournament?

"It's a grind, but it's an exciting grind in a league like this. I'm just thankful we got a lot of support back at home," Pikell told reporters at Big Ten Media Day in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Returning to the floor this season are three standouts from last year's squad: Caleb McConnell the Defensive Player of the Year, Paul Mulcahy and Clifford Omoruyi.

"We have a really nice blend of veteran players and of rookies and new talent. We have one player from the transfer portal. We did not lose a player in the transfer portal, so I'm proud of that. I'm excited about returning 64% of our minutes from last year. I really believe that we have a chance to be really, really good in what is the best league in the country, and even going to get better moving forward.

"I have three representatives here today. I couldn't be more proud. Paul has only played in NCAA tournaments since he arrived. He'll be our point guard. He led the league in assists last year.

"Caleb McConnell returns. He's the Defensive Player of the Year. I think he has a chance to be the national Defensive Player of the Year.

"And Cliff, on his birthday today, real proud of him and his development. He's one of the best dunkers in the country, but he's a better person and basketball player. He keeps improving every day. I think he's going to have a special year for us.

"The three of 'em, great students, great representatives of our university. Paul graduated. Caleb, too. Cliff is on his way. So real proud of those three guys and the guys that are back home watching. I know they're working hard getting ready for what's going to be an exciting season in the most exciting arena, Jersey Mike's. We expect a sellout every game this year. We're excited about the environment those guys have helped create at our university."

Rutgers was recently ranked 19th in the coaches preseason poll. They open the season November 7 against Colombia at Jersey Mike's.