Of course, he was ultimately named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. A return to Rutgers would be big for the program as head coach Steve Pikiell is looking to retool after losing Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., both of whom were instrumental in the programs resurgence. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. 16 Buckeyes, Played in 20 games (eight starts), averaging 5.7 points and career-best 4.3 rebounds with career-high 29 steals, Did not make season debut until Jan. 2 against No. I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. 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. Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. My teammates really helped me find my spots by sharing the game., Added Pikiell: Real pleased with what he gave us hes been playing well for us in the absence of Paul and Caleb.. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. I think hes the best and the most versatile defender in the league, Pikiell said. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. It will eventually come off. Mulcahy remains sidelined indefinitely by left shoulder injury; Pikiell said he's been cleared to practice but not for contact. Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . Neither do we. We miss having you out there. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. I couldnt imagine not having graduated high school and youve already had to adjust a couple of times, missing your family because of something you wanted so bad, something that you believed in so bad for yourself. The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with the Scarlet Knights. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Feb 20, 2023. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. McConnell, who led the conference with 70 steals last season, decided for one last ride with his beloved Scarlet Knights after working out with several NBA teams this offseason. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. The kids a dog.. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Assisted by Caleb McConnell. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. 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. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. That aspect of the game has been a mainstay and strength during the Pikiell era as McConnell has personified the type of player that has developed and excelled under the head coach's direction. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. Hes just tough. 0:05. McConnells return comes at a crucial juncture for Rutgers (5-1), which enters the schedules biggest gauntlet: at Miami Wednesday, followed by Big Ten favorite Indiana at home, at Ohio State, and then home games against rival Seton Hall and Wake Forest. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! Man, it felt good," McConnell said. Written off, lost and bewildered. Every bit of it., After notching his first double-double of the season against Clemson, Caleb McConnell had the honor of slapping Rutgers into the next round of the NCAA Tournament on a big bracket at Bankers Life: pic.twitter.com/d6hzq4n3GY. 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. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 Simpson, a point guard out of Lenape High School, finished with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting Saturday and brought the crowd to its feet with a thunderous breakaway dunk. And just like that, it became McConnells mantra, too, something he repeated over and over to himself in tough moments on and off the court. "Ive been out these last six weeks and had just three or four practices. bCk7CiAgfSkoKTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+Cgo8bm9zY3JpcHQ+CiAgPGltZyBzcmM9 We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. He scored just 4 points, but had 4 rebounds, 4 steals and the all-important blocked shot. He did that every day. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH Rutgers' Geo Baker, left, Ron Harper Jr., middle, and Caleb McConnell walk off the court after the team's loss to Notre Dame in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament . There are no statistics available for this player. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve his game. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. 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. 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. We cant do it without you. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. Thank you to all the coaches and staff for supporting me and helping me evolve into the player and person that I am today. Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. Just as Rutgers was being read its last rites on the game in what really was a must win to maintain hope for a repeat trip to the NCAA Tournament, McConnell, like the team, came back from the dead to save the day. Thank you to my family for making me the man I am today and supporting me through every up and down. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m McConnell announced the decision to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft on March 28th with a post on Instagram that read as follows: These last four years were amazing! Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl 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 . Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. 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 . 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.. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. I always think in my head, Im unbreakable. I can overcome all those things. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. There were many big plays, including Geo Bakers clutch drive with the game on the line to draw the foul and knock down the pair of free throws. 22 on the court for the first time this season. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . McConnell was a great locker room presence, able to flip a switch from the relentless player he was on the court to a unifying force off of it. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Battles game-winning shot capped a 15-4 run in the final 1:15 for Minnesotas only lead of the game. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. The kid just was relentless, he recalled. Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 When he reached eighth grade, his parents decided that a permanent move to Dayton to be with his father would be the best path toward a future in basketball. "It was a tough six weeks for me. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/02/caleb-mcconnell-is-a-semifinalist-for-naismith-mens-defensive-player-of-the-year/, Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year. Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT 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. Rutgers Wrestling Prepares for Big Ten Conference Tournament this Weekend. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. 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. My Rutgers family helped me grow from a unrefined freshman to the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and I thank you all for that from the bottom of my heart!. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg 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. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. All rights reserved (About Us). Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. Neither took the court Friday for the Scarlet Knights' first test . d2luZG93Ll9kaWRBc3luY0luamVjdEdvb2dsZVRhZ01hbmFnZXIpIHJldHVy It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. That has made Rutgers a tough matchup regardless of the opponent. Everyone who follows Rutgers basketball knows that, and you could feel the appreciation in the stands Saturday. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. Golden Gophers forward Jameson Battle hit a game-winning buzzer-beater as the horn sounded to give Minnesota the 75-74 victory. I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. 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. 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. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. 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. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. 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. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. Find doctors, specialized in Cosmetology and compare prices, costs and reviews. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. Senior Caleb McConnell was the first Rutgers player since Hamady N'Diaye to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. 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. When Spire Academy, an elite sports performance training and education program in Geneva, Ohio, offered McConnell a chance to transfer there for his senior season, it meant living on his own for the first time 200 miles from his dad and 900 miles from his mom. Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. 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. And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. 16 Ohio State. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! 28,939. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. What would they talk about? Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Still, McConnells basketball future was cloudy as the end of his senior season approached. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. 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 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. He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoogeorgia foraging laws. He adjusted the brace a few times, short-ironed a couple of shots, but did a lot of the dirty-work as usual deflecting balls, altering shots, setting screens, making the extra pass. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. They have a 4-3 record against Quad 1 opponents and have won back to back games against ranked foes for the first time since 2008. AP. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. #1. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 1,244 following. The freshman had 19 points in the game and was a problem for the Scarlet Knights all night. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. 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. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. 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. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . Caleb McConnell was fouled . The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Was the new setting going to make things weird? . Wearing a heavy brace on his leg, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year came off the bench and logged 25 minutes during the Scarlet Knights 83-49 victory over Central Connecticut State. North Brunswick, New Jersey. You saw the energy he brings," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. The kids fearless, man. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD 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. Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci. Right now its there for some stability.. So how did McConnell look? 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. However, it was Caleb McConnells block after coming out of seemingly nowhere that is ultimately the play that will be most remembered in this victory. Men's Basketball Hes going to go out and play.. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. That roar became an eruption a minute later, when McConnell converted his first touch into a bucket an eight-foot running floater from the baseline. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . 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. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. . It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. 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.