Rutgers Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Scarlet Knights
Season overview
Calling the 2019-20 season a transitional year for Rutgers feels unfair for multiple reasons. For one, the players are obviously trying to win. Besides, it will feel more like a transition if a major star left (Omoruyi doesn’t quite fit the bill) or if there was a coaching change.
But Rutgers should begin the transition this year from Big Ten afterthought to serious conference factor.
The Scarlet Knights are probably not about to go .500 in conference play, even if they manage to dominate their non-conference opponents. Therefore, they shouldn’t expect to make the NCAA Tournament. A trip to one of the secondary postseason tournaments is possible, though; if that happens, it’ll be their first postseason tournament trip since 2006.
The core of this roster is mostly young. Baker will still have a year of eligibility after the 2019-20 season. Johnson, McConnell, Mathis, and Harper will have two years left. That’s the kind of core a coach should be able to build around going forward.
Rutgers should be able to escape the basement of the Big Ten this year. Nebraska has little to work with in Fred Hoiberg’s first year. Northwestern and Minnesota have lost a lot. Penn State and Indiana are among those with major questions.
Underrated Big Ten players for 2019-20. dark. Next
If the Rutgers Scarlet Knights can take advantage of their opportunities, a rare trip to the postseason may be in their future.