Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21 season

For as good of a season as Rutgers had last year, the Scarlet Knights appear set for an even bigger breakout season in 2020-21. Almost all of their key pieces are back for another go around and, following the addition of top-50 center Cliff Omoruyi, they are a legitimate dark horse threat to win the conference.

Stars Jacob Young and Geo Baker return in the backcourt, as does the versatile Ron Harper Jr. in the frontcourt. Omoruyi and Myles Johnson should form one of the best defensive front lines in the country, too, giving Rutgers a really potent five-man lineup.

It will be tough to replace the contributions and leadership of Akwasi Yeboah, but he and forward Shaq Carter are the only rotation players the Scarlet Knights are losing. Omoruyi is likely an upgrade over Carter, too. Assuming reasonable natural development from another year of experience, Rutgers has a starting lineup and the depth to compete with anyone. They’ll be one of the nation’s elite defensive teams again (Omoruyi will only make them better) and should be improved offensively with a year of familiarity playing together.

However, there are still two big questions this group has to answer. First, they absolutely must improve on the road. They famously won just two games away from Piscataway last season and, while it’s great to have the advantage they do at The RAC, they won’t take a step forward unless they can maintain a high level of play on the road.

Secondly, for the first time in forever, Rutgers is going to have expectations. We’ve seen that swallow countless teams in the past. Handling those expectations will be just as key as anything else.

If they are able to accomplish that, Rutgers has the talent, experience, and depth to be ranked all season long and seriously compete for a conference championship.