Rutgers Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Scarlet Knights

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meets with Geo Baker #0 in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 23, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Rutgers Basketball Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images /

Schedule Outlook

Like every other Big Ten team, the schedule for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is in complete flux, despite the expected start date of the season being less than a month away.

When schedules were first coming out, Rutgers was set to host Holy Cross, Merrimack, Central Connecticut State, and Miami-Ohio. They would also play their annual game against Seton Hall, travel to play UMass, and even get a shot at preseason top team Baylor at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not clear if any of those days will be played. In fact, the Asbury Park Press reports the Seton Hall game is in serious trouble, disappointing for Rutgers fans who used last year’s 20-point win as an emotional springboard for the season.

The only confirmed non-conference game on the schedule is a home date against Syracuse for the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Syracuse is a consistent contender, but they’re expected to have a down year, making this a very winnable non-conference game for Rutgers.

Baylor’s schedule release earlier in the week states they will still be playing in the Jimmy V Classic, but their opponent for the event is now to be determined. Rutgers has chosen to opt out of the tournament, taking away an opportunity at a major non-conference win (or even a significant loss).

Additionally, Rutgers is still playing in the Big Ten, which will make up a majority of their schedule and challenge them to go above .500 again and try to finish in the top five of the conference.

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