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Rutgers Basketball: 2021-22 season preview for Scarlet Knights

By Holden Walter-Warner

Mar 2, 2019; Iowa City, IA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Ron Harper Jr. (24) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Luka Garza (55) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2019; Iowa City, IA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Ron Harper Jr. (24) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Luka Garza (55) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rutgers Basketball Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Rutgers Basketball Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

Projected starting lineup

PG: Paul Mulcahy, Junior

Paul Mulcahy is not the flashiest player by any stretch, but he’s beloved for never being afraid to do the dirty work. Last season, he started 75 percent of the team’s games, averaging 5.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He’s never going to put up big numbers, but his hard-nosed style of play is integral to what Pikiell wants to run, so he’s sure to get minutes regardless of his box score contributions.

SG: Geo Baker, Fifth-Year Senior

Geo Baker has helped to transform the program. He has also been a vocal advocate for NIL rights for athletes, something he can now take advantage of as a fifth-year senior. While his impact off-the-court is vital for his colleagues, Rutgers fans will hope he can have another strong season on the court. Last year’s team captain took a slight step back to allow his teammates to thrive, averaging 10.4 points and 3.3 assists per game. Baker ranks in the top ten in school history in assists (5th), three-pointers (7th), and steals (8th).

SF: Ron Harper Jr., Senior

Ron Harper Jr. emerged as a star at the beginning of last season before fading a bit down the stretch. This season, the Scarlet Knights will go as far as Harper can take them. He averaged 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting 44.1 percent from the field. Rutgers is being overlooked nationally in the preseason, but Harper’s ability to recapture some of last season’s early magic can take the team far.

PF: Aundre Hyatt, Sophomore

The only newcomer expected to crack the starting lineup, Aundre Hyatt comes via the Bronx by way of LSU. The former four-star recruit started 15 games for the Tigers last season, averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. His best game was the NCAA Tournament win over St. Bonaventure when Hyatt dropped 13 points and 10 rebounds, his only double-digit scoring game of the season. Rutgers hopes that performance can serve as a springboard for bigger contributions in 2021-22.

C: Cliff Omoruyi, Sophomore

The biggest contender to take a step forward this season, Cliff Omoruyi is faced with high expectations. He’s one of the best recruits in school history and became the first Scarlet Knight to record a double-double in his debut in 12 years. He averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, struggling through injury woes. It should be no surprise to see him begin to approach near double-double territory on a nightly basis as he replaces Myles Johnson’s production on the court.

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