Rutgers Basketball: 2021-22 season preview for Scarlet Knights

Key reserves

G Caleb McConnell, Senior

Caleb McConnell can be a super-sub for the Rutgers, better suited at guard but tall enough to play small forward and even power forward in an emergency. He didn’t play last season until January due to a back injury and averaged 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game over 20 games, including eight starts. He also posted a double-double off the bench during the NCAA Tournament win over Clemson. McConnell should almost always be the first player to sub in for the Scarlet Knights.

G/F Jaden Jones, Freshman

Jaden Jones joined the Scarlet Knights as a mid-year enrollee last year and played in four games total. He was at one time a Top 100 prospect on 247 Sports and was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game. With any luck, he’ll develop into a true scoring guard off the bench for Rutgers.

F Oskar Palmquist, Sophomore

Oskar Palmquist chose Rutgers over the likes of Florida and Vanderbilt – perhaps his sophomore season will validate that decision with more playing time. Palmquist didn’t get much run as a redshirt freshman, playing in just 12 games and scoring just two buckets, both three-pointers. The Swede should be pressed into more action this season.

F Mawot Mag, Sophomore

Mawot Mag is another international expat that could show his worth with some more playing time. In 12 games last season, Mag averaged 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. The former three-star prospect from Australia will be thrust into a larger role this year.

F Ralph Agee, Grad Transfer

Ralph Agee comes to Rutgers via San Jose State, where he has been an erstwhile starter for the past two seasons. In 51 games with the Spartans, Agee averaged 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Last season, that looked like 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him alternate with Hyatt in the starting lineup.