Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

Rutgers lost two of the most important players in program history during the offseason. While it may be challenging to replicate recent success, count out Steve Pikiell’s team at your own risk.

The losses of Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker are substantial. Pikiell has been building this program in Piscataway for years, but those are the two that really got Rutgers over the hump and back into the NCAA Tournament. Their impact on the program will never be forgotten.

The cupboards aren’t empty, though. Anybody who thinks they are have not been paying attention to the talent coming into the program.

It starts inside with junior big man Cliff Omoruyi. After struggling through injuries as a freshman, one of Rutgers’ most highly-touted recruits ever came into his own last season, becoming one of the country’s best dunk finishers. He ranked top 20 in a number of defense categories in the conference and should be ferocious on that end as well.

And yet, he won’t even be the best defender on the team. That title belongs to reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Caleb McConnell, who waited until the last minute before deciding to use his final year of eligibility. His defensive dominance is unparalleled, so he should work on his offense a bit during the summer.

Then, there’s Paul Mulcahy. He’s never been much of a scorer, but he’s the engine that drives the Scarlet Knights on both ends of the court, an unofficial leader in hustle plays in the Big Ten. With him running the offense, Rutgers is in good hands.

There’s plenty of veteran experience returning to the roster. Aundre Hyatt, Mawot Mag, and Dean Reiber are among those back with the squad.

This will be a different kind of season for Rutgers, but it’s too soon to say it will be a significant step back from recent years. Pikiell has earned the benefit of the doubt with his work so far.