Big Ten Basketball: 2024 offseason grades for each team

Rutgers Scarlet Knights - Grade: B+

The Knights lost a lot of talent this offseason, with the top five scorers either ran out of eligibility or entering the portal. That included guards Gavin Griffiths and Derek Simpson, along with standout defensive center, Clifford Omoruyi. The lone key returning player is Jeremiah Williams, who led the team in scoring in the final two months of the season once he was declared eligible.

Ultimately, what mattered most was that Rutgers kept its historic recruiting class together. It’s the No. 3 overall group, led by top-5 overall incoming freshmen prospects, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. If nothing else, the Knights will be one of the most compelling teams to watch in Big Ten Basketball.

The team also has a strong incoming recruiting class, led by 21 ppg scoring transfer, Tyson Acuff. He’s currently hurt but Rutgers also has NEC Player of the Year wing Jordan Derkack, Princeton stretch forward Zach Martin, and PJ Hayes, a veteran guard from San Diego.

What prevents Rutgers from getting an “A” grade is that they never were able to replace Omoruyi at center. They’ll likely have to play small-ball or a freshman at center, which could come back to haunt them, regardless of how good the guard depth is.