Rutgers Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Scarlet Knights

Key Reserves

Guard - Jordan Derkack (Junior)

While somewhat unheralded nationally, Jordan Derkack is essential to what Rutgers wants to do. The New Jersey native comes over from Merrimack, where he earned both NEC Player of the Year and NEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Derkack is confident enough to take on the biggest assignments on the defensive end while providing buckets going downhill on offense.

Guard - Tyson Acuff (Senior)

Another transfer guard, Tyson Acuff comes over to Rutgers by way of Eastern Michigan, where he was the MAC's leading scorer last season with 21.7 points per game, despite hitting less than 30 percent of his three-point attempts. He broke his foot during summer workouts, putting his Scarlet Knights tenure in immediate jeopardy, but he did briefly play in the exhibition against St. John's this month.

Guard - P.J. Hayes (Senior)

PJ Hayes IV transferred from San Diego and should be a lethal sharpshooter coming off the bench. His quick release helped him reach 73 made three-pointers last season, leading the Toreros at 39.7 percent efficiency. He averaged 10.5 points per game as a starter in the WCC last year.

Forward - Zach Martini (Senior)

Another transfer - there's a ton of them - Zach Martini didn't have to move too far, coming over from Princeton. The big man averaged 8.4 points per game for the Tigers last year and has a winning pedigree, playing a role in Princeton's recent run to the Sweet Sixteen. He's a team captain and should be a veteran leader for the squad.

Center - Lathan Sommerville (Freshman)

The transfer from ... oh, he's actually a freshman. The 6-foot-10 Lathan Sommerville would have received more hype were it not for the presences of Bailey and Harper. He's a good recruit in his own right, especially by Rutgers' historic standards, ranking in the Top 100 of ESPN's class list. He could be a significant contributor off the bench sooner rather than later.