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

Season Outlook

This promises to be a season unlike any other in Rutgers history. Even if the results don't come the way fans hope, the fact that the Scarlet Knights are going to regularly draw national attention is unprecedented. It's not just because of star freshmen, either; Pikiell built the infrastructure that led to this moment.

There were signs of growing pains in the Red Storm exhibition, but there were also signs of what could come. Bailey and Harper both look like the real deal. If they can stay healthy, there's no reason they can't be not only the top freshman duo in the nation, but maybe the top duo, period.

Beyond them, it will be up to the rest of the Scarlet Knights to fill the gaps. There's definitely a big question at the center position and rim protection in general. That will be something the team needs to stop from being exploited.

Having all of the veteran experience on the bench and in the rotation will be great for Pikiell's team. They'll know the roles they need to fill while being able to guide Bailey and Harper through the twists and turns of a college basketball season.

An NCAA Tournament trip is the bare minimum expectation for this Rutgers squad, but more seems possible. Rutgers hasn't been to the second weekend of the Big Dance since 1979. Doing so this season is realistic.