When Rutgers first joined the Big Ten they were something of a doormat in basketball. Steve Pikiell took the helm in 2016 and made it his mission to change that, even if there were some growing pains. He led the Scarlet Knights to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, breaking a long Tourney drought, and actually finished Top 5 in the Big Ten multiple times. Unfortunately, life has caught up with Rutgers.
These Scarlet Knights have largely disappointed over the last four seasons, starting with their bubble being burst and then wasting two future NBA stars two seasons ago. Last year was another step backwards with a 14-20 finish and 14th place in the Big Ten. This was Pikiell’s worst record during his decade in Piscataway and represents a program that’s struggling and not trending in a great directon.
With that record, there wasn’t a lot to celebrate but this offseason has possibly put the Scarlet Knights on the right track. They’re getting back their one really established scorer from last season and a ton of other familiar faces. Sure, they lost Dylan Grant into the portal alongside a few other names, but Rutgers also went fishing and added some nice talent into the fold.
What exactly we’re saying about these Scarlet Knights remains to be seen, but Pikiell and his staff aren’t just rolling over. It’s an uphill battle to stay competitive in the Big Ten, especially with its expansion to 18 teams, but Rutgers just may have made the moves to get back into the postseason conversation. As we look at these players, it’s fair to wonder if they’ve done enough to get into the NCAA Tournament again.
Projected Starters
Guard – Tariq Francis (Senior)
The established scorer we mentioned earlier, Francis did great work as an underclassman at NJIT before joining the Scarlet Knights last season. The Pittsburgh native excelled in Piscataway, averaging 17.0 points and 2.9 assists while leading the Big Ten in free throw percentage. The dynamic guard was the only double-digit scorers on Rutgers last season and clearly will play a massive role in whatever success comes this season.
Guard – Jamichael Davis (Senior)
It’s now year four for Davis in this system and he’s hoping to lock down a significant role in this starting lineup. This 6-1 guard from Chattanooga started a majority of the games last season, putting up 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His game is still coming together, but he’s a reliable weapon who can play both backcourt spots, though sometimes his presence is more felt on the defensive end.
Guard – RaSheed Jones (Senior)
One of these new transfers entering the mix, Jones continues his eventful collegiate career. He redshirted, then starred at the JUCO level before spending a pair of years as a starting guard for Coastal Carolina, including 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game as a junior. Jones made 37% of his 3-pointers last season and brings new energy and shot-making ability into the backcourt.
Forward – Darren Buchanan Jr. (Senior)
Previously a great scoring forward at George Washington, Buchanan wasn’t quite as potent with the Scarlet Knights after transferring last offseason. His junior year was full of solid moments, averaging 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while earning several starts. However, Rutgers really needs his game to take a step forward both as a scorer and continuing bringing toughness on the defense as well.
Center – Christian Gurdak (Sophomore)
Gurdak might be the most significant offseason addition for the Scarlet Knights, as the West Virginia native takes over at the 5. A 6-10 center, he spent his first college campaign in the ACC, putting up 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds a night at Virginia Tech. Simply put, he takes up space and knows what he’s doing, both with the ball in the post and without the ball on defense and on the boards. He could be a candidate for a massive improvement in his stats as a sophomore.
Key Reserves
Guard – Lino Mark (Sophomore)
A 6-2 guard from Los Angeles, Mark just might be fighting for one of those starting spots in the backcourt this season. He had limited chances early and averaged just 5.9 points per game, but he was averaging double-figures in February and March. The Scarlet Knights loves what this former 4-star recruit can bring on the offensive end alongside his ability as a guard and facilitator, so don’t be surprised if he snatches one of those starting slots.
Guard – Kaden Powers (Sophomore)
He may be from Seattle, but Powers found his way to Rutgers last season and had a decent role as a freshman. He started a handful of games, putting up 6.1 points and 1.5 assists per game in a fluid role in the backcourt. There are reasons to expect big growth from Powers, especially with his potential as an outside shooter and athleticism, giving the Scarlet Knights another future start at the guard.
Forward – Darin Smith Jr. (Junior)
A dynamic scorer and key transfer addition, Smith comes from Central Connecticut where he was putting up some video game numbers in the NEC. After small strides as a freshman, he exploded onto the scene as NEC Player of the Year, contributing 20.7 points and 5.4 rebounds as that league’s top scorer. Smith won’t put up those same numbers but can be a reliable scoring option who can sink outside shots as long as he handles the big transition to Big Ten play.
Forward – Will Sydnor (Junior)
When his college career began two years ago, Sydnor looked like a really solid player. The Bronx native starred at Manhattan, averaging 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds as a starter for the Jaspers. After an eligibility issue kept him off the court last season, he’s transferred to Rutgers hoping to prove he can contribute at a high level, with shot-making talent at the rim and outside the arc.
Center – Dorin Buca (Senior)
A remarkable athlete, Buca is a 7-2 center from Italy who played at Kansas State for his first collegiate experience last year. In limited minutes he averaged 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks and now steps up as Rutgers’ backup at the 5. He’s already 24 years old and has extensive overseas experience, while blossoming into a solid scorer and rim protector in the paint; as you’d expect with that length.
Guard – Diego Garavaglia (Freshman)
Another intriguing offseason addition, Garavaglia is a 6-7 wing from Italy who may just fight for key minutes from the jump. He’s not necessarily going to blow you away with his shooting or rebounding but he really brings the energy on defense, with great athleticism and even some nice shot blocking potential.
Schedule Outlook
Rutgers isn’t exactly expected to be world beaters this season and have a relatively simple nonconference schedule as a result. The first three games are against mid-major foes at home in Piscataway before heading west for the Players Era Festival. A major challenge, the Scarlet Knights first see Houston then have two more games against really strong opposition, giving this lineup a major test early.
Their first taste of Big Ten play features a December 1st trip to Indiana, but the rest of the month sees them staying at home. That includes hosting defending champion Michigan before a few more nonconference battles. They’ll welcome local rival Seton Hall to town as part of the Garden State Hardwood Classic on December 12th before three more buy games takes them into Big Ten play in earnest.
The Scarlet Knights start things off with their first of two looks at Purdue while January also includes the western trip to Oregon and Washington. After hosting Purdue on February 3rd, they’ll play the Empire Classic against Syracuse on the 6th before diving into their hardest stretch of the year. Challenging road games at Michigan State, Nebraska, and Ohio State and a home game with Illinois for Senior Night dot a tough last few weeks in Big Ten play.
Season Outlook
The Scarlet Knights were a disappointment last season and didn’t exactly make offseason moves that jump out in this competitive Big Ten. That’s not to say that Pikiell and company failed this offseason. Perhaps Rutgers made the right moves and could be a surprise team in this league, while the expanded NCAA Tournament makes it a little easier for them to sneak back into contention.
First and foremost, having Francis back in the fold is important after the role he carved out for himself last season. The hope is that there’s more action around him this season, especially with some of these rising faces in the backcourt. Mark could be the underrated star the Scarlet Knights really need based on how last season ended while we can’t ignore the experience that Davis and Jones bring into the equation as well.
If there’s going to be another double-digit scorer it could very well be Gurdak, though his biggest impact comes from just making things happen in the paint. The Scarlet Knights added great size in Buca as the backup center, but let’s not ignore the rest of the rotation. Smith is a bona fide scorer who should see key minutes and be a vital piece off the bench, while Buchanan is hoping that everything clicks in his senior year.
At the surface level, there’s a lot to like about the individual pieces but it’s all about how it all clicks together. The other obvious concern is how Rutgers handles life against some of these Big Ten teams with significantly more talented rosters helmed by programs with more resources. Pikiell excelled before NIL but does Rutgers have what it takes to hang with the top dogs in this age of college basketball?
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