His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. . As he waited in the prison, Caleb McConnell didnt know what to expect. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. Hes not soft. So how did McConnell look? The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. 11.3k Followers, 1,244 Following, 71 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caleb McConnell (@calebmcco) calebmcco. With latest Big Ten loss, Rutgers basketball continues KenPom slide, Elijah King, a three-star edge, opens up on Rutgers football offer and his spring visit to Ohio State, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. And yet, just like this team over the past month, McConnell fought back in the play and came through in the end. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi blocked Brice Sensbaugh's shot with nine seconds left, and the Scarlet Knights led by three with seven seconds to go. He was by no means a flashy recruit and was the third-highest recruit out of 4 in Rutgers' 2018 class.. Now, McConnell has recently been crowned the Big . All the things Ive been through and all the things Ive overcome, then you throw basketball in there and all the things I dealt with in my college career, I never folded, I never gave up on myself, McConnell said. "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. Hes going to go out and play.. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. McConnell was the star of the historic win, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and playing his trademark defense. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers defeats Michigan State, 84-63. d2luZG93Ll9kaWRBc3luY0luamVjdEdvb2dsZVRhZ01hbmFnZXIpIHJldHVy Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. As this team proved once again highlighted by the block from the rafters by Caleb McConnell, Rutgers is very much alive as the calendar turns to mid-February. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. Of course, he hustled. Rutgers (18-12 overall, 10-9 Big Ten) led this game through 39 minutes and 59.9 seconds, until Jamison Battle's 3-pointer fell through the net as the buzzer sounded. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. Hes fearless.. How do you survive in here? McConnell asked. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. 16 Ohio State. Rutgers targeted by Penn State fans' vulgar, racist language during comeback win Unfortunately, in the article, Nj.com writes about the BYU-Duke volleyball game: "[R]acial slurs and threats were directed at a Black player on Duke's team during a match in Utah on Aug. 26." The BYU investigation revealed these slurs and threats did not occur. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. Was the new setting going to make things weird? Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. McConnell played his entire senior season with a sports hernia and a painful hip injury, and it took a broken foot to get McConnell off of the court for good. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. 113. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . McConnell told him about his budding basketball career and his cousin described life on the inside: the lack of freedom, the danger of being housed with violent criminals, the feeling of separation from the world and everything hes known. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports However, it was Caleb McConnells block after coming out of seemingly nowhere that is ultimately the play that will be most remembered in this victory. Thanks for contacting us. pic . Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. January 22, 2023 7:47 pm ET. Minnesota won 75-74. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. McConnell made the 15-minute walk from his moms Jacksonville apartment to the courts and he spent hours in pickup games, a majority of which against grown men. Players didnt call fouls because there were none allowed. All rights reserved (About Us). I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. After being spurned by just about every Big Ten school, McConnell is now a key member of Rutgers basketball renaissance who, with eight games remaining in his senior season, is a top candidate for the conferences Defender of the Year award. Credit Solution Experts Incorporated offers quality business credit building services, which includes an easy step-by-step system designed for helping clients build their business credit effortlessly. He battled through countless injuries and college coaches who doubted him a skinny high school player many believed was too soft for high-major hoops. Scored in double-figures four times in a five-game span (Clemson, Purdue, Seton Hall, Maine), 16 points versus Clemson was new career-high, Also set career-highs in rebounds (12, Seton Hall), assists (9, UMass) and steals (6, UMass), Had four steals in each of wins over No. California's agriculture industry leans into big tech as farming expenses soar, Gunfire at SW Miami-Dade apartment complex, HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Nantucket boys basketball come up short in MIAA tourney. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j Men's Basketball Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with the Scarlet Knights. After watching his son dominate players his age in one-on-one games, Bryant McConnell paid older kids to go all out against his son on the court. He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo "I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. He came into Rutgers as part of the 2018 recruiting class with Harper Jr., who already hired an agent and will not return to use his final year of college eligibility at Rutgers. Theyve been down and out more times than I can count. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. Kristian Dyer. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. I think hes the best and the most versatile defender in the league, Pikiell said. The senior guard came through on the defensive end to save the game for Rutgers in the upset of No. 19). "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. Thats another thing he had to be strong for, his mother said. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. Play By Play - 1st Half; Time Remaining RU Away Team Score Play Team Indicator Home Team Score PSU Game Score Team Indicator Play; 19:36: TURNOVER by MCCONNELL,CALEB Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. They have a 4-3 record against Quad 1 opponents and have won back to back games against ranked foes for the first time since 2008. It will eventually come off. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. The Buckeyes still led 64-60 with 2:33 to play when they threw the deep pass from their own baseline coming out of a timeout to find Malaki Branham wide open just past midcourt. PISCATAWAY A huge cheer arose from the 5,000 denizens of Jersey Mikes Arena five minutes into Saturdays game, when Caleb McConnell rose from the bench and checked in at the scorers table. Ive got to yank him out of the gym. Gambling problem? bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy Up 10 points on the Big Ten's last-place team with 1:15 remaining, with a third straight NCAA Tournament berth nearly locked up, the Scarlet Knights suffered an epic . However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. McConnell, teary-eyed and frustrated when he lost, often talked about quitting, but his dad would not let him. IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. Please check your email for a confirmation. His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. "We've been trying to let these guys know we need more from them with me and Paul out, and theyve been bringing it," McConnell said. One phrase can describe senior guard Caleb McConnell's four-year career as a member of the Scarlet Knights (18-12, 12-8): tough as nails.. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. That is the furthest thing from his mind. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . Neither do we. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. McConnell was a great locker room presence, able to flip a switch from the relentless player he was on the court to a unifying force off of it. In a vintage sequence, he tracked down a loose ball under Central Connecticuts hoop and fed an Omoruyi dunk with a behind-the-back pass. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go Yes, Rutgers basketball fans fully grasped the importance of seeing No. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are walking in the ceremony guard Paul Mulcahy, forwards Oskar Palmquist and Aundre Hyatt all have at least one year of eligibility remaining, and thus have the option to return to Rutgers next winter. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. Simpson, a point guard out of Lenape High School, finished with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting Saturday and brought the crowd to its feet with a thunderous breakaway dunk. Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. Im proud as hell of what hes accomplished, but I cant say Im surprised, Briski said. Odds & lines subject to change. He also added 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. Just as Rutgers was being read its last rites on the game in what really was a must win to maintain hope for a repeat trip to the NCAA Tournament, McConnell, like the team, came back from the dead to save the day. Aaron Breitman. There were the attributes obvious to everyone some sharp shooting, an ability to drive to the rim, dynamic playmaking, a willingness to pass the ball but Briski was impressed by something else. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. Then, you factor in his rebounds and his assists, he does a lot of things for us that equate to winning. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl A return to Rutgers would be big for the program as head coach Steve Pikiell is looking to retool after losing Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., both of whom were instrumental in the programs resurgence. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. It was his second consecutive game with 4 steals and McConnell is doing everything possible to boost his candidacy for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year or worst case the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. Tip time is 7:15 p.m. Im looking forward to these next couple of games because I know the competition is going to get better," he said. Baker was sensational. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . Whenever were in the huddle, hes always saying, Ill guard him. Theres a great feeling as a coach knowing that someone wants to accept the challenge of stopping the best player.. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. 5 takeaways as the standout guard returned from a knee injury Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell grimaces after colliding with a Minnesota player during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Minneapolis. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. As expected, rusty. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. He always wanted to get better.. 10 Iowa as he recovered from a back injury, Scored 12 points with 3 assists and four rebounds versus Ohio State (Jan. 9), Posted season-highs with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in win over Minnesota (Feb. 4). The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. Commanded his way off the bench with a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds) in win against Clemson in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament (Mar. Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell's availability for the start of the 2022-23 season is unclear as he works his way back from the knee injury he sustained in practice earlier this month, head . McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl He returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . Verified. PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is closer to receiving national recognition in 2023. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Are Democrats excited about another Biden run? He was previously selected to the watchlist last month. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. He was finally healthy heading into his junior season, but a month and a half before he was scheduled to return to school, a freak accident in a pickup game left him with two slipped disks in his back. 11.3K followers. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. You cant replace 114 games of college experience and the intangibles he brings in terms of leadership and basketball IQ. There were many big plays, including Geo Bakers clutch drive with the game on the line to draw the foul and knock down the pair of free throws. Starter at guard in 21 of 31 games played, averaging 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds with 25 steals, Shot 41.1 percent from the field and team-best 79.2 percent from the free throw line, Against Big Ten competition, averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds with 13 steals while shooting 80 percent from the free throw line, Scored in double-figures 10 times, leading team in scoring four times, Scored season-high 20 points on 8-8 shooting with a career-high five assists in win at Nebraska (Jan. 3), Had first career double-double with 10 points and career-high 12 rebounds in win over Minnesota (Jan. 19). On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project, Men's Basketball Loses 75-74 to Minnesota on Thursday Night, Caleb McConnell Named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist, Mens Basketball Pulls Off Biggest Comeback Since 1996 at PSU, Men's Basketball Heads to Penn State for Sunday Night Matchup, Men's Basketball Falls to Michigan Thursday. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve his game. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg He followed it up with the best summer of his college career and entered his senior year with a specific goal: to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. The NCAA opened a window for McConnell to return when it granted every Division I player a free year of eligibility that season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please update it here. The fifth-year senior guard, who earns his bachelors degree in a couple of weeks, finally got cleared after suffering a left knee injury in early October. He is the only Big Ten player to make the semifinalist cut. His senior year in high school, the question about him was, Are you soft? and now, he might be the toughest damn dude in the Big Ten, which might be the toughest conference in the country. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! Expect McConnell to once again be one of the Big Ten Conference's top defenders in the 2022-23 season, as he hopes to continue to develop his game and help lead Rutgers to their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. We miss having you out there. That has made Rutgers a tough matchup regardless of the opponent. . I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. Rutgers' Geo Baker, left, Ron Harper Jr., middle, and Caleb McConnell walk off the court after the team's loss to Notre Dame in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament . Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. There would be no more fitting award for Caleb McConnell than Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten., Pretty damn close to every Big Ten school called about him or came to see him, and no one pulled the trigger. The Hurricanes, who made the NCAA Tournaments Elite Eight last season, are 5-1 thus far with a Kenpom ranking of 50 (Rutgers is 34). The Scarlet Knights are now 14-9 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten play. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida.