Verified. His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Eventually, the outdoor courts in Jacksonville and Dayton became his home. PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is closer to receiving national recognition in 2023. Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. Thank you to Coach Pikiell for believing in me and recruiting a kid from Jacksonville, Florida, and Dayton, Ohio to play at Rutgers when few people believed in me. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Count them out at your own risk. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 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. Caleb McConnell was fouled . dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. And yet, just like this team over the past month, McConnell fought back in the play and came through in the end. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player Caleb McConnell intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with 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. Iowa State kicks senior guard off team: 'Said something I Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', Unprecedented turnaround sets this team up to be MLB's greatest show, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . When Spire Academy, an elite sports performance training and education program in Geneva, Ohio, offered McConnell a chance to transfer there for his senior season, it meant living on his own for the first time 200 miles from his dad and 900 miles from his mom. It was not a seamless transition. Written off, lost and bewildered. When the Scarlet Knights opened 7-1, he was dying to join them. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Baker scored the final five points for Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights built an 11-point lead and nearly gave it all away. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. 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. 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. The kids a dog.. It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. So how did McConnell look? Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. As expected, rusty. His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. In Indianapolis, they defeated Clemson for their first March Madness win in 38 years. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. Those cheers turned into a roar moments later, when the substitution was introduced over the public address system. Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement. Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. bCk7CiAgfSkoKTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+Cgo8bm9zY3JpcHQ+CiAgPGltZyBzcmM9 AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . 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). Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. The senior guard came through on the defensive end to save the game for Rutgers in the upset of No. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoogeorgia foraging laws. I couldnt imagine not having graduated high school and youve already had to adjust a couple of times, missing your family because of something you wanted so bad, something that you believed in so bad for yourself. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. 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. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. Caleb McConnell (22) Guard - Caleb McConnell is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the only individual award given to a RU player since joining . He did that every day. 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. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. 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. 71 posts. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. Im unbreakable because no matter what happens, Im still going to keep going and overcome all the challenges, all the injuries, all the setbacks, all the doubts. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . Of course, he hustled. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Hes fearless.. He has also been a rebounds machine of late, with 32 rebounds so far in 2023. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Right now its there for some stability.. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. There is still the option to withdraw up until June 13th, as per the NBA rules, but that would not allow them to retain their college eligibility. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell averaged 7.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game, all of which were considered career highs for him. Please check your email for a confirmation. A mistake. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. The award comes days after the Scarlet Knights' (18-12, 12-8) season finale win over Penn State.. McConnell, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, earned the prestigious award with 67 total steals this season, 20 more than second-place Hakim Hart. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Tanner Holden made a 3-pointer as time expired to give No. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. The caption read: Proverbs 3:5-6. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. 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. Rutgers falls to Minnesota at the buzzer, Scarlet Knights suffer gut-punch. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. 19). Battle's game-winn They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN Freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk, who will be needed in Big Ten competition, have gotten valuable time and shown growth this month. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. He also added 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. 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. 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. 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. 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. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. MINNEAPOLIS (AP)Jamison Battle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished with 20 points as Minnesota beat Rutgers 75-74 on Thursday night to snap a 12-game losing streak. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. Rutgers led 70-60 before Garcia scored the next four points and Battle hit consecutives 3s to pull the Golden Gophers to 73-70 with 22 seconds left, and Jaden Henleys putback cut the deficit to 73-72. MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. He always wanted to get better.. When he reached eighth grade, his parents decided that a permanent move to Dayton to be with his father would be the best path toward a future in basketball. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. Sitting at 16-12 (10-8 Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights have the potential to book a tournament berth if they split their remaining regular season games and get at least one win in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. 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 is focused solely on finishing the fourth year of a Big Ten basketball career few believed could happen on the right foot, carrying an unshakable belief that Rutgers can disprove the doubters and return to March Madness. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. Sophomore guard Jalen Miller has been a defensive specialist to this point, but he broke out on the offensive end Saturday, scoring a career-high six points on 2-3 shooting to go with three rebounds. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. It will eventually come off. 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. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. 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. He is the only Big Ten player to make the semifinalist cut. 1,244 following. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. 11.3K followers. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Feb 20, 2023. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov 9 recruit in Ohio by 247Sports.com, Averaged 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior at Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar High before transferring to SPIRE, A 2016-2017 Associated Press Southwest All-District II honoree, Competed on the AAU circuit for C2K Elite, Son of Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Meade, Signed with Scarlet Knights over reported offers from West Virginia, Wichita State, UMass, St. Bonaventure, Temple, Missouri State, Wright State, Akron and Kent State. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. Without McConnells miraculous play, the eventual 10-0 run is erased and Rutgers would have trailed by six points with just over two minutes to play. I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. McConnell will give it everything he has, carried by the unbreakable mindset that got him here, sharing all the fruits of his labor with those who backed him up along the way. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. Im with this kid every day. My Rutgers family helped me grow from a unrefined freshman to the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and I thank you all for that from the bottom of my heart!. Neither do we. 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 . 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 It was his way of getting me better. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. We cant do it without you. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell (22) waits to enter the game during the first half against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Jersey Mike's Arena. Not too bad. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. 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. 28,939. How do you define wealth and a good life? bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. Hes just tough. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. 25 Ohio State a 67-66 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night. With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. 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. On Thursday, Caleb McConnell was one of 15 players named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. UNBREAKABLE.. Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers defeats Michigan State, 84-63. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu 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. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. He adjusted the brace a few times, short-ironed a couple of shots, but did a lot of the dirty-work as usual deflecting balls, altering shots, setting screens, making the extra pass. From top to bottom I think were good," McConnell said when asked to compare it to last year's NCAA qualifier. McConnell, teary-eyed and frustrated when he lost, often talked about quitting, but his dad would not let him. My teammates really helped me find my spots by sharing the game., Added Pikiell: Real pleased with what he gave us hes been playing well for us in the absence of Paul and Caleb.. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. He woke his dad at 6 a.m. every morning for rides to workouts with a personal trainer. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. Thank you to my family for making me the man I am today and supporting me through every up and down. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. 0:49. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. His father, a former college athlete and a decent playground hoops player in his own right, often joined his son and rarely went easy on him. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. Neither do we. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. 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. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports We miss having you out there. 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. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. That is the minimum expectation from him across March, when Rutgers will play two more regular-season games . Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. Odds & lines subject to change. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? 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 . Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt He caught the pass cleanly and looked to have a clear path to the basket in what would have been a devastating play for Rutgers to allow in that situation. 13 Michigan State and No. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October.

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