During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. What Rutgers' Paul Mulcahy, Aundre Hyatt, Oskar Palmquist said about He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. 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. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. 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 play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. 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. 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. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. Rutgers Caleb McConnell is up for a major national defensive award Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. 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. Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. 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. 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. Caleb McConnell's Big Ten award another sign Rutgers is a national threat 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. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. Caleb McConnell to Return to Rutgers in 2022-23 for Final Year of Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj I always think in my head, Im unbreakable. I can overcome all those things. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 0:49. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. 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. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. Feb 20, 2023. 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. Ron Harper Jr. spent a good portion of his childhood in the city where his famous father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., grew up. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Led Big Ten in steals, setting new career-high in steals with 70 on the season. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. They said he was tough to project because he played more than one position. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is pulling his name out of the NBA Draft pool and is returning to Rutgers for his final season . Caleb McConnell making a greater impact than ever for Rutgers Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? Rutgers men's basketball's fifth-year captain Caleb McConnell has been named to the 2023 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist, consisting of 10 of the top defenders in the country. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. Caleb McConnell returning to Rutgers for final season of - MSN AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. 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 . Buzzer-beater caps Gophers' comeback win over Rutgers 75-74 Rutgers loses at buzzer to Minnesota after late collapse The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. McConnell Update | Rutgers Scarlet Knights fan forums - TheKnightReport The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . "I love the fans, such a great atmosphere, a family feel, and I need that," McConnell said. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. Caleb McConnell's stuff of legend - On the Banks "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. He was previously selected to the watchlist last month. 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. The caption read: Proverbs 3:5-6. 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. Freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk, who will be needed in Big Ten competition, have gotten valuable time and shown growth this month. It was his way of getting me better. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt Caleb McConnell was fouled . bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. He found a better balance in his schedule, spending less time wearing his body out in the gym and more time studying film of the opposing teams best player. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Caleb McConnell Biography | ESPN When the Scarlet Knights opened 7-1, he was dying to join them. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. 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 . "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. McConnell was the star of the historic win, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and playing his trademark defense. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie. Caleb McConnell wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. 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. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. Was the new setting going to make things weird? He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. 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.. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. Thanks for contacting us. 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. McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. He has 2.3 assists a game. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). Mulcahy remains sidelined indefinitely by left shoulder injury; Pikiell said he's been cleared to practice but not for contact. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is not expected to play in Thursday night's meeting with Michigan due to the back injury he suffered during pregame warmups ahead of Saturday's win over Wisconsin . As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go 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. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. 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). But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. The kid just was relentless, he recalled. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Men's Basketball ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? All rights reserved (About Us). McConnells return comes at a crucial juncture for Rutgers (5-1), which enters the schedules biggest gauntlet: at Miami Wednesday, followed by Big Ten favorite Indiana at home, at Ohio State, and then home games against rival Seton Hall and Wake Forest. Its paid off immensely: McConnell leads the Big Ten in steals (2.1 per game), provided game-changing defensive performances in numerous wins -- including upsets of Big Ten title contenders Purdue and Michigan State -- and is in the thick of the race for the award with a month left in the regular season. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. 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. With less than two full weeks left in January, he has 16 steals this month, including a season-high four on January eighth. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg dCc6CiAgICAgICAgbmV3IERhdGUoKS5nZXRUaW1lKCksZXZlbnQ6J2d0bS5q Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. He woke his dad at 6 a.m. every morning for rides to workouts with a personal trainer. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this season. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is not expected to play in Thursday night's meeting with Michigan due to the back injury he suffered during pregame Read more on nj.com.