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). Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. McConnell made the heroic play with four fouls and put himself on the line physically as well to make the game saving block. 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. Feb 20, 2023. And yet, just like this team over the past month, McConnell fought back in the play and came through in the end. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 The kids fearless, man. 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. Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo Im proud as hell of what hes accomplished, but I cant say Im surprised, Briski said. That roar became an eruption a minute later, when McConnell converted his first touch into a bucket an eight-foot running floater from the baseline. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. With two games left in the regular season, Rutgers very much controls their NCAA Tournament destiny. Caleb McConnell was fouled . He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. Are Democrats excited about another Biden run? McConnell was the kind of prospect they wanted a tough kid with lots of upside who loved basketball. "It was a tough six weeks for me. We miss having you out there. 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. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. 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. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. 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. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. The senior guard came through on the defensive end to save the game for Rutgers in the upset of No. Odds & lines subject to change. 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. Not too bad. Was perfect 12-12 at free throw line against Purdue (Jan. 28), tied for most ever by a RU player in a Big Ten game. 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 . 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. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. Its unlikely the Scarlet Knights will return to the NCAA Tournament this season, but McConnell has another year of eligibility, so he can return and make another run if he wants. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. 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. 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. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. 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.. 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. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. 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. 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. Not too bad. Kristian Dyer. GET TKR PREMIUM FREE FOR 30 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. 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 . Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . 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. Nobody wanted him. 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. As expected, rusty. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. He was a key member of the 2019-20 team that would have snapped Rutgers then 29-year NCAA Tournament drought had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. Please update it here. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. #1. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. 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. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. 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). He has also been a rebounds machine of late, with 32 rebounds so far in 2023. He is the only Big Ten player to make the semifinalist cut. 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. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnell's career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. All rights reserved (About Us). https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. 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. In unserem Vergleich haben wir die unterschiedlichsten 70413 lego am Markt unter die Lupe genommen und die wichtigsten Eigenschaften, die Kostenstruktur und die Bewertungen der Kunden abgewogen. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg The freshman had 19 points in the game and was a problem for the Scarlet Knights all night. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. 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. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. . Climbing RU's all-time leader board forcareer steals. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. Written off, lost and bewildered. News never stops. 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. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. Of course, he was ultimately named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. 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. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of The Year, one of 10 players as a semi-finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of The Year award and was also earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. He was rewarded with the honor of moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Hes just tough. 12 Illinois (four). RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. McConnell was selfless, a kid who loved basketball and hated to let anyone down. 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. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . 28,939. Those cheers turned into a roar moments later, when the substitution was introduced over the public address system. His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. So how did McConnell look? Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh 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. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov 19). It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnells career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. Rutgers Wrestling Prepares for Big Ten Conference Tournament this Weekend. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. 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. Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl The caption read: Proverbs 3:5-6. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. 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. Will have a story up soon, but you'll hear first: Pikiell said he is not expecting Caleb McConnell to be available on Thursday against Michigan due to the back injury he sustained during warmups for the Wisconsin game. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. THIS. And just like that, it became McConnells mantra, too, something he repeated over and over to himself in tough moments on and off the court. 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. Baker was sensational. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24iCiAgfSk7CiAgKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgewogICAg 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 Henley's putback cut the deficit to 73-72. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. You cant replace 114 games of college experience and the intangibles he brings in terms of leadership and basketball IQ. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. 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 . Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. 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. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. Hes not soft. Wearing a heavy brace on his leg, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year came off the bench and logged 25 minutes during the Scarlet Knights 83-49 victory over Central Connecticut State. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg Thanks for contacting us. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . We cant do it without you. Find doctors, specialized in Cosmetology and compare prices, costs and reviews. Kaleb Johnson leaving Rutgers football to join the Florida Gators in the SEC, Antwann Hill Jr. discusses Rutgers football offer and where things stand with Ohio State, Rutgers basketball dominates and somehow loses at Minnesota, CBS Sports Jerry Palm has Rutgers basketball in the First Four. Freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk, who will be needed in Big Ten competition, have gotten valuable time and shown growth this month.