dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg 0:05. As he waited in the prison, Caleb McConnell didnt know what to expect. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 Are Democrats excited about another Biden run? Garcia added 19 points and Pharrel Payne had 15 for Minnesota (8-20, 2-16 Big Ten), which shot 54 percent (15 of 28) in the second half and made 11 of 24 3-pointers overall. 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. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Senior Spotlight: Caleb McConnell | The Daily Targum Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? Thats another thing he had to be strong for, his mother said. What a spark for @RutgersMBB! 12 Illinois (four). 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. "It was a tough six weeks for me. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. 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. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. Caleb McConnell wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year After unthinkable choke, Steve Pikiell's Rutgers program is facing a 28,939. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. GET TKR PREMIUM FREE FOR 30 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE. 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. 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. Caleb McConnell returning to Rutgers for final season of - MSN MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? pic . Even though McConnell broke his foot just before Pikiell was scheduled to fly out and watch him play, Pikiell made the trip to Ohio anyway. Battle's game-winn 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. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. Hes not soft. 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. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. 16 Ohio State (four), No. All McConnell needed was a chance, and Rutgers was the one that gave it to him. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. The kids a dog.. 33: 26: 2:03: Foul on Antwone . 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). He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. THIS. Averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds with 26 steals and 32 assists, Led team in 3-point percentage (35.7%) and was second in team in steals, Among Big Ten freshman, ranked fifth in steals, Scored in double-figures six times, five of those coming against Big Ten foes, including a career-best 25 points at Illinois (Feb. 9), Averaged 11.8 points over the final four games of the season, A 247Sports and Rivals three-star prospect who attended SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio, helping the team to a 22-6 record in 2017-18 under head coach Dave Briski, Averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals-per-game as a senior, Scored 30 points with seven assists against Our Savior Lutheran (N.Y.), Ranked the No. Whats next for Rutgers Athletics following the 2021-2022 season? bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m He scored just 4 points, but had 4 rebounds, 4 steals and the all-important blocked shot. He also drew a charge and dished out a point guard-quality assist. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Slot to Rutgers Scarlet Knights Newsletter. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov That aspect of the game has been a mainstay and strength during the Pikiell era as McConnell has personified the type of player that has developed and excelled under the head coach's direction. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. 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. bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl It will eventually come off. Caleb McConnell (G) Stats, News, Rumors, Bio, Video - Yahoo Sports He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. Simply put, it changed the game. 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. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. UNBREAKABLE.. 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. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv Count them out at your own risk. moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. 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. 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.. 8/10 Indiana, Earned All-Met Player of the Week (Dec. 6), Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, First Rutgers player to win conference Defensive Player of the Year award since Hamady Ndiaye in 2009-10, Also named Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and to Big Ten All-Defensive Team. 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. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. After tearful conversations with his father and Pikiell, McConnell elected to have surgery, take a medical redshirt and miss an entire basketball season for the first time in his life. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. 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. Geo Baker speaks loudly, lifts Rutgers past Clemson 60-56 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. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. Holden beats buzzer with 3, No. 25 Ohio State edges Rutgers 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. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH We've received your submission. 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. Im with this kid every day. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. 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. McConnell Update | Rutgers Scarlet Knights fan forums - TheKnightReport aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf Eventually, the outdoor courts in Jacksonville and Dayton became his home. 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. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. McConnells first sport was football, just like his older brothers Bryant and Jordan, but he found another love when he was around 8 and his mom signed him up to play basketball. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. The kids fearless, man. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg MINNEAPOLIS Jamison Battle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointerand finished with 20 points as Minnesota beat Rutgers 75-74 on Thursday night to snap a 12-game losing streak. Your account has an invalid email address. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Senior Caleb McConnell was the first Rutgers player since Hamady N'Diaye to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. 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. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. 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. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv How much had he changed? After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. 0:49. Season-saving. Nobody wanted him. Rutgers doesnt need him to produce a ton of points at the Big Ten level, but its important that he keeps defenses honest with the threat of scoring. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. Written off, lost and bewildered. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . 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 . The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. What Rutgers' Paul Mulcahy, Aundre Hyatt, Oskar Palmquist said about It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. Led Big Ten in steals, setting new career-high in steals with 70 on the season. Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Rutgers' Steve Pikiell updates Caleb McConnell's injury status for He doesnt want anybody to know something is hurting. MARCH. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . IHZlcnNpb24gb2YgY3MuanMgc28gd2UgYWx3YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3Qg His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. 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. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. "I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . Dont be surprised of the Blue Devils (0-7) remain on Rutgers schedule going forward. IS. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. Rutgers Recruiting: Will Scarlet Knights make surprise push for Bronny James? --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo 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). Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT Not too bad. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. 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. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. 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. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . "I love the fans, such a great atmosphere, a family feel, and I need that," McConnell said. How do you survive in here? McConnell asked. 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. 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. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . In Indianapolis, they defeated Clemson for their first March Madness win in 38 years. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 McConnell had 12 points (5-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal over 32 minutes during Sunday's 59-56 win over Penn State. Neither do we. Caleb McConnell is a semifinalist for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. The Scarlet Knights are now 14-9 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten play. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoo - creditsolutionexperts.com The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). Those cheers turned into a roar moments later, when the substitution was introduced over the public address system. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. 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. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. There are no statistics available for this player. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. c191Y2ZyPTAiIC8+Cjwvbm9zY3JpcHQ+CjwhLS0gRW5kIGNvbVNjb3JlIFRh McConnell likely has a pro career ahead of him, here or abroad, and hell face it the same way he got to where he is now with an insatiable appetite for basketball, a chip on his shoulder, and a belief in himself fueled by those in his corner and the sacrifices he made along the way. We cant do it without you. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. Caleb McConnell making a greater impact than ever for Rutgers North Brunswick, New Jersey. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Verified. Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell returning for his postgrad year Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. 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. Right now its there for some stability.. As expected, rusty. 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. Rutgers basketball, missing backcourt standouts, falls to Temple Caleb McConnell - Rutgers Basketball - RotoWire 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. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg 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. Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game. Rutgers vs. Minnesota - Men's College Basketball Play-By-Play - ESPN 11.3k Followers, 1,244 Following, 71 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caleb McConnell (@calebmcco) calebmcco. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season.