Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. 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. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. They were wonderful co-parents who remain good friends to this day, but the physical distance between them was tough on their sons. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. Verified. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN January 22, 2023 7:47 pm ET. N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . 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. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. 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. 25 Ohio State a 67-66 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night. 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. 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). Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. 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. Please update it here. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv 16 Buckeyes, Played in 20 games (eight starts), averaging 5.7 points and career-best 4.3 rebounds with career-high 29 steals, Did not make season debut until Jan. 2 against No. We miss having you out there. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. 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. 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.. Minnesota won 75-74. 0:05. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. 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. 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. 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. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. 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. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. 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. You saw the energy he brings," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. 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. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi blocked Brice Sensbaugh's shot with nine seconds left, and the Scarlet Knights led by three with seven seconds to go. How much had he changed? bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m 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. Not too bad. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . Then Pikiell inserted McConnell into the starting lineup, the Scarlet Knights won five of their next six games and eventually squeaked into the tournament, ending a 30-year drought. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. Not too bad. IHZlcnNpb24gb2YgY3MuanMgc28gd2UgYWx3YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3Qg After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. 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. The kids fearless, man. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. dmVyc2lvbgogICAgcy5zcmMgPSAiaHR0cHM6Ly9zLnlpbWcuY29tL2N4L3Z6 He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. 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 biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo 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 . "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. 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. McConnell, who led the conference with 70 steals last season, decided for one last ride with his beloved Scarlet Knights after working out with several NBA teams this offseason. c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j 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. 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. And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. 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. Im proud as hell of what hes accomplished, but I cant say Im surprised, Briski said. Count them out at your own risk. 16 Ohio State. 33: 26: 2:03: Foul on Antwone . . They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. Your account has an invalid email address. 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 . 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. It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. 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. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. Im with this kid every day. Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. 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. Gambling problem? 11.3K followers. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl 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. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. He returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. 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. c191Y2ZyPTAiIC8+Cjwvbm9zY3JpcHQ+CjwhLS0gRW5kIGNvbVNjb3JlIFRh Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Baker was sensational. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. 11.3k Followers, 1,244 Following, 71 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caleb McConnell (@calebmcco) calebmcco. 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 has 2.3 assists a game. MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG 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. Hes not soft. Nobody wanted him. THIS. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. Eventually, the outdoor courts in Jacksonville and Dayton became his home. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. 71 posts. 5 takeaways as the standout guard returned from a knee injury UNBREAKABLE.. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. 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. 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. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. The kids a dog.. He was rewarded with the honor of moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. 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. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. Rutgers won a game in astounding fashion in the midst of a brutal stretch of the season that theyre turning into opportunity. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. A three-star recruit, he had nowhere to go. What would they talk about? 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. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. 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. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Rutgers was carried by a stellar night from senior . His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. 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. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . 1,244 following. Men's Basketball Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 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. Season-saving. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. 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. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). MUNSTER SECTIONAL. 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. I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv 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 . 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. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg 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. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. 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. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnells career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . How do you define wealth and a good life? 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. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell and guard Caleb McConnell (22) are a "match made in heaven," McConnell's high school coach said.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. . Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. News never stops. What a spark for @RutgersMBB! Neither do we. 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. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland.