His 21 steals over a five-game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03. 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). 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!. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. 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. Please update it here. 0:05. In Indianapolis, they defeated Clemson for their first March Madness win in 38 years. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Caleb McConnell is a semifinalist for Naismith Men's 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. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. 13 Michigan State (four) and No. A three-star recruit, he had nowhere to go. 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. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv 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. Then, you factor in his rebounds and his assists, he does a lot of things for us that equate to winning. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. A mistake. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. You cant replace 114 games of college experience and the intangibles he brings in terms of leadership and basketball IQ. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv 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 will look to earn as many automatic qualifier spots to the NCAA Tournament that they can this weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 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. 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. 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 season. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Neither do we. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 339 in Kenpom, but the Scarlet Knights did make it through an injury-riddled November without taking a Lafayette-type loss. UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Between them, Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy have played 208 games for Rutgers basketball. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. 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.. He doesnt want anybody to know something is hurting. 19). His back slowly started to heal, allowing him to participate in practice on the scout team. We cant do it without you. 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). 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. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Odds & lines subject to change. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. 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. Led Big Ten in steals, setting new career-high in steals with 70 on the season. #1. 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. Despite the bumps and bruises, McConnell progressed from a freshman reserve who displayed occasional glimpses of his potential to a sophomore starter. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. How much had he changed? Simply put, it changed the game. There are no statistics available for this player. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. McConnell, teary-eyed and frustrated when he lost, often talked about quitting, but his dad would not let him. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. 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. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. 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. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. As expected, rusty. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. 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. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. Rutgers falls to Minnesota at the buzzer, Scarlet Knights suffer gut-punch. The NCAA opened a window for McConnell to return when it granted every Division I player a free year of eligibility that season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aaron Breitman. 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. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj 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. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Of course, he hustled. He kept going at dudes. 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. McConnell announced the decision to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft on March 28th with a post on Instagram that read as follows: These last four years were amazing! Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . Thats another thing he had to be strong for, his mother said. . That is the furthest thing from his mind. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. MUNSTER SECTIONAL. He always wanted to get better.. 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. McConnell's has a decorated resume through 60 career starts . Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. 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 biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. d2luZG93Ll9kaWRBc3luY0luamVjdEdvb2dsZVRhZ01hbmFnZXIpIHJldHVy 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. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Big Ten and Big East programs that once had shown interest hesitated to take him. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . 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. pic . He was previously selected to the watchlist last month. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. How do you define wealth and a good life? Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. 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. McConnell was selfless, a kid who loved basketball and hated to let anyone down. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. 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. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. 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. Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers defeats Michigan State, 84-63. 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. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. 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.. It was not a seamless transition. 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. "We've been trying to let these guys know we need more from them with me and Paul out, and theyve been bringing it," McConnell said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "I love the fans, such a great atmosphere, a family feel, and I need that," McConnell said. 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. Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. 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. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov 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. . And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. 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. News never stops. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. Big Ten; New York City Sports; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; College Sports; Sports If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. GET TKR PREMIUM FREE FOR 30 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. 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. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. 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. When he missed eight games to start the 2020-21 season the first missed games of his college career it gnawed at McConnell. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. His cousins story was similar to thousands across the country a good kid, McConnell believed, who got caught in a bad situation and was paying the price for it and he was about to see him for the first time in four years. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. 70413 lego - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester.