Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. 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. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. He has 2.3 assists a game. 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. 25 Ohio State a 67-66 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . That label of this soft, skinny kid, I think it pissed him off, quite frankly.. Right now its there for some stability.. Caleb McConnell is a semifinalist for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. 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. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. Im with this kid every day. Everyone who follows Rutgers basketball knows that, and you could feel the appreciation in the stands Saturday. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. It was his way of getting me better. Senior Caleb McConnell was the first Rutgers player since Hamady N'Diaye to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. With two steals tonight Caleb McConnell has officially moved into 5th all-time at Rutgers. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. Season-saving. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. All rights reserved (About Us). IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9hZGluZyB0aGUgZXZlcmdyZWVu A mistake. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. He kept going at dudes. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. 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. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg eTpoaWRkZW4nIHdpZHRoPScwJz48L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9ub3NjcmlwdD4KCgo=, PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last year and has been even better during the 2022-2023 campaign. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. What would they talk about? Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv 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. 33: 26: 2:03: Foul on Antwone . We cant do it without you. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. 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. 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Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAM basketball game on 3 March 2023 . What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. 16 Ohio State, Had key chase-down block on breakaway layup attempt to spark 10-0 run to close out win over No. 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. Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi blocked Brice Sensbaugh's shot with nine seconds left, and the Scarlet Knights led by three with seven seconds to go. But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. He always wanted to get better.. McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. Verified. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. Jacob Young and Caleb McConnell both scored 13 points and Ron Harper Jr. added 10. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. Around the Big Ten: Where does Mike DeCourcy have the Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament? 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. Instead, Geo Baker hit a step back jumper to cut the lead to 64-62 at the two minute mark. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? Baker was sensational. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. It was their own fault and the play started with a blown coverage. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv Battle's game-winn 16 Ohio State. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. Meanwhile, McConnell developed and grew as a player. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. On an evening that has suddenly become crucial for its NCAA Tournament hopes, Rutgers will honor its veteran players with its annual Senior Day festivities ahead of their regular season finale against Northwestern at Jersey Mikes Arena on Sunday. 12 Illinois (four). 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. We miss having you out there. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. Neither do we. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. 71 posts. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "Caleb has been the ultimate ambassador for our program on and off the court. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. 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. MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/02/caleb-mcconnell-is-a-semifinalist-for-naismith-mens-defensive-player-of-the-year/, Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year. There are no statistics available for this player. 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. 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. 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. 19). Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. 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.. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. From top to bottom I think were good," McConnell said when asked to compare it to last year's NCAA qualifier. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. 0:49. He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. 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 returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. dmVyc2lvbgogICAgcy5zcmMgPSAiaHR0cHM6Ly9zLnlpbWcuY29tL2N4L3Z6 bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. Im proud as hell of what hes accomplished, but I cant say Im surprised, Briski said. 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. A return to Rutgers would be big for the program as head coach Steve Pikiell is looking to retool after losing Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., both of whom were instrumental in the programs resurgence. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo 13 Michigan State (four) and No. Caleb McConnell is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the only individual award given to a RU player since joining the conference in 2014. 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. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). Hammond Morton (8-15) vs. Hammond Central (23-1) Munster (23-2) at Lake Central (16-8) CROWN POINT SECT 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. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! They said he was tough to project because he played more than one position. He is the only Big Ten player to make the semifinalist cut. They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. AP. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. 16 Ohio State (four), No. No Rutgers fans, the chase down block by Caleb McConnell was not a dreamGame-saving. 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. photo: Creative Commons / Gage Skidmore https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2./deed.en. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. 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 . 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. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. 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. The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. News never stops. Of course, he hustled. "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. Thank you to all the coaches and staff for supporting me and helping me evolve into the player and person that I am today. "I love the fans, such a great atmosphere, a family feel, and I need that," McConnell said. I just love being outside, playing outside, playing at the park all day. 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. 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. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH "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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Neither took the court Friday for the Scarlet Knights' first test . Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. North Brunswick, New Jersey. "I made a pass to Cliff (Omoruyi) and he didnt see it coming; I was forcing things, and then I hear someone say, Caleb, just let it come to you! After that I kind of relaxed. 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. 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. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. All rights reserved (About Us). 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 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 . Odds & lines subject to change. 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. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. The kid just was relentless, he recalled. He scored 8 of the final 10 points and finished with a game high 25 points. McConnell was the star of the historic win, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and playing his trademark defense. It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. Rutgers Recruiting: Will Scarlet Knights make surprise push for Bronny James? His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. 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. 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. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN 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. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. Hes fearless.. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. 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. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. 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. 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. 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. 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. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. You cant replace 114 games of college experience and the intangibles he brings in terms of leadership and basketball IQ. And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. Rutgers Wrestling Prepares for Big Ten Conference Tournament this Weekend. The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. 339 in Kenpom, but the Scarlet Knights did make it through an injury-riddled November without taking a Lafayette-type loss. I said, What are you talking about? Briski said. Another look at that block by @caleb_mcco cc @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/Tnj4oR0Lci. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Follow. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). He didnt lay down or come out or anything. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. I got to play for my brothers.. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. . dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. Men's Basketball THIS. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. Nobody wanted him. 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. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j 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. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm