He woke his dad at 6 a.m. every morning for rides to workouts with a personal trainer. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. As expected, rusty. His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Thank you to the fans, the University and all who played a part in providing me this opportunity to play at Rutgers. Hes not soft. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl 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. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. 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. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. MARCH. Last year, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists . 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. Having him on the floor automatically improves Rutgers on both ends, especially when it comes to defense. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. The summer after, he had surgery to repair his hip injuries. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this season. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. I wouldnt say 100 percent, but definitely healthy," McConnell said. c191Y2ZyPTAiIC8+Cjwvbm9zY3JpcHQ+CjwhLS0gRW5kIGNvbVNjb3JlIFRh It was not a seamless transition. THIS. But not until he played two possessions on it, including a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. News never stops. Of course, he was ultimately named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Hes fearless.. He was a dogged worker, the rare player Briski had to ask to spend less time in the gym. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. That label of this soft, skinny kid, I think it pissed him off, quite frankly.. Afterward, hed put up shots late into the night. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg Just as Rutgers was being read its last rites on the game in what really was a must win to maintain hope for a repeat trip to the NCAA Tournament, McConnell, like the team, came back from the dead to save the day. Today, the word is tattooed across his stomach in bold, black letters. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj 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. Neither do we. Minnesota won 75-74. How much had he changed? 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. "It was a tough six weeks for me. AP. "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Head coach Patrick Sellers and Steve Pikiell were assistants together at Central Connecticut State for two years around the millennium. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. There are no statistics available for this player. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. 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. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. 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. Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. We cant do it without you. Still, McConnells basketball future was cloudy as the end of his senior season approached. 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. bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m 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). I love the fact that I can play him at almost any position while our younger guys are figuring out one position. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Rutgers mens basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. A mistake. 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). I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. 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. It was his way of getting me better. 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. 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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Gambling problem? Battle made three 3s and Dawson Garcia scored four points during the stretch. Feb 20, 2023. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. Led by a dynamic backcourt, Miami owns a 10-point win over Providence and suffered an 18-point loss to Maryland. RU surrendered a 10-point lead with 1:15 remaining on the clock. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnells career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. Along with all that, McConnell also racked up a couple of different postseason honors. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. 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. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. He is one of two seniors named as a semifinalist. 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. Follow. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw N'Diaye did so in the Big East following the 2009-2010 season and McConnell . "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. 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. They said he was tough to project because he played more than one position. It would be a fitting award to conclude an arduous college basketball career that few believed was possible. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. But quickly, it was like old times two longtime buddies talking through telephones on two sides of the glass. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? He did that every day. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH 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. Was on the Watch List and a Semifinalist (top 5) for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. --------------------------------------------------------------, Talk about it inside The Round Table Message Board, Talk about it on the Rutgers Hoops Free Message Board, PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. Men's Basketball Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, News never stops. Sitting at 16-12 (10-8 Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights have the potential to book a tournament berth if they split their remaining regular season games and get at least one win in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Rutgers' Geo Baker, left, Ron Harper Jr., middle, and Caleb McConnell walk off the court after the team's loss to Notre Dame in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament . 71 posts. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons.