YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. His cousin dropped his head back and revealed a tattoo on his neck. On Wednesday night, Rutgers mens basketball completed an improbable comeback to knock off No. Its great to have him it gives me a lift.. Bryant returned to his roots in Dayton, Ohio, while Stefanie followed her family to Jacksonville, Fla. The kid just was relentless, he recalled. Not too bad. Join us to discuss the action as it happens live! "Ive been out these last six weeks and had just three or four practices. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm After school, hed practice and play with his Dunbar High School team. The freshman had 19 points in the game and was a problem for the Scarlet Knights all night. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. to be the Big Tens defensive player of the year. We miss having you out there. Every bit of it., After notching his first double-double of the season against Clemson, Caleb McConnell had the honor of slapping Rutgers into the next round of the NCAA Tournament on a big bracket at Bankers Life: pic.twitter.com/d6hzq4n3GY. The Scarlet Knights will have to work to earn a bid to the tournament. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. 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. After being spurned by just about every Big Ten school, McConnell is now a key member of Rutgers basketball renaissance who, with eight games remaining in his senior season, is a top candidate for the conferences Defender of the Year award. 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. Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to Rutgers for one more season. 12 Illinois (four). He did that every day. Rutgers basketball has seen a slide in the latest analytics updates from KenPom. Im so grateful to have been blessed with this group of teammates. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? The kids fearless, man. So how did McConnell look? Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. From top to bottom I think were good," McConnell said when asked to compare it to last year's NCAA qualifier. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. Thank you to my family for making me the man I am today and supporting me through every up and down. Golden Gophers forward Jameson Battle hit a game-winning buzzer-beater as the horn sounded to give Minnesota the 75-74 victory. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . All rights reserved (About Us). IS. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. 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. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. MjI3MzMxNDAiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL3J1dGdlcnMucml2YWxzLmNv AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . 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. 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. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. Clifford Omoruyi scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (18-12, 10-9). Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers defeats Michigan State, 84-63. Caleb McConnell was fouled . Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. I have seen the students and the fans at Jersey Mikes Arena create what is now the best home court advantage in all of college basketball. And yet, just like this team over the past month, McConnell fought back in the play and came through in the end. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg 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. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. McConnell was a great locker room presence, able to flip a switch from the relentless player he was on the court to a unifying force off of it. Caleb McConnell (22) Guard - Caleb McConnell is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the only individual award given to a RU player since joining . 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. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj He woke his dad at 6 a.m. every morning for rides to workouts with a personal trainer. ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH 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. Isiah Pacheco continues to impress with Kansas City Chiefs, named lead kick returner for preseason. A mistake. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. Senior Caleb McConnell was the first Rutgers player since Hamady N'Diaye to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. 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. (Photos courtesy of the McConnell family). 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 339 in Kenpom, but the Scarlet Knights did make it through an injury-riddled November without taking a Lafayette-type loss. Hes not soft. X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 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. 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 use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN. . 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. Dave Briski, head coach at Spire Academy, watched from the stands as McConnell, then a junior at Dunbar High, dominated his opponents. College players have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and retain their college eligibility. The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. My teammates really helped me find my spots by sharing the game., Added Pikiell: Real pleased with what he gave us hes been playing well for us in the absence of Paul and Caleb.. His level of compete was one of the highest Ive ever seen at that age. It was his way of getting me better. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. With 178 career steals he ties James Bailey.#TheKnighthood pic.twitter.com/z7B2L16nqz, Rutgers Mens Basketball (@RutgersMBB) January 12, 2023. At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. 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. Through 14 games, the Scarlet Knights senior is averaging a career-high 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. Then came the texts and calls from teammates that all carried the same message: We really need you this year. 13 Wisconsin (six) and No. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. He tallied 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting and added four rebounds, three assists and a block. Through six games he's been Rutgers' best all-around player this season. Just played through it until the next dead ball, Briski said. Please update it here. The kids a dog.. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. McConnell made his official visit to Rutgers in the spring and by the end of the weekend, he was a Scarlet Knight. 71 posts. They just didnt trust their eyes I guess, I dont know. pic . 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. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mcco . How much had he changed? 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. 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 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. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. ", Of the brace, he said, "It doesnt hinder my game. 13 Michigan State and No. It will be the final home game of fifth-year senior Caleb McConnells career as he runs out of collegiate eligibility after this season. Its about me finding the right time and my spots in the game, Miller said. 70413 lego - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. 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. PSBkb2N1bWVudC5nZXRFbGVtZW50c0J5VGFnTmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07 Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. He is the only Big Ten player to make the semifinalist cut. 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). Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. Your account has an invalid email address. I got to play for my brothers.. Im with this kid every day. 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. You saw the energy he brings," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. I really fell in love with the game, with competing and learning new stuff, McConnell said. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg Odds & lines subject to change. 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. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. 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. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj Rutgers plays at Indiana on Wednesday night, another bubble team in terms of NCAA Tournament projections. He has 2.3 assists a game. He has been more involved offensively and is taking advantage of his opportunities. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. Yesterday afternoon, senior guard Caleb McConnell of the Rutgers men's basketball team was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. 5 takeaways as the standout guard returned from a knee injury The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. News never stops. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. "Spoke to Steve Pikiell a little bit ago. Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. In his final year as a Scarlet Knight, McConnell is having an unforgettable last dance and helping Rutgers earn national headlines. AP. 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). Caleb Mcconnell gets the layup to fall vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. 113. UNBREAKABLE.. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. Made season debut versus CCSUafter missing the five games due to injury (knee), Excelled at Miami with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists in 35 minutes, Posted 16 points, 10 rebounds for double-double in win over No. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. MjQxNDY5JmM3PWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcnV0Z2Vycy5yaXZhbHMuY29tJTJG 1,244 following. 28,939. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. I think hes the best and the most versatile defender in the league, Pikiell said. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. According to a former coach, he is also toughest damn dude in the Big Ten.. VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl 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. 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. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this season. He also added 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Verified. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. The senior guard has dominated low-major foes just like he did at Loyola-Maryland. Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Scarlet Knights took a tough loss in Minneapolis on Thursday night. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. When visiting his dad in the summer, the routine was the same: hours spent at outdoor courts and in the local recreation center, where his aunt organized a basketball camp. From the moment McConnell dribbled a ball at a local YMCA, he was hooked. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. dCc6CiAgICAgICAgbmV3IERhdGUoKS5nZXRUaW1lKCksZXZlbnQ6J2d0bS5q They said he was tough to project because he played more than one position. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I was just focused on making it down the floor and making the right plays," he explained. 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. But the other three scholarship Scarlet Knights who are . Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell reacts during Rutgers' loss to Minnesota on March 2. As he waited in the prison, Caleb McConnell didnt know what to expect. With less than two full weeks left in January, he has 16 steals this month, including a season-high four on January eighth. The senior guard came through on the defensive end to save the game for Rutgers in the upset of No. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. Are Democrats excited about another Biden run? How do you survive in here? McConnell asked. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. Watching the play several times, it jumps out as symbolic of this season for Rutgers mens basketball. As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. He was a key member of the 2019-20 team that would have snapped Rutgers then 29-year NCAA Tournament drought had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw 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. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. Assisted by Caleb McConnell. Game speed is different than practice; you cant simulate any type of game speed. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . 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. Laser Tattoo Removal clinics in Taipei City at the best price. 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. 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. Hell go down as one of the great winners that weve had here, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. His impact in many games isnt necessarily fully reflected in the box score. IHZlcnNpb24gb2YgY3MuanMgc28gd2UgYWx3YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3Qg 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. PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is closer to receiving national recognition in 2023. It will eventually come off. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. 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. McConnells has a decorated resume through 60 career starts and 114 games played. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. When McConnell got to college, his dad finally confessed. Neither took the court Friday for the Scarlet Knights' first test . Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. The Scarlet Knights are now 14-9 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten play. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. He was rewarded with the honor of moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. He is rarely the Scarlet Knights top scorer, but he creates scoring chances for himself and his teammates because of his defensive ability. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN 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. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. North Brunswick, New Jersey. 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. Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 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. Coaches and scouts said he was too skinny, which meant he would get pushed around by bigger players. His work ethic was incredible, Bryant McConnell said. Simply put, it changed the game. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi blocked Brice Sensbaugh's shot with nine seconds left, and the Scarlet Knights led by three with seven seconds to go. Everyone who follows Rutgers basketball knows that, and you could feel the appreciation in the stands Saturday. Mens Basketball Game Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota. 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.. 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. 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. ZyAtLT4KCgo=, Enjoying TheKnightReport? He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st "calling Rutgers Nation" from his hometown in Florida. Aaron Breitman. Minnesota won 75-74. I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. Rutgers men's basketball guard Caleb McConnell was named a semifinalist on Tuesday for the Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. January 22, 2023 7:47 pm ET. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Caleb McConnell is coming back for one more year. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. 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. It was a four point swing that swung the game in Rutgers favor. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. JAMISON BATTLE WITH A BUZZER BEATER FOR @GopherMBB (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/NPEFUfaxDa. Neither do we. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. 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. Here is the legendary play by McConnell that might just go down as the highlight of his Rutgers career at least so far. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD 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. McConnell embraced the physicality and the competition, quickly going from the skinny kid everyone wanted guarding them to their first choice when picking teams. All I wanted to do was play basketball.. moving Rutgers name to the next stage of the bracket. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, across his stomach in bold, black letters. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. 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!. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. 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. 16 Ohio State (four), No. Last season, McConnell led the Big Ten in steals with 2.2 per game.
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