2011 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Basketball
Written by James Zerfoss - Google +
2010-11 Results:
Overall: 15-17 (Home 10-6 Road 3-9 Neutral 2-2)
Big East: 5-13
Conference Tournament: Lost in the second round of the Big East Conference Tournament
Postseason: Rutgers did not qualify for the NCAA tournament
Mike Rice guided Rutgers to a 15-17 record last season. While the Scarlett Knights showed promise at certain times they once again missed the NCAA tournament. Rice took over for Fred Hill after the 2009-2010 season. Last season saw many highs and lows for Rice’s team. This year he has brought in a top recruiting class and will try to make the NCAA tournament with a younger and more athletic team.
Last year Rutgers got out to a fast start going 10-5 but stumbled once Big East play began. The beat Auburn and Miami in non-conference play. They will need to improve on their 5-13 Big East record from last year to have any shot at earning an NCAA tournament bid.
The Scarlet Knights ranked 14th in the Big East in scoring last year at 66.3 points per game and 9th in scoring defense. They showed promise and it will be interesting to see if Mike Rice can get his team over the hump and into the NCAA tournament this season.
Roster
Returning Starters
Dane Miller
Gilvydas Biruta
Other Returning Players
Austin Caroll
Austin Johnson
Tyree Graham
Mike Poole
Newcomers
Myles Mack
Eli Carter
Derrick Randall
Jerome Seagers
Malick Krone
Greg Lewis
Derrick Randall
Head Coach
Mike Rice
Key Losses
The Scarlett Nights will look to replace two of their top four scorers in Jonathan Mitchell and James Beatty. Mike Coburn, the starting point guard, has also moved on after averaging 8.8 points per game and 4 assist per game.
2011-12 Preview
Mike Rice has infused new life into his team and they are looking at a promising season, despite not having qualified for the NCAA tournament in 20 years. The Scarlet Knights feature a great head coach and an excellent nucleus. Look for the Scarlet Knights to move into the top half of the Big East standings in a year or two.
Backcourt
Myles Mack is expected to contribute immediately. He is fast and can distribute the ball as well as score. Jerome Seagears another freshman is in the mix to start alongside Mack who would be able to run the point as well. After having missed all of last year Tyree Graham will try to make up for lost time. Eli Carter and Austin Carroll will also try to crack the rotation.
Frontcourt
Dane Miller was the team’s third leading scorer last season with 9.2 ppg and will look to become a team leader. He is expected to play small forward while Mike Poole will be the first guy off the bench. Both players can contribute on both sides of the floor. Freshman Malick Kone will have a difficult time earning playing time.
Kadeem Jack will look to make an impact in his first season with Rutgers after redshirting last season. He will look to combine with Gilvydas Biruta, the Scarlet Knights returning leading scorer, to form a dynamic duo in the frontcourt. Biruta was named to the Big East All-Rookie team.
Last year Austin Johnson averaged 16.3 minutes off the bench and will come off the beach once again. Rutgers will count on him to play strong on the boards when he enters the game.
Newcomers Greg Lewis and Derrick Randall are talented players who will provide more depth and will try to crack the rotation. Willy Judge also transferred from Kansas State but must sit out a year based on NCAA rules.
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