Is Rutgers An NCAA Tournament Team?
At first glance, Rutgers 9-2 record may jump out at some. A surprise contender in the Big East perhaps with their fifth straight win? Take their overall standing with a grain of salt as the team's best wins are highlighted by Princeton and Iona. They have yet to beat an at-large caliber Tournament team, losing on the road by double-digits to Ole Miss and at home against Saint Peter's.
However, playing in the Big East, where six teams are currently ranked in the Top 25, Rutgers schedule allows for them to secure some nice wins and build on the early-season momentum.
Guards Eli Carter and Myles Mack have been very good to date, combining for 31 points per night, and at their best down the stretch where they can score from the perimeter, in the lane or finish at the foul line. Kansas State-transfer Wally Judge gives this team an inside presence that they lacked in year's past as he averages 7 rebounds in just 24 minutes per night. And the versatile Dane Miller has been flying under the radar as a stat-sheet filler thus far: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block per game, shooting 55 percent from the field.
While these four have been very solid, Rutgers will need them to take their game up another notch if the Scarlet Knights are to be considered legitimate competition in the Big East.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 1 -1- 13
