BB Recruiting Caleb McConnell commits to Rutgers

[kcg88]

I actually think a sit-out transfer is fine at this point. I don't really see Harper or McConnell redshirting so bringing in a guy to use a redshirt year isn't a bad idea so long as he projects to improve our roster down the road (ie don't take a filler type just to take a guy). Our depth this coming season is much better than last season. The only issue with it is inexperience. Only Baker, Thiam, Omoruyi, Doucoure, and Doorson have played in a B1G game. But Mathis, Harper, Carter, McConnell, Kiss, and Johnson off the bench should be an improvement. Reality is some of those guys will outplay expectations and some will underplay, but the baseline from that group is higher than it's been in past seasons.

 

[MadRU]

I don't know about a transfer at this point. Don't we want to have three open scholarships for 2019? We are involved with some really good players in that class. My thought would be to add one or 2 grad transfers and keep the 3 scholarships available for 2019. But then again, these things do seem to work themselves out. I guess if its a top level transfer then you have to look at that.

 

[MadRU]

Reminds me of a shorter Kyle Anderson.

I even see a little Tony Carr in his game. Not saying he will be an Anderson or Carr but some similarities in style. Longer smooth easy type of game. Carr was stronger physically his senior year in HS, but it will be interesting to see Caleb develop here with SC program.

Another thing I see from the game footage, Caleb appears to have more PG skills than Geo had coming out of HS. And I love what Geo brought to us his freshman year.

Very interested to see what happens with the final 2 open scholarships.

 

[RickB113]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

How good is he?

 

[TDIrish27]

Welcome aboard Caleb

 

[MadRU]

Listed as the #1 Point Guard in Ohio:

https://tripledoubleprospects.com/2018-player-rankings/

 

[shields]

Nebraska was supposed to be terrible last year, not ready to give up on season.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

Terrible ?

 

[KnightsofChrome]

Terrible ?

Yeah, don't understand that logic. Yes, a lot of new faces, but talent level will be improved across the board. Have to think that this team will not only be fun to watch, but have better Offensive production than last years team. And, if the D is equal, or better(a lot of length coming in), more wins...........(:

 

[KnightsofChrome]

Sorry forgot, Welcome Sir. McConnell!!! Finally, saw your tape, young man you got game. Old school, love it!
I don't think many realize how talented you are, but they will. Enjoy the college experience at Rutgers University.

 

[goru7]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

I do not want to put words in your mouth but I would think you meant to say we will be very inexperienced without a go to or feared player that the opposing staff game plans for..It might turn out we struggle in the win loss column but in terms of competent BiG 10 players we will have a better all around roster with the 6 new players so far.

 

[knights1212]

What do you consider terrible? I don't understand this at all. We should have much better chemistry and a more even distribution of shots by the guys on the court. The offense ran through Corey and Deshawn last season. I think we will have much better passing. Last year we relied way too much on Corey. Too often it seemed like everyone was waiting for him to take a shot in the last few seconds of the shot clock. With a more even distribution everyone should realize they all will be counted on and each must have more confidence that they can hit a shot. We just need to hit the open shots. I think we will have better outside scorers and I believe that Shaq Carter and Myles Johnson will give us a little better scoring inside. If we could ever add Hyatt for this class we might really be improving.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Without having any idea who we might be talking about, just don't like taking sit out transfers anymore. The grad transfer rule has made sit out transfers much less attractive.

I hear what you are saying, but if we aren't going to fill the spot anyway.....

The biggest negative in my eyes isn't the Nigel risk of getting 1 year for 2, it is the scholarship opening up late that has the potential to make it difficult to find someone late in the game. NJH has made an excellent point about the grad transfer market boosting the supply of players which could allow a decent 4 year guy to emerge late and slip to us.

All in all I'd be totally fine with a traditional transfer, trusting Pikiell is recruiting the right way.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Great pickup, another player that can shot it and has nice length.

With 2 spots, I would say we could use a PG with some more speed and quickness that can help in the transition game or penetrating into the lane...... but NJH will go on a 500 word response about how it does not matter.

why post that? NJH is one of the guys I make sure i read and the longer the post the better.

 

[jeffro5]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

I think we’ll be better than you think. More depth and good team ball.

 

[jeffro5]

Welcome to Rutgers, Caleb. You seem like a very grounded and grateful young man. You’ll fit in very well with the team Coach P is assembling.

 

[dvb91]

Unless a sit-out transfer is a 'can't miss' prospect, I'd rather see Pike & staff use the open ships on a grad transfer or even save them for 2019. I seriously doubt a 'can't miss' player with multiple YOE wants to transfer to RU right now (would basically have to fall into our laps i.e. homesick star), so reward a walk-on or two next season for their hard work. Pickings gotta be slim for 2018 recruits, although there could be some re-classify possibilities like Hyatt, but the best bet is scouring the grad transfer lists like it was waiver wire like pro sports.

McConnell is a big piece going into next season, a bit by default. An important get by Pike & congrats to Caleb for choosing RU & the B1G.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

why post that? NJH is one of the guys I make sure i read and the longer the post the better.

The good thing about a msg board is there are a lot of opinions...not everyone agrees. So when I say I think we need a guard on the roster with speed and quickness, to help in transition offense or penetrating into the lane it's an opinion.

I love the McConnell pickup. With 2 possible spots being filled, I would like to see some speed. Right now, this may be shaping up to being a below average team in terms of speed.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Without having any idea who we might be talking about, just don't like taking sit out transfers anymore. The grad transfer rule has made sit out transfers much less attractive.

agree, unless one is a stud that is just like saving and getting a great player in 2019 class and you use the other for the 2nd open ship.

 

[kcg88]

We almost got the Martin twins (Nevada), Brandone Francis (Texas Tech), and Vance Jackson (New Mexico) as sit-out transfers. That caliber of player is definitely worth pursuing.

 

[4theknights]

Certainly not sure about the W-L record but the youth of this team will be exciting to watch and develop and fully expect a better post game and some offense from our bigs who are good passers too!!

 

[RUMountie]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

Sounds like this guy has an NBA basketball mentality. It's all about who has the best one on one talent and the team aspect of basketball is an afterthought which is why I have not interest in NBA basketball. Well thankfully that is not how you win in college basketball. I think we could see improvement in the quality of play this coming season and maybe a better record as well. Don't underestimate the power of a committed group of talented young men who buy into the coaching staff's demands.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

The good thing about a msg board is there are a lot of opinions...not everyone agrees. So when I say I think we need a guard on the roster with speed and quickness, to help in transition offense or penetrating into the lane it's an opinion.

I love the McConnell pickup. With 2 possible spots being filled, I would like to see some speed. Right now, this may be shaping up to being a below average team in terms of speed.

Great opinion, but no need to attack (in a mild way) NJH.

I am sick of having speedy guards at the expense of guys that can shoot.

If we have length at all positions and a shot blocker inside guard speed isn't as important.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

We almost got the Martin twins (Nevada), Brandone Francis (Texas Tech), and Vance Jackson (New Mexico) as sit-out transfers. That caliber of player is definitely worth pursuing.

Can you imagine the Martin twins, Sanders, and Freeman all together? I am not necessarily saying that in a good way.

 

[dkostus]

Can you imagine the Martin twins, Sanders, and Freeman all together? I am not necessarily saying that in a good way.

Team "Shot Selection" lol...

 

[RUJMM78]

It all depends on who the transfer is. We are going to be terrible next year so if a guy has to sit out but will be a big contributor the following season I say go for it.

What is your definition of being terrible next year.ie,a losing season with 13-15 wins or worse that that?

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I read for years we need "shooters".....so we take a Peter Kiss, who isn't Steve Alford at Indiana or JJ Redick, but he is capable of knocking down a 3.

We add a complete guard in Mathis, who will develop and do a lot of things well....I can see RU getting points in transition, with Mathis and he's a solid FT shooter, so if he's fouled, he'll help stop the 6-0 8-0 runs, when there are times you have to put your head down and draw contact....

McConnell, at worse, extends teams from packing in on the zone and clogging driving lanes and should open up the foul line area for the bigs to have space to shoot....McConnell also can shoot from 3, which is where he can help right away, while playing on the ball and making plays in half-court.....

The two pieces of intrigue are Harper Jr and McConnell....if both of these players get figured out and teams defend them for their shooting, I have some confidence they aren't going to be limited or can't generate points, off the dribble.

This is a pick up that will pay immediate dividends, BUT McConnell translates as a player that can take the biggest jump from Day 1 on campus to November....Van Dyke will get a hold of him and add some needed muscle....extremely confident that the next piece, will also help right away as well.

 

[dkostus]

Great quotes in this updated Carino article on how Pike recruits

 

[MadRU]

Pikiell closed this one .

 

[nikoru09]

Sounds like this guy has an NBA basketball mentality. It's all about who has the best one on one talent and the team aspect of basketball is an afterthought which is why I have not interest in NBA basketball. Well thankfully that is not how you win in college basketball. I think we could see improvement in the quality of play this coming season and maybe a better record as well. Don't underestimate the power of a committed group of talented young men who buy.. into the coaching staff's demands.

well said....not to knock sanders, and freeman....but, at times they could be chemistry busters...with cory his talent level could maybe help you win, maybe
one or two games a season...a brunson from vill. could help you win ten. meaning cory was very athletic, but lacked and all around skill set. where as brunson could do it all.......lets put brunson in cory's place. do we win more games?

 

[dkostus]

well said....not to knock sanders, and freeman....but, at times they could be chemistry busters...with cory his talent level could maybe help you win, maybe
one or two games a season...a brunson from vill. could help you win ten. meaning cory was very athletic, but lacked and all around skill set. where as brunson could do it all.......lets put brunson in cory's place. do we win more games?

Well come on... other than Corey and his supporters, no one would put them on the same level. He was Big East player of the year

 

[PaKnight]

well said....not to knock sanders, and freeman....but, at times they could be chemistry busters...with cory his talent level could maybe help you win, maybe
one or two games a season...a brunson from vill. could help you win ten. meaning cory was very athletic, but lacked and all around skill set. where as brunson could do it all.......lets put brunson in cory's place. do we win more games?

Brunson is good, but is surrounded by excellent talent. Brunson would probably have to play more like Sanders if he was here.

 

[Duff366]

Brunson is good, but is surrounded by excellent talent. Brunson would probably have to play more like Sanders if he was here.

Agreed.. too many posters judge Sanders as if he played in a vacuum

 

[mikefla]

:cool2:Welcome Caleb!:cool2:

[thumb2]Good job coach P ! [thumb2]

I have a feeling coach P has one more surprise up his sleeve
[banana][jumpingsmile]just a feeling[jumpingsmile][banana]

 

[MadRU]

Saw this:

While on his visit, McConnell received an official measurement from Ben Asher, special assistant to the head coach at Rutgers. He was 6-6, a height usually reserved for wing forwards.

But from everything I read it sounds like he will be used at the point guard spot as a facilitator.

 

[kcg88]

It's pretty clear that tall guards is something this staff covets.

 

[Dpgru]

Is it safe to assume he has also signed his LOI or has he just committed? Since the signing period started last Wed it seems there would be no reason to commit but not sign.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Pikiell closed this one .

If higgins is right give an assist to Myles Johnson.

 

[knights1212]

Myles is a class guy. He always volunteers for visits to a hospital for young cancer patients as well as for other worthy causes. I remember his first week at RU he signed up for a very worth while student participation event. He cares about people.