As I am sure a few of us are, we are anxious to see what Rutgers does with that last remaining scholarship option, assuming we use the second one for a walk-on. If we look towards the transfer portal, here are a few names that may be semi-realistic. Unfortunately, none of them are some 6'8 or above PF who can be a good scorer while also able to stay on the floor defensively in the B1G, and very few of those existed in the portal despite some posters constant requests. I have watched at least a highlight reel of all of these guys, some of them game film and some remembering them when watching their teams over this college season, so not purely looking at stats in this analysis. I think all of these guys could have potential to be contributors on next year's team, some as starters and some as bench role players.
BIGS/FORWARDS
Kim Aiken Jr., Arizona, SF/PF, 6'7, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 6
The best rated player remaining I see that isn't being recruited by the blue bloods, he is certainly an interesting player. Played his first three years at Eastern Washington, putting up 13 and 10 one year and was once the Big South DPOY. He can shoot it as well, would expect him to shoot around 32% from 3 if he came here, which is not a bad number for a guy that may be more of a defensive presence. Was a premier transfer last year and ended up at Arizona, of which he played 7 games for and then was phased out of the rotation. I think he would be someone that could compete for that four spot and may be an improved version of Hyatt. Probably my favorite PF option remaining. The last public rumor was he was heading to BYU, but it's been a month since and it seems BYU is looking at other players. If we offered him a starting role I would think we could win this recruitment.
Donnie Tillman, New Mexico State, 6'7, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 7
Another PF option, and actually one we recruited at one point, even having him for a visit when he instead transferred to UNLV. Has had moments of being a very good player, but did not look like himself last year and went from being a lead player of the Aggies the year before to someone also phased out of the rotation. When watching a game, the commentator billed Tillman as the team's best defender, yet I thought he looked pretty slow on film. Has some stretch four ability and has had seasons in solid conferences of being a good player, but last season is a bit worrying and he also has some red flags in terms of his character. Certainly a high risk, high reward guy.
Daniel Akin, Cal Baptist, 6'9, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 18
This time, we have more of a center, despite sometimes being listed as a PF. This guy is athletic and a pretty good defender, but is fairly limited offensively and isn't really big enough to guard B1G centers, but as a backup big he could do enough of the job. Put up 10 and 8 last year, albeit in an average mid major conference. Does not have any stetch big upside, but is one that fits the defensive identity of Rutgers and Pikiell. Originally from England, so perhaps we can use our Yeboah connection to help.
Alex Tchikou, Alabama, 6'11, 3 Years Left
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 19
Here we have a guy who would be a total upside play, as he has not scored a point in college basketball yet. However, he was a top 70 recruit in 2021 and has athleticism at his size that cannot be teached, along with some highlights that point to him having some upside in terms of skill as well. If we are willing to be patient with him, this guy could be a massive addition down the line. He seems to have at least had contact with many good programs, but maybe Rutgers can throw their hat into the ring and with enough commitment pull him out. Also could probably give us some minutes off the bench and maybe gives us a look at certain points we lack from others on the roster not named Cliff.
GUARDS
CJ Kelly, UMass, 6'5, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 17
Not a guy known for his defense, but is certainly one that can shoot it and provide an offensive spark. Sorry to remind everyone, but he did score 24 against us this year. Again, he isn't much of a defender and that would only further be highlighted in the B1G. Isn't a PG, more of a true SG, and as currently constructed that would probably put him as a bench scorer, something I am unsure if he wants to do in his final college season. Also I am unclear about whether he is eligible to play immediately, as he transfered after the transfer deadline. Still, for a squad that needs some scorers, he could play a role next season, and is somewhat local.
Kevin Miller, Central Michigan, 6'0, 3 Years Left
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 77
Despite his poor metrics, I really like this guy. While he is very small, 6'0 may even be generous, he is a very skilled guard who can shoot it, dish it and run a pick and roll effectively. He averaged 13.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 4.6 APG, some very solid stats. For being small, he is a tenacious defender, and in a game against Detroit Mercy that I watched, he locked down the number 1 scorer in the NCAA, Antoine Davis. He is a recent transfer, so unsure what schools will be pursuing him and would require a waiver to play this season. There is not really any ties between him and Rutgers, so this may be a random inclusion, but there was mention of Rutgers being open to a sit out transfer by Carino, and maybe this guy would fit the bill. Rutgers did pursue Kyle Lofton, so it isn't unreasonable to think the staff could make an exception for a talented PG. However, also unsure we would take such a player that could conflict with other targets down the line such as Dylan Harper who may want to be the immediate PG in 2024. Still, I would be ecstatic if Rutgers went for this guy, especially if he was able to secure a waiver from the NCAA.
Of course, I wouldn't be surpised if Rutgers isn't looking at any of these guys, but found it fun to do some research on this topic anyways.
BIGS/FORWARDS
Kim Aiken Jr., Arizona, SF/PF, 6'7, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 6
The best rated player remaining I see that isn't being recruited by the blue bloods, he is certainly an interesting player. Played his first three years at Eastern Washington, putting up 13 and 10 one year and was once the Big South DPOY. He can shoot it as well, would expect him to shoot around 32% from 3 if he came here, which is not a bad number for a guy that may be more of a defensive presence. Was a premier transfer last year and ended up at Arizona, of which he played 7 games for and then was phased out of the rotation. I think he would be someone that could compete for that four spot and may be an improved version of Hyatt. Probably my favorite PF option remaining. The last public rumor was he was heading to BYU, but it's been a month since and it seems BYU is looking at other players. If we offered him a starting role I would think we could win this recruitment.
Donnie Tillman, New Mexico State, 6'7, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 7
Another PF option, and actually one we recruited at one point, even having him for a visit when he instead transferred to UNLV. Has had moments of being a very good player, but did not look like himself last year and went from being a lead player of the Aggies the year before to someone also phased out of the rotation. When watching a game, the commentator billed Tillman as the team's best defender, yet I thought he looked pretty slow on film. Has some stretch four ability and has had seasons in solid conferences of being a good player, but last season is a bit worrying and he also has some red flags in terms of his character. Certainly a high risk, high reward guy.
Daniel Akin, Cal Baptist, 6'9, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 18
This time, we have more of a center, despite sometimes being listed as a PF. This guy is athletic and a pretty good defender, but is fairly limited offensively and isn't really big enough to guard B1G centers, but as a backup big he could do enough of the job. Put up 10 and 8 last year, albeit in an average mid major conference. Does not have any stetch big upside, but is one that fits the defensive identity of Rutgers and Pikiell. Originally from England, so perhaps we can use our Yeboah connection to help.
Alex Tchikou, Alabama, 6'11, 3 Years Left
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 19
Here we have a guy who would be a total upside play, as he has not scored a point in college basketball yet. However, he was a top 70 recruit in 2021 and has athleticism at his size that cannot be teached, along with some highlights that point to him having some upside in terms of skill as well. If we are willing to be patient with him, this guy could be a massive addition down the line. He seems to have at least had contact with many good programs, but maybe Rutgers can throw their hat into the ring and with enough commitment pull him out. Also could probably give us some minutes off the bench and maybe gives us a look at certain points we lack from others on the roster not named Cliff.
GUARDS
CJ Kelly, UMass, 6'5, Grad Transfer
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 17
Not a guy known for his defense, but is certainly one that can shoot it and provide an offensive spark. Sorry to remind everyone, but he did score 24 against us this year. Again, he isn't much of a defender and that would only further be highlighted in the B1G. Isn't a PG, more of a true SG, and as currently constructed that would probably put him as a bench scorer, something I am unsure if he wants to do in his final college season. Also I am unclear about whether he is eligible to play immediately, as he transfered after the transfer deadline. Still, for a squad that needs some scorers, he could play a role next season, and is somewhat local.
Kevin Miller, Central Michigan, 6'0, 3 Years Left
EvanMiya Available Transfer Ranking: 77
Despite his poor metrics, I really like this guy. While he is very small, 6'0 may even be generous, he is a very skilled guard who can shoot it, dish it and run a pick and roll effectively. He averaged 13.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 4.6 APG, some very solid stats. For being small, he is a tenacious defender, and in a game against Detroit Mercy that I watched, he locked down the number 1 scorer in the NCAA, Antoine Davis. He is a recent transfer, so unsure what schools will be pursuing him and would require a waiver to play this season. There is not really any ties between him and Rutgers, so this may be a random inclusion, but there was mention of Rutgers being open to a sit out transfer by Carino, and maybe this guy would fit the bill. Rutgers did pursue Kyle Lofton, so it isn't unreasonable to think the staff could make an exception for a talented PG. However, also unsure we would take such a player that could conflict with other targets down the line such as Dylan Harper who may want to be the immediate PG in 2024. Still, I would be ecstatic if Rutgers went for this guy, especially if he was able to secure a waiver from the NCAA.
Of course, I wouldn't be surpised if Rutgers isn't looking at any of these guys, but found it fun to do some research on this topic anyways.
