The 2024-25 Rutgers men’s basketball schedule is set to be released in the coming weeks, but there are already a few key dates to put on your calendar. The Scarlet Knights will open the season on the road against the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels on November 5th. They will then host the Temple Owls on November 11th in their home opener.
Rutgers will play five of its first seven games at home, including a matchup with the Louisville Cardinals on November 18th. They will also host the Michigan State Spartans on December 10th and the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 29th. The Scarlet Knights will have a tough road schedule in the Big Ten, with games at Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio State. They will also travel to Madison Square Garden to face the Seton Hall Pirates on December 6th.
Rutgers is coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 13-19 overall and 5-15 in the Big Ten. However, the Scarlet Knights have a talented young roster led by sophomore guard Paul Mulcahy and freshman forward Mawot Mag. With a favorable schedule, Rutgers has a chance to make a run at the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25.
Unveiling the Rutgers Basketball Schedule for 2024-2025
Unveiling the Rutgers Basketball Schedule for 2024-2025
Mark your calendars, as the highly anticipated Rutgers Basketball schedule for the 2024-2025 season has been unveiled! With a promising roster and electrifying home games, the upcoming season promises to be an unforgettable one for the Scarlet Knights and their dedicated fan base. As the team embarks on its pursuit of Big Ten glory and NCAA success, here’s a comprehensive look at their upcoming opponents and game schedule:
Home Games: A Thrilling Showcase of Scarlet Knight Spirit
The RAC will once again reverberate with the roar of the crowd as the Scarlet Knights host a formidable lineup of opponents for their home games in 2024-2025. Respected conference rivals, such as the Indiana Hoosiers, the Purdue Boilermakers, and the Michigan Wolverines, will descend on Piscataway to challenge Rutgers on their home turf. Additionally, non-conference matchups against storied programs like the Villanova Wildcats and the Syracuse Orange are sure to provide captivating battles on the hardwood.
Here’s a closer look at the non-conference home schedule for the Scarlet Knights in 2024-2025:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| November 12, 2024 | Villanova Wildcats |
| December 10, 2024 | Syracuse Orange |
Non-Conference Slate Unveiled for Scarlet Knights
Rutgers men’s basketball has released its non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season, featuring a mix of challenging opponents and marquee matchups. The Scarlet Knights will tip off their campaign with a home game against Colgate on November 12, followed by a trip to the Paradise Jam tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Challenging Opponents Highlight Non-Conference Slate
Rutgers will face a gauntlet of tough opponents, including four teams that reached the NCAA Tournament in 2023. The Scarlet Knights will host Florida on December 10, a rematch of their memorable NCAA Tournament first-round matchup. They will also travel to face Virginia on December 14 and North Carolina on January 4. Additionally, Rutgers will participate in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, where they will play at Syracuse on November 28.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 12 | Colgate | Piscataway, NJ |
| November 16-18 | Paradise Jam | St. Thomas, USVI |
| November 28 | Syracuse | Syracuse, NY |
| December 10 | Florida | Piscataway, NJ |
| December 14 | Virginia | Charlottesville, VA |
| January 4 | North Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC |
Key Conference Matchups on the Horizon
Pursuing Postseason Glory
Rutgers Basketball’s 2024-2025 schedule presents a rigorous slate of non-conference matchups that will prepare the team for the grueling Big Ten Conference. With an experienced roster and a talented incoming class, the Scarlet Knights will have their eyes set on postseason success.
Navigating the Big Ten Gauntlet
The Big Ten Conference continues to be one of the most competitive in the nation, and Rutgers will face a stern test throughout the 2024-2025 campaign. Key conference matchups include:
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | January 15, 2025 | Breslin Center |
| Purdue | January 29, 2025 | Mackey Arena |
| Ohio State | February 19, 2025 | Value City Arena |
Seeking a Big Ten Tournament Triumph
In addition to the regular season conference matchups, Rutgers will set its sights on making a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament. The 2024-2025 tournament will be held at United Center in Chicago, and the Scarlet Knights will look to capture their first Big Ten Tournament title since 1991.
Home and Away Game Analysis
Home Games
Rutgers’ 2024-25 home slate features a mix of intriguing matchups and familiar foes. The Scarlet Knights will host Big Ten rivals Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio State, providing home fans with opportunities to witness some of the conference’s top teams in action. Additionally, Rutgers will face non-conference opponents such as Seton Hall, Princeton, and Wagner, offering diverse tests at the RAC.
Away Games
The Scarlet Knights’ away schedule provides a variety of challenges. They will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to take on the Badgers and to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face the Pirates of Seton Hall. Rutgers will also venture to Iowa City, Iowa, to play the Hawkeyes and to Columbus, Ohio, to face the Buckeyes. These road tests will be crucial in determining the team’s overall success.
Non-Conference Schedule
Rutgers’ non-conference schedule offers a balance of regional and national opponents. The Scarlet Knights will face programs from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), such as Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, as well as teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC), including Cincinnati and UCF. These matchups will provide opportunities for Rutgers to gauge its strength against a variety of competition and prepare for the rigors of Big Ten play.
Key Matchups
Several games on the Scarlet Knights’ 2024-25 schedule stand out as potential key matchups. The home game against Michigan on December 11th and the away game at Ohio State on March 1st are crucial for Rutgers’ Big Ten title hopes. Additionally, the non-conference meeting with Virginia Tech on December 22nd could provide a barometer of the team’s progress early in the season.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | December 11th | RAC |
| Ohio State | March 1st | Value City Arena |
| Virginia Tech | December 22nd | Cassell Coliseum |
Evaluating the Strength of Schedule
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team will face a challenging schedule in the 2024-2025 season. The team will play 18 regular-season games against Power 5 opponents, including seven games against ranked teams. The Scarlet Knights will also play two games against teams from the Atlantic 10 Conference, one game against a team from the Big East Conference, and one game against a team from the American Athletic Conference.
Key Matchups
Some of the most challenging games on the Rutgers schedule include matchups against:
- Duke Blue Devils (ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls)
- North Carolina Tar Heels (ranked No. 5 in the preseason polls)
- Virginia Cavaliers (ranked No. 8 in the preseason polls)
- Purdue Boilermakers (ranked No. 10 in the preseason polls)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (ranked No. 12 in the preseason polls)
Strength of Schedule Metrics
Several metrics are used to evaluate the strength of a team’s schedule. One common metric is the RPI, which measures a team’s strength of schedule based on the average RPI of its opponents. The RPI is calculated by taking the average RPI of a team’s opponents and then weighting it based on the number of games played against each opponent. The higher the RPI, the stronger the schedule.
| Metric | Rutgers |
|---|---|
| RPI | 75 |
| Strength of Schedule Index | 70 |
| Toughness of Schedule | 65 |
Based on these metrics, Rutgers has a relatively strong schedule in the 2024-2025 season. The team’s RPI is 75, which is in the top 25% of all Division I teams. The team’s Strength of Schedule Index is 70, which is also in the top 25% of all Division I teams. Finally, the team’s Toughness of Schedule is 65, which is in the top 30% of all Division I teams.
Impact Players to Watch
Paul VI Catholic’s Trevor Dinkins
A 6’7″ small forward regarded as a four-star recruit by 247Sports. Dinkins is known for his athleticism, skill, and court vision. He averaged 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his junior season.
Prolific Prep’s Jalen Hood-Schifino
A 6’6″ point guard considered a five-star recruit by ESPN. Hood-Schifino combines excellent ball-handling abilities with an impressive shooting stroke. He averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season.
IMG Academy’s Cameron Boozer
A 6’9″ power forward ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals. Boozer is a strong and physical presence in the paint, known for his rebounding and defense. He averaged 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.
Cardinal Hayes’ Daniel Skillings
A 6’10” center regarded as a four-star recruit by 247Sports. Skillings is a skilled post player with a soft touch and good footwork. He averaged 18.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game last season.
Hudson Catholic’s Tyler Frederick
A 6’5″ shooting guard considered a four-star recruit by ESPN. Frederick is a versatile scorer with a high basketball IQ. He averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his junior season.
Nazareth’s John Bol Ajak
A 6’8″ center regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals. Ajak is a raw but incredibly athletic big man with a 7’2″ wingspan. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.
Season Outlook
The upcoming 2024-2025 season for Rutgers basketball holds great promise and excitement. With a talented roster led by rising stars, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the Big Ten Conference and beyond. The Scarlet Knights will look to build upon the momentum of their previous season, where they showcased a high-energy and disciplined style of play.
Expected Results
With a solid foundation in place, Rutgers basketball is expected to compete for a top-half finish in the Big Ten standings. The team’s depth and experience will be key factors in their success. They have a core group of returning players who have proven their abilities, as well as a promising group of newcomers who are eager to contribute.
Non-Conference Schedule
The Scarlet Knights’ non-conference schedule will provide them with opportunities to test their mettle against a variety of opponents. They will face a mix of power conference teams and mid-major programs, including a marquee matchup against a perennial top-10 powerhouse. These early-season contests will serve as valuable preparation for the rigors of Big Ten play.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2024 | St. Peter’s |
| November 17, 2024 | Elon |
| November 22, 2024 | at North Carolina |
| November 29, 2024 | Lafayette |
Potential Breakout Performers
1. Jalen Miller
Miller is a 6’8″ forward who is entering his sophomore season. He averaged 4.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a freshman. Miller is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside. He has a good shooting touch and is also a good rebounder. Miller has the potential to be a major contributor for the Scarlet Knights this season.
2. Cliff Omoruyi
Omoruyi is a 6’11” center who is entering his junior season. He averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. Omoruyi is a physical presence in the paint and is a good rebounder. He also has a good touch around the basket. Omoruyi has the potential to be a dominant force in the Big Ten this season.
8. Mawot Mag
Mag is a 6’7″ forward who is entering his senior season. He averaged 6.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. Mag is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside. He is a good shooter and is also a good rebounder. Mag has the potential to be a major contributor for the Scarlet Knights this season.
| Name | Position | Class | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Miller | Forward | Sophomore | 6’8″ | 220 lbs |
| Cliff Omoruyi | Center | Junior | 6’11” | 240 lbs |
| Mawot Mag | Forward | Senior | 6’7″ | 210 lbs |
Rutgers’ Path to the NCAA Tournament
9. Remaining Regular Season Schedule
Rutgers has nine games remaining in the regular season, including five home games and four road games. The Scarlet Knights will face a tough test in their upcoming road game against Purdue on February 25th, but they should be favored in their remaining home games. Rutgers will close out the regular season with a home game against Michigan State on March 5th.
Remaining Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 22nd | Northwestern | Home |
| February 25th | Purdue | Away |
| March 1st | Indiana | Home |
| March 5th | Michigan State | Home |
| March 8th | at Maryland | Away |
| March 11th | at Penn State | Away |
| March 15th | Illinois | Home |
| March 19th | at Nebraska | Away |
| March 22nd | Ohio State | Home |
Rutgers will need to win at least six of its remaining games to have a chance at an NCAA Tournament berth. The Scarlet Knights have a tough schedule, but they have the talent to make a run in March. With a strong finish to the regular season, Rutgers could be dancing in the NCAA Tournament once again.
Assessing the Team’s Championship Contention
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have established themselves as a formidable force in college basketball, and the 2024-2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in their history. With a talented roster and a proven coaching staff, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament.
Talent and Experience
Rutgers boasts a roster filled with experience and athleticism. Senior guard Caleb McConnell, an All-Big Ten selection, will lead the team with his lockdown defense and infectious energy. Junior guard Paul Mulcahy, a rising star, brings a dynamic skillset and an ability to create for others. In addition, the Scarlet Knights have added several talented transfers, including forward Aundre Hyatt and guard Cam Spencer, who will provide a much-needed boost to the offense.
Tournament Experience
The Scarlet Knights have gained valuable experience in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons. This experience has given them the confidence and composure necessary to thrive in the high-pressure environment of March Madness. They will draw upon this experience to push through adversity and make a deep run in the tournament.
Coaching Staff
Head coach Steve Pikiell has built a culture of success at Rutgers. With his attention to detail and focus on defense, he has transformed the Scarlet Knights into a force to be reckoned with. His ability to motivate and inspire his players will be key in guiding them to championship contention.
Schedule
The Scarlet Knights face a challenging schedule in 2024-2025, with non-conference matchups against Villanova, Michigan State, and Indiana. They will also face a tough Big Ten schedule, including home-and-home series with Purdue, Ohio State, and Michigan. These games will provide opportunities for the Scarlet Knights to prove themselves against top-tier competition and build momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.
| Opponent | Date |
|---|---|
| Villanova | November 11, 2024 |
| Michigan State | December 6, 2024 |
| Indiana | December 20, 2024 |
| Purdue | January 10, 2025 |
| Ohio State | February 1, 2025 |
| Michigan | February 8, 2025 |
Rutgers Basketball Schedule 2024-2025
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team will begin its 2024-2025 season on November 12, 2024, with a home game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. The team’s non-conference schedule also includes games against the Villanova Wildcats, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Kansas Jayhawks. The Scarlet Knights will open their Big Ten Conference schedule on December 3, 2024, with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers. The team will play a total of 18 conference games, including home games against the Indiana Hoosiers, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Michigan State Spartans. The Scarlet Knights will conclude their regular season on March 8, 2025, with a home game against the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Scarlet Knights are coming off a successful 2023-2024 season, in which they finished with a 20-13 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The team is led by head coach Steve Pikiell, who is entering his ninth season at the helm. The Scarlet Knights will be looking to build on their success from last season and make a run at the NCAA Tournament once again.
