Assisted by Caleb McConnell. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell averaged 7.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game, all of which were considered career highs for him. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. It feels like Ive been through one long fight for years., He announced his decision on Twitter in October. Rutgers (18-12 overall, 10-9 Big Ten) led this game through 39 minutes and 59.9 seconds, until Jamison Battle's 3-pointer fell through the net as the buzzer sounded. The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this . McConnell was a great locker room presence, able to flip a switch from the relentless player he was on the court to a unifying force off of it. With McConnell's return, Rutgers Basketball now has two open scholarships remaining. AP Top 25 Poll: Rutgers drops out of national rankings once again NJ . bmV3cyUyRmNhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m He has also been a rebounds machine of late, with 32 rebounds so far in 2023. News never stops. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the win for the Gophers. Legendarypic.twitter.com/T5jWZ81x4c, Matt Sugam (@MattSugam) February 10, 2022. That is the minimum expectation from him across March, when Rutgers will play two more regular-season games . The Scarlet Knights senior being recognized for his elite defensive efforts this season. McConnell likely has a pro career ahead of him, here or abroad, and hell face it the same way he got to where he is now with an insatiable appetite for basketball, a chip on his shoulder, and a belief in himself fueled by those in his corner and the sacrifices he made along the way. Leaving his mother, brothers, grandparents and friends was tough, but McConnell was committed to getting better. To see him causing havoc in the Big Ten for the last four years, its just awesome. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project, Men's Basketball Loses 75-74 to Minnesota on Thursday Night, Caleb McConnell Named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist, Mens Basketball Pulls Off Biggest Comeback Since 1996 at PSU, Men's Basketball Heads to Penn State for Sunday Night Matchup, Men's Basketball Falls to Michigan Thursday. Get a yearly subscription for $99.95/year or $9.95/month. McConnell played his entire senior season with a sports hernia and a painful hip injury, and it took a broken foot to get McConnell off of the court for good. Right now its there for some stability.. Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. "And since we have such a different dynamic (in terms of personnel fit), I think this is actually a better team.. Even by Rutgers basketball's historically painful standards, Thursday's loss at Minnesota ranks among the most infamous. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics. The brotherhood, the culture and the friendships we built with each other are going to last forever. He kept going at dudes. It was a match made in heaven, Briski said. Baker scored the final five points for Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights built an 11-point lead and nearly gave it all away. ESPN's projections for Rutgers basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook? . He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of The Year, one of 10 players as a semi-finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of The Year award and was also earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. Theres not much to be drawn from beating up on an opponent ranked No. Was the new setting going to make things weird? In unserem Vergleich haben wir die unterschiedlichsten 70413 lego am Markt unter die Lupe genommen und die wichtigsten Eigenschaften, die Kostenstruktur und die Bewertungen der Kunden abgewogen. As he watched practice following his daily rehab sessions, he could see the chemistry and the potential for a historic season. The sacrifices, the surgery, the waiting were worth it for that moment, McConnell said. Here is another angle that shows the authority in which McConnell blocked the ball but also that the play was clearly a clean stop. Was perfect 12-12 at free throw line against Purdue (Jan. 28), tied for most ever by a RU player in a Big Ten game. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As a fourth-year player this past season, McConnell . Hes just tough. 16 Ohio State. dmVyc2lvbgogICAgcy5zcmMgPSAiaHR0cHM6Ly9zLnlpbWcuY29tL2N4L3Z6 Neither do we. Ive got to yank him out of the gym. Caleb McConnell UNBREAKABLE Rutgers MBB LLA . PISCATAWAY A huge cheer arose from the 5,000 denizens of Jersey Mikes Arena five minutes into Saturdays game, when Caleb McConnell rose from the bench and checked in at the scorers table. On The Banks Rutgers Athletics Oral History Project. Reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Caleb McConnell is back and looks to have a huge season for the Scarlet Knights. He returned in January as Rutgers went on a five-game losing streak that put its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. Then, you factor in his rebounds and his assists, he does a lot of things for us that equate to winning. I appreciate the fans being patient with me and cheering me on and having my back.. Cam Spencer (18 points on 6-8 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) looks fully in the flow of Rutgers schemes. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Rutgers is the last team in the NCAA Tournament? UNBREAKABLE.. I was like, lets just relax and let it come to me.. He is averaging 6.5 points per game, 5.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds. AP. dmFyIHMgPSBkb2N1bWVudC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KCJzY3JpcHQiKSwgZWwg How do you define wealth and a good life? Those cheers turned into a roar moments later, when the substitution was introduced over the public address system. The kids a dog.. As Rutgers looks to make a tournament run, McConnell will be critical. The Buckeyes still led 64-60 with 2:33 to play when they threw the deep pass from their own baseline coming out of a timeout to find Malaki Branham wide open just past midcourt. He announced his decision with an Instagram video on June 1st calling Rutgers Nation from his hometown in Florida. INCREDIBLE BLOCK BY @caleb_mccoWhat a spark for @RutgersMBB! The Jacksonville native has seen his playing time rise and has shown that he can be a veteran leader. His cousins story was similar to thousands across the country a good kid, McConnell believed, who got caught in a bad situation and was paying the price for it and he was about to see him for the first time in four years. Caleb McConnell made the second of two free throws for Rutgers with 5.8 seconds left before Battle stole the . Rutgers basketball makes a move down in CBS Sports projections from Jerry Palm. Hes been as good a player as there has been in the conference," Pikiell said. After watching his son dominate players his age in one-on-one games, Bryant McConnell paid older kids to go all out against his son on the court. 70413 lego - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. It was his way of getting me better. Hes not going to let anything bother him and hes not going to make any excuses about it. He did that every day. Please check your email for a confirmation. Pikiell actually got Sellers his first college coaching job. McConnells has a decorated resume through 60 career starts and 114 games played. In 2018, McConnell was a three-star prospect that was the 73rd-ranked shooting guard in the country. Scarlet Nation continues to hear things are trending in that direction as McConnell could use an extra year to improve his draft stock. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell grimaces after colliding with a Minnesota player during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Minneapolis. McConnell's rebounding average of 5.5 per game is just 0.2 higher than last season. McConnell isn't the only Scarlet Knight with Dayton roots. INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FINAL'S FRIDAY. And yet, just like this team over the past month, McConnell fought back in the play and came through in the end. I feel like little stuff like that made me a bit tougher and have some more grit.. 11.3K followers. Minnesota won 75-74. McConnell told him about his budding basketball career and his cousin described life on the inside: the lack of freedom, the danger of being housed with violent criminals, the feeling of separation from the world and everything hes known. He is a ferocious defender on and off the ball. Men's Basketball Starter at guard in 21 of 31 games played, averaging 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds with 25 steals, Shot 41.1 percent from the field and team-best 79.2 percent from the free throw line, Against Big Ten competition, averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds with 13 steals while shooting 80 percent from the free throw line, Scored in double-figures 10 times, leading team in scoring four times, Scored season-high 20 points on 8-8 shooting with a career-high five assists in win at Nebraska (Jan. 3), Had first career double-double with 10 points and career-high 12 rebounds in win over Minnesota (Jan. 19). https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/22/rutgers-caleb-mcconnell-is-having-an-impressive-last-dance/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 19). They have three more ranked teams and six more Quad 1 opponents in a row left on the schedule. What makes McConnell so valuable is how he impacts a game in multiple ways. He was finally healthy heading into his junior season, but a month and a half before he was scheduled to return to school, a freak accident in a pickup game left him with two slipped disks in his back. There is still the option to withdraw up until June 13th, as per the NBA rules, but that would not allow them to retain their college eligibility. MINNEAPOLIS Jamison Battle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointerand finished with 20 points as Minnesota beat Rutgers 75-74 on Thursday night to snap a 12-game losing streak. photo: Creative Commons / Gage Skidmore https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2./deed.en. During the 2022-203 campaign, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, as McConnell has continued to improve . Minnesota faces Wisconsin at home on Sunday while Rutgers plays host to Northwestern to wrap up their regular seasons. If you look at our games, hes taking the best player and cutting their points in half. He is an unbelievable person and has been one of our best all-around players on both sides of the floor. And there were nagging injuries a bad back, jammed fingers, sore shoulders, bruised ribs along the way. The Rutgers guard overcame a childhood that hopscotched from Florida to Ohio and eventually left him living on his own to pursue his dream. He was by no means a flashy recruit and was the third-highest recruit out of 4 in Rutgers' 2018 class.. Now, McConnell has recently been crowned the Big . The third son of high school sweethearts Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Kerlin, McConnell was 2 years old when his parents split. Iowa State kicks senior guard off team: 'Said something I Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', Unprecedented turnaround sets this team up to be MLB's greatest show, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. He caught the pass cleanly and looked to have a clear path to the basket in what would have been a devastating play for Rutgers to allow in that situation. Caleb McConnell began playing basketball around eight years old, and his passion for the game has led him to plenty of success. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Wearing a heavy brace on his leg, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year came off the bench and logged 25 minutes during the Scarlet Knights 83-49 victory over Central Connecticut State. On an evening that has suddenly become crucial for its NCAA Tournament hopes, Rutgers will honor its veteran players with its annual Senior Day festivities ahead of their regular season finale against Northwestern at Jersey Mikes Arena on Sunday. Rutgers biggest test of the season is set for Wednesday with a trip to Miami as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. Play By Play - 1st Half; Time Remaining RU Away Team Score Play Team Indicator Home Team Score PSU Game Score Team Indicator Play; 19:36: TURNOVER by MCCONNELL,CALEB Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is not expected to play in Thursday night's meeting with Michigan due to the back injury he suffered during pregame Read more on nj.com. Thats another thing he had to be strong for, his mother said. Hes always got something lingering, but just doesnt care. We cant do it without you. Caleb McConnell was fouled . Rutgers Basketball got some good news today as wing player Caleb McConnell intends to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and will return to college for one last season with the Scarlet Knights. 71 posts. It will be fascinating to see how his hot hand translates to the upcoming spike in competition. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. McConnell is a tremendous defensive presence, blending natural athleticism with instincts and intelligence. That is the furthest thing from his mind. All rights reserved (About Us). Tomorrow marks the deadline for which McConnell can withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to . Thank you to all the coaches and staff for supporting me and helping me evolve into the player and person that I am today. McConnell is one of three foundational veterans in the program, along with Omoruyi and senior point guard Paul Mulcahy. Over the last five years, Caleb McConnell has been a steady presence in the Rutgers lineup. It was a Lebron James level type of defensive play. Former Rutgers star Jason McCourty joins Good Morning Football following NFL retirement. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm Count them out at your own risk. 16 Buckeyes, Played in 20 games (eight starts), averaging 5.7 points and career-best 4.3 rebounds with career-high 29 steals, Did not make season debut until Jan. 2 against No. Battle was 7 of 15 from the floor and 6-of-13 shooting from long range. Kaleb Johnson leaving Rutgers football to join the Florida Gators in the SEC, Antwann Hill Jr. discusses Rutgers football offer and where things stand with Ohio State, Rutgers basketball dominates and somehow loses at Minnesota, CBS Sports Jerry Palm has Rutgers basketball in the First Four. Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell (22) waits to enter the game during the first half against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Jersey Mike's Arena. I was like, You know, hes right. I heard it from the crowd. In fact, it was a voice from the crowd that helped him shake off some rust. I always think in my head, Im unbreakable. I can overcome all those things. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell and guard Caleb McConnell (22) are a "match made in heaven," McConnell's high school coach said.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. When visiting his dad in the summer, the routine was the same: hours spent at outdoor courts and in the local recreation center, where his aunt organized a basketball camp. Please update it here. The play also sent the RAC faithful into a frenzy the rest of the way that helped propel this team to victory. The Rutgers guard is averaging a career-high 2.4 steals a game. Now he did this all while shooting 39.7% from the floor. There were many big plays, including Geo Bakers clutch drive with the game on the line to draw the foul and knock down the pair of free throws. c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j Rutgers doesnt need him to produce a ton of points at the Big Ten level, but its important that he keeps defenses honest with the threat of scoring. Everyone who follows Rutgers basketball knows that, and you could feel the appreciation in the stands Saturday. He didnt lay down or come out or anything. #1. He battled through countless injuries and college coaches who doubted him a skinny high school player many believed was too soft for high-major hoops. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is down to decision time when it comes to his basketball future. We miss having you out there. cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt As McConnell has stepped up offensively, he has frustrated opponents on the other end of the court. He is focused solely on finishing the fourth year of a Big Ten basketball career few believed could happen on the right foot, carrying an unshakable belief that Rutgers can disprove the doubters and return to March Madness. It was his second consecutive game with 4 steals and McConnell is doing everything possible to boost his candidacy for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year or worst case the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. My Rutgers family helped me grow from a unrefined freshman to the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and I thank you all for that from the bottom of my heart!. At least one Big East coach, to Briskis amazement, said he was soft. The fifth-year senior guard, who earns his bachelors degree in a couple of weeks, finally got cleared after suffering a left knee injury in early October. I have seen the students and the fans at Jersey Mikes Arena create what is now the best home court advantage in all of college basketball. I just started laughing and shaking my head when he told me, he said. McConnell has posted a 42.0 field percentage after only shooting 39.7 percent from the field last season. In Indianapolis, they defeated Clemson for their first March Madness win in 38 years. Aaron Breitman. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com. 16 Ohio State 66-64 behind a 10-0 run in the final 3:48 of the game. d2luZG93Ll9kaWRBc3luY0luamVjdEdvb2dsZVRhZ01hbmFnZXIpIHJldHVy Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? Led Big Ten in steals, setting new career-high in steals with 70 on the season. 5 takeaways as the standout guard returned from a knee injury 0:49. The summer before his freshman season, McConnell recovered from surgery on the broken foot. All McConnell needed was a chance, and Rutgers was the one that gave it to him. b3ItMjAyMi0yMy1zZWFzb24mYzU9MjAyMjczMzE0MCZjdj0yLjAmY2o9MSZj There would be no more fitting award for Caleb McConnell than Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten., Pretty damn close to every Big Ten school called about him or came to see him, and no one pulled the trigger. Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell is a contender for the Big Ten's Defender of the Year award. The McConnell boys split their time between them, attending school in Florida, with summers in Ohio. That aspect of the game has been a mainstay and strength during the Pikiell era as McConnell has personified the type of player that has developed and excelled under the head coach's direction. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov Written off, lost and bewildered. GET TKR PREMIUM FREE FOR 30 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE. Verified. Latest on Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell including biography, career, awards and more on ESPN Freshmen Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk, who will be needed in Big Ten competition, have gotten valuable time and shown growth this month. Kristian Dyer. "Hes got to get his timing back, but he causes major disruptions. McConnell would bring veteran leadership back to the team and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. McConnell logged more than 10 points during each of his last three games started. Man, it felt good," McConnell said. pic . Rutgers Recruiting: Will Scarlet Knights make surprise push for Bronny James? McConnell will give it everything he has, carried by the unbreakable mindset that got him here, sharing all the fruits of his labor with those who backed him up along the way. He was one of ten that made the cut as a semifinalist last season. With less than two full weeks left in January, he has 16 steals this month, including a season-high four on January eighth. Imh0dHBzOi8vc2Iuc2NvcmVjYXJkcmVzZWFyY2guY29tL3A/YzE9MiZjMj03 ICAgfSkod2luZG93LGRvY3VtZW50LCdzY3JpcHQnLCdkYXRhTGF5ZXInLCdH The more Briski learned about him, the more there was to like. 28,939. Neither do we. bS9jcy5qcyI7CiAgICBlbC5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShzLCBl McConnells return comes at a crucial juncture for Rutgers (5-1), which enters the schedules biggest gauntlet: at Miami Wednesday, followed by Big Ten favorite Indiana at home, at Ohio State, and then home games against rival Seton Hall and Wake Forest. Rutgers Wrestling: Coach Scott Goodale gives early lineup preview, Rutgers Football: 5 things to watch during training camp. bS9uZXdzL2NhbGViLW1jY29ubmVsbC1yZXR1cm5pbmctdG8tcnV0Z2Vycy1m The Scarlet Knights close out the regular season on the weekend at home against Penn State. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 You saw the energy he brings," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. Scored in double-figures four times in a five-game span (Clemson, Purdue, Seton Hall, Maine), 16 points versus Clemson was new career-high, Also set career-highs in rebounds (12, Seton Hall), assists (9, UMass) and steals (6, UMass), Had four steals in each of wins over No. Its unlikely the Scarlet Knights will return to the NCAA Tournament this season, but McConnell has another year of eligibility, so he can return and make another run if he wants. and Caleb McConnell then made one of two for Rutgers. caleb mcconnell rutgers tattoogeorgia foraging laws. And he was tougher than Briski could have imagined. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the conference is back. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. 9 recruit in Ohio by 247Sports.com, Averaged 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior at Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar High before transferring to SPIRE, A 2016-2017 Associated Press Southwest All-District II honoree, Competed on the AAU circuit for C2K Elite, Son of Bryant McConnell and Stefanie Meade, Signed with Scarlet Knights over reported offers from West Virginia, Wichita State, UMass, St. Bonaventure, Temple, Missouri State, Wright State, Akron and Kent State. My friends would ask what I was doing or to hang out and Id tell them to meet me at the park. Mulcahy remains sidelined indefinitely by left shoulder injury; Pikiell said he's been cleared to practice but not for contact. March 2, 2022 6:24 am ET. Had streak of four games of over four+ steals to key wins over No. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Feb 20, 2023. All it takes is perseverance, keeping my head down and keep going.. I have so much love for them, and I wouldnt be where I am without them. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Rutgers basketball: Caleb McConnell debuts in romp of CCSU, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie. That was until McConnell made up incredible ground and delivered as memorable a block as I can remember for this program. As expected, rusty. Chris Corso, A post shared by Rutgers Basketball (@rutgersmbb). "We are excited to welcome Caleb McConnell back for one more season," said head coach Steve Pikiell. Pikiell told McConnell to take his time, but McConnells mind was made up: He was coming back to help this team. Follow. "And as a competitor, Ive got to rise to the occasion.. Pikiell and his staff loved what they saw on tape. It was so frustrating for me at that time because its, like, Damn, I cant get a break, McConnell said. pic.twitter.com/TI9R6uK2z3. McConnell was selfless, a kid who loved basketball and hated to let anyone down. ICAgIGo9ZC5jcmVhdGVFbGVtZW50KHMpLGRsPWwhPSdkYXRhTGF5ZXInPycm bCk7CiAgfSkoKTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+Cgo8bm9zY3JpcHQ+CiAgPGltZyBzcmM9 His father, a former college athlete and a decent playground hoops player in his own right, often joined his son and rarely went easy on him. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The kids fearless, man. Rutgers targeted by Penn State fans' vulgar, racist language during comeback win Unfortunately, in the article, Nj.com writes about the BYU-Duke volleyball game: "[R]acial slurs and threats were directed at a Black player on Duke's team during a match in Utah on Aug. 26." The BYU investigation revealed these slurs and threats did not occur. Its a real morale booster to see Caleb on the floor," sophomore guard Jalen Miller said. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv McConnell is coming off his best season yet, as he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of The year. "It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, my brothers, and hear the crowd cheering.. 33: 26: 2:03: Foul on Antwone . That label of this soft, skinny kid, I think it pissed him off, quite frankly.. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. His movement looked fine, although he seemed a gear short of his typical explosion. Caleb has given up so much because he believes what hell achieve in the end.. Those three three years of eating, sleeping and breathing basketball turned McConnell into a Division I prospect. Sign up for the Rutgers Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. However, his offensive rebounding rate in Big Ten play is 6.8%. 22 on the court for the first time this season. He was a key member of the 2019-20 team that would have snapped Rutgers then 29-year NCAA Tournament drought had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic. . They said he was tough to project because he played more than one position. It was just a no-brainer, McConnell said. "Certainly for the first time these guys being on this stage, they were locked in from the beginning," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. a cross-court sprint into a contested lay-up. McConnells first sport was football, just like his older brothers Bryant and Jordan, but he found another love when he was around 8 and his mom signed him up to play basketball.