After beginning play at the Players Era Festival out in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday night against the Houston Cougars, the caliber of opponent does not get much easier Wednesday for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
As to why, that is because the Crimson Tide are set to face a talented team in the Rutgers Scarlet Knights that are led by two of the nation’s top freshmen. The Scarlet Knights are also one of the top teams in the Big Ten this season, and could certainly provide some challenges for Alabama in this game.
So, ahead of Wednesday night’s matchup in Las Vegas, here is everything you need about the 2024-25 Rutgers Scarlet Knights:
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Overview
- Team Name: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Conference: Big Ten
- Arena: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Record: 4-1 overall
- Ranking: Unranked in AP Poll, Unranked in Coaches Poll
As mentioned previously, Rutgers is a Big Ten program that sits at 4-1 on the season. Rutgers also previously fell out of the AP Poll in the latest update, and are coming off their first loss of the 2024-25 season, a 79-77 road defeat at Kennesaw State.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Steve Pikiell
- Associate Head Coach: Brandin Knight
- Assistant Coach: T.J. Thompson
- Assistant Coach: Marlon Williamson
- Assistant Coach: Jay Young
- Assistant Coach: Steve Hayn
The Scarlet Knights are led by head coach Steve Pickiell, who is currently in his ninth season at Rutgers. Pickiell has also led Rutgers to two NCAA Tournament appearances over that span, last coming in 2021-22.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2024-25 Stats
- PPG: 79.8 (No. 128 in NCAA)
- PPG Allowed: 68 (No. 123 in NCAA)
- FG%: 47.4
- 3P%: 35.6
- FT%: 71.8
- RPG: 37.4
- APG: 16.4
- SPG: 8
- BPG: 4.2
Rutgers is currently averaging 79.8 PPG so far this season, while also allowing 68 PPG to opponents. The Scarlet Knight’s highest stat ranking on a national level is also their team free throws made per game, which sits No. 53 nationally at 17.8.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Names to Know
- Dylan Harper, Guard – Freshman
- Ace Bailey, Guard/Forward – Freshman
- Lathan Sommerville, Center – Freshman
- Zach Martini, Forward/Center – Graduate Student
- PJ Hayes IV, Guard/Forward – Fifth-Year Senior
As mentioned at the start, Rutgers is led by two of the nation’s top freshmen in the duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both of which were considered top five overall prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. The duo is averaging 19 PPG and five RPG each so far this season.