When the 2023-2024 season begins for Rutgers basketball, the roster will look very different. While the Scarlet Knights will be without their leading scorer from last season, there are still some talented players on this team. That includes Mawot Mag, who took his game to another level during the 2022-2023 campaign.
That is, of course, assuming that he stays.
In his junior season, the Australian native set new career highs in points per game with 7.8 and rebounds per game with 5.3. While injuries ended his season early, Mag was one of Rutgers best players. With him out of the lineup down the stretch, Rutgers struggled to win games and did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Look at this 1-on-1 defense from Mawot Mag to end the half. He shuts down Bruce Thornton here and he guarded Zed Key for an extended time in the 2nd half. His ability to guard 1-5 is key to the Rutgers defense.
Swiss Army Knife. pic.twitter.com/BDulW65Rw8
— Jack Bisaha (@jackbis_5) January 16, 2023
While there was a lot to like about Mag’s game, the most significant change was his offense. Entering his junior season, the talented forward had never averaged more than 2.9 points a game. That changed last year as he scored ten or more in a game five times and had 29 points combined in his last three games.
As Rutgers looks to make a return to the NCAA Tournament, Mag will be looked at as one of the leaders on this team. If he can continue to score around ten points a game while being a force on the boards, they will be in a good spot. He showed flashes of being that player last year.
The broadcast view of Mawot Mag’s clincher: pic.twitter.com/MYpFCmGLGc
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) January 15, 2023
Although the expectations for Mag will be high, he has improved every year since arriving on campus. Entering his senior season, he will be motivated to build on his success. For Rutgers fans, he is a player to watch when basketball season rolls around.