Put it in pen: Rutgers basketball has a starting five according to Jon Rothstein. The college basketball insider has spoken following his time spent at the team’s facility this week.
The lineup projection isn’t much of a surprise, but the inclusion of a true freshman is particularly interesting or perhaps, more apropos, intriguing.
Four-star Gavin Griffiths, the highest-ranked player to ever sign with Rutgers, is in the starting five at small forward according to Rothstein. The 6-foot-6 forward from Connecticut was ranked the No. 12 small forward in the nation according to ESPN.
Why is this significant? Rothstein was at the men’s basketball practice on Thursday, giving him up close access. Seeing Griffiths work out and perform in person is just further validation that the program landed someone who can contribute and help immediately.
Early prediction on Rutgers’ 2023-24 starting five:
Noah Fernandes, Derek Simpson, Gavin Griffiths, Mawot Mag, Cliff Omoruyi
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 3, 2023
[lawrence-related id=28960]
Rothstein also has Mawot Mag, injured last season in the win at Madison Square Garden over Michigan State, in his starting lineup. Mag likely won’t be ready at the start of the season but his loss last season was noticeable, coinciding with the team’s drop in form.
Again, like the news about Griffiths, the inclusion of Mag in the starting lineup at some point this upcoming season is a nice little nugget from Rothstein. Not shocking, but just good confirmation about the player’s progress this offseason.
[lawrence-related id=28946]
Griffiths adds a true shooter’s touch to the lineup, with the ability to stretch the floor. He has a very polished outside game.
With a healthy Mag and the insertion of [autotag]Noah Fernandes[/autotag], a transfer from UMass, the Rutgers lineup should get the Scarlet Knights back to the postseason.
Rothstein is a college basketball insider for CBS Sports and creates content for Fan Duel.
[lawrence-related id=28971,28949]