Tag: Rutgers basketball recruiting

Rutgers basketball recruiting: Ace Bailey is a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Ace Bailey is a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.

Five-star forward Ace Bailey is one of three finalists named for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The Rutgers basketball commit is in contention for the most prestigious honor in high school basketball.

Bailey, ranked the No. 1 player in the nation by USA TODAY High School Sports, is a five-star forward from McEachern (Powder Springs, Georgia). He signed with Rutgers in December.

Bailey is coming off an incredible season at McEachern, where he led his team to the state championship game. He showed his incredible athleticism but also a nuanced and developing range to his game.

According to ESPN, Bailey is the No. 2 player in the nation.

Joining Bailey as finalists for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award include Cooper Flagg (a Duke commit) and VJ Edgecombe (a Baylor commit).

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Last week, Bailey praised Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell

“Anybody who comes and sits down on your couch and talks with your parents like he did,” Bailey said in his interview.

“He’s been real every day since Day 1. You can have a coach who says one thing and then when you get there, it is totally different. I just felt something different with coach Pikiell. My mom liked it, we’re big on family. That was a big thing.”

Bailey is expected to arrive at Rutgers in June.

Rutgers basketball recruit Trey McKenney is making a case to be the nation’s top player in the ’25 class

Trey McKenney has a huge showing in Michigan’s high school championship game.

Remember the name Trey McKenney. He has the potential to be a very special player.

One the top recruits in the nation, McKenney is playing at a peak performance in the Michigan state playoffs. He has been offered by Georgetown, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ole Miss, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers and TCU among others.

McKenney, a class of 2025 guard from St. Mary’s (Flint, Michigan), is a dynamic scorer who can stretch the court. A five-star recruit according to ESPN and Rivals, McKenney is as complete of a guard as there is in his class.

He can score from outside but also has the ability to drive to the rim and get points. In addition, he is a good distributor who is a solid defender.

In the On3 Industry Rankings, he is the No. 13 player in the nation.

This weekend, McKenney scored 32 points to lead St. Mary’s to a state title:

 

McKenney is a priority recruit for Rutgers and one that the Scarlet Knights got in on early.

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Over the summer, McKenney spoke with Rutgers Wire. He cited his relationship with Rutgers assistant Marlon Williamson (aka ‘Coach Smoke’) as one reason why the Scarlet Knights are standing out in his recruitment:

“I like him. He brings a kind of energy to Rutgers. I like what he stands for,” McKenney said in August during an interview with Rutgers Wire.

“He’s a good person, everything isn’t about basketball.”

Watch: Jonathan Sanderson, recently offered by Rutgers basketball, put up some insane numbers as a junior

Rutgers basketball recruit Jonathan Sanderson is a true scorer.

Jonathan Sanderson, offered recently by Rutgers basketball, is one of the most prolific scorers in the nation. The class of 2026 guard can score from anywhere on the court, with a range that is college-ready.

Rutgers offered Sanderson over the weekend. The 6-foot-2 point guard from Saline (Saline, Michigan) is the No. 53 player in the nation according to 247Sports. 

He took an unofficial visit to Indiana last summer.

Sanderson’s offer list includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan among others.

As a scorer, Sanderson has incredible range but is multiple in terms of how he puts the ball in the basket. He has the ability to slash to the hoop but also can score from three-point range.

Last month, he scored 44 points in a game where his team clinched a conference title. He followed it up with 41 points in his next outing for Saline. Included in the 41 points was an incredible buzzer-beater:

 

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Rutgers recently topped off their 2024 class with the signing of five-star guard Dylan Harper. Their class features four recruits ranked as four-stars by ESPN.

Big Ten Network analyst Raphael Davis says Rutgers basketball will bounce back next year: ‘They can come in and be top 25’

Rutgers basketball’s down year is by no means a trend according to Big Ten Network analyst Raphael Davis.

A disappointing season for Rutgers men’s basketball comes down to this week’s Big Ten Tournament. And for college basketball analyst Raphael Davis, the dip from Rutgers was expected in many ways.

But, the Big Ten analyst doesn’t expect Rutgers to stay there for long. Davis believes that Rutgers will be one of the top programs in the nation next year.

It has been a down year for Rutgers basketball (15-16, 7-13 Big Ten) ahead of this week’s Big Ten Tournament. Rutgers opens the tournament on Wednesday against Maryland.

Rutgers has a top 10 recruiting class coming in, highlighted by two five-star recruits in forward [autotag]Ace Bailey[/autotag] and guard [autotag]Dylan Harper[/autotag]. Also coming in is four-star [autotag]Lathan Sommerville[/autotag], a forward/center.

So despite the dip from Rutgers this year, a campaign that likely snaps a three-year streak of postseason appearances, Davis believes Rutgers will take a big step forward next year.

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And, they will go into next year anything but down, Davis said.

 

“They’re my favorite, I mean, obviously, you don’t know who’s going to get who in the portal, and I still think Rutgers will be a shooter away, a dead-eye shooter away,” Davis told Rutgers Wire on Monday.

“If, in the portal, they can get that to go along with the haul they got coming in to go along with if Cliff (All-Big Ten center Cliff Omoruyi) comes back…Derek Simpson…Jeremiah Williams. With what they can bring defensively, I think if they can get it right in the portal, Rutgers can definitely come and be in the top 25 and the favorite in the Big Ten.”

This season has been a disappointment for Rutgers but understandably so. The Scarlet Knights lost two key pieces in the transfer portal this summer from last year’s top in guards Paul Mulcahy (Washington) and Cam Spencer (UConn) and were unable to adequately replace either player so late in the cycle.

It is a fall from grace for Rutgers for sure, but one that might have been predictable given these late losses.

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A former standout guard at Purdue, Davis refers to his own college career to provide some perspective on this Rutgers season.

Davis made the connection between what Pikiell has done at Rutgers with the tremendous rebuild undertaken by Matt Painter at Purdue.

The Purdue head coach took over the Boilermakers in 2005. Following a losing first season with the Big Ten program, Painter took Purdue to the NCAA Tournament in six of his next seven seasons.

Then, Purdue underwent two years with a losing record and no NCAA Tournament appearances. They had some big losses due to graduation, including JaJuan Johnson (an All-Big Ten selection and a first round pick), E’Twaun Moore (an All-Big Ten guard) and Robbie Hummel (an All-Big Ten forward). It took two seasons, but Purdue bounced back.

Rutgers is going through a similar time, Davis explained.

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Since that dip, Painter rebuilt Purdue and led them to seven NCAA Tournaments in as many seasons that the tournament was held (due to COVID-19, the NCAA Tournament was not held following the 2019-20 regular season).

“I mean, we were dead last place in my sophomore year in the Big Ten so that was two years after those guys left,” Davis said of his time at Purdue.

“This the second year after (former Rutgers All-Big Ten guard) Geo Baker left. I just got to think you’re going through a transition as a program. And you have those years where you kind of go through your ups and downs. And then with this new transfer portal and stuff like that, it’s a little more detrimental when you lose guys late.

“But I think of coach Painter and going from last place in the Big Ten through losing some guys and now he’s regarded as one of the best coaches in college basketball. So I think we need to think about it that way. You kind of kind of expect the ups and downs of college basketball.”

Bryce Dortch: Rutgers basketball’s 2024 class will help the Scarlet Knights go to the next level

Bryce Dortch talks about how this class can impact Rutgers basketball.

Bryce Dortch believes that this current recruiting class will build upon the foundation currently in place at Rutgers. A three-star small forward, Dortch sees the incoming class of freshman as being a group that can help Rutgers take the next step in the Big Ten.

A 6-foot-8 forward from Brimmer and May (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts), Dortch is a pivotal piece in the 2024 recruiting class. He had a strong offer list that included Marquette, UMass, Seton Hall, Texas A&M and VCU among others.

He is the No. 147 player in the nation according to 247Sports, where he also is ranked as the No. 33 power forward. ESPN ranks him as the seventh-best player in Massachusetts.

Committed to Rutgers since this past June, Dortch has been rock solid in his commitment all the way through signing in December. Now with his arrival at Rutgers just months away,

“I’m excited about playing at the RAC and just competing with a great group of guys,” Dortch told Rutgers Wire on Sunday.

“I think the players before us have really changed Rutgers basketball, but I do think we can come in and continue that upward trend.”

His class, Dortch said, is determined to leave a mark on the program.

“Because (of) how bad we all want to run,” Dortch said. “I know that is a collective goal of ours.”

Dortch had a strong season, including a number of double-double performances that point to the continued rounding out and development of his game. Since committing to Rutgers over the summer, he has been steadfast in his verbal.

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His belief in the program and connection with the Scarlet Knights staff carried him across the finish line to signing in December.

The initial attraction to Rutgers, Dortch said, was “Because of the coaching staff and relationships I have with them.”

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“My relationship with the staff is great,” Dortch said.

“It has been solid since I first met them and has only gotten better as time has gone by.”

Rutgers basketball: Dylan Harper scores 26 points to lead Don Bosco to a title

Dylan Harper wins a title with Don Bosco Prep on Friday night.

Playing on his future home court, Dylan Harper led Don Bosco Prep to the win in the Non-Public A state final on Friday night. The 56-29 win by Don Bosco over Paul VI showcased a dominant Harper, who signed with Rutgers basketball last week.

Harper nearly outscored Paul VI on his own, putting up 26 points as Don Bosco won a state title at Jersey Mike’s Arena. A five-star guard who committed to Rutgers in December, Harper was recently named the sixth-best recruit in the nation by USA TODAY High School Sports.

The Ironmen finished the season with 18 consecutive wins and a 28-3 record. Harper’s performance against a solid Paul VI side was vintage stuff from the guard prospect.

In addition to his 26 points, Harper had nine rebounds and four assists:

 

Expected to join Rutgers over the summer, Harper is part of a class with some very high expectations at Rutgers.

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Harper is one of two five-star recruits committed in this class. In December, five-star forward [autotag]Ace Bailey[/autotag] signed with Rutgers after nearly a year of being committed to the program.

Bailey is the top-ranked player in the nation by USA TODAY High School Sports.

Also in this class is four-star forward/center Lathan Sommerville, who is having a very strong playoff run in Illinois.

Rutgers basketball commit four-star Lathan Sommerville has been unstoppable in the Illinois state playoffs

Rutgers basketball commit Lathan Sommerville has been huge for Richwoods High School in the playoffs.

The latest showing from Lathan Sommerville certainly underscores that the Rutgers basketball commit is a dominant post player.

Sommerville, a four-star center at Richwoods High School (Peoria, Illinois), scored 30 points and had 11 rebounds in a playoff win over top-seeded Harvey Thornton. He signed with Rutgers in December.

ESPN ranks him as the No. 84 recruit in the nation. In the On3 Industry Rankings, he is a four-star and the No. 20 power forward in the 2024 recruiting class.

At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Sommerville has tremendous size to play power forward or center at the next level. But it is his footwork and agility that are impressive for his size.

As is his ability to shoot from distance. Sommerville has some very nice range that complements his post moves. He is strong in the post and requires a double-team at the high school level.

He can also drive to the basket, squaring up at the key and dribbling before making his move. Rutgers is getting a player whose handle is impressive for a power forward.

Defensively, he crashes the boards effectively. He challenges the ball and can alter shots. He fits in perfectly to Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell’s system.

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A part of the vaunted 2024 class brought in by Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell, Sommerville is one of three blue-chip recruits who are nationally ranked.

The class is led by consensus five-star recruits [autotag]Ace Bailey[/autotag] and [autotag]Dylan Harper[/autotag]. Bailey was recently named the No. 1 player in the nation by USA TODAY High School Sports.

As for Sommerville, his performance helped propel Richwoods into the semifinals of the Illinois Class 3A tournament.

Scroll down and check out the best photos of four-star forward and Rutgers basketball commit (and signee) Lathan Sommerville from this season!

 

Highlights: Rutgers basketball commit Ace Bailey scores 32 points as McEachern advances to the Georgia state title game

Ace Bailey is dominant once again for McEachern.

It was a performance worthy of a five-star forward, which Rutgers basketball commit Ace Bailey happens to be. Bailey scored 32 points on Saturday afternoon to propel his team to the Georgia state title game.

Bailey’s 32 points and 15 rebounds pushed McEachern (Powder Springs, Georgia) to a 63-56 win over Wheeler (Marietta, Georgia)  in the Georgia AAAAAAA semifinals.

Bailey has been sensational in the playoffs in what will be his last dance before joining Rutgers this summer. Recently named the No. 1 player in the nation by USA TODAY High School Sports, has shown every facet of his game during the postseason.

Not only can he play above the rim, his consistent range and ability to create his own shot continue to be impressive.

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Fellow future teammate Dylan Harper, a guard at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey) also made the USA TODAY HSS Top 10. Harper, a five-star guard, was ranked the No. 6 player in the nation.

Don Bosco is coming off an impressive 67-44 win over Hudson Catholic with Harper scoring 26 points.

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They will play St. Peter’s Prep on Monday.

Watch: Rutgers basketball’s five-star forward Ace Bailey posts a double-double in a playoff win

Ace Bailey impresses in a playoff game, the Rutgers basketball commit showcasing several promising tools.

Rutgers basketball signee Ace Bailey poured in 33 points on Saturday, posting a double-double in a playoff win. Bailey showed every tool in his game in what is another statement about not just his skill set but also his Big Ten and NBA potential.

Bailey didn’t just overpower and jump over his opponents in the playoff win. He scored in a variety of ways, including showing off his considerable range from the floor.

His versatility and athleticism are a plus for Rutgers, but it is the continued development of his outside game that is perhaps most impressive. This is what is making him not just Big Ten-ready but also a likely candidate to jump to the NBA after one year in college.

Bailey’s McEachern (Power Springs) defeated Newton 67-64 to advance in the Georgia state playoffs. With the win, McEachern has now won 11 straight games.

The consensus No. 2 player in the nation, Bailey is a complete and total package at 6-foot-9. He is a strong player in going to the rim but is able to create his own shot.

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And his range is NBA-impressive. There are very few Big Ten basketball players who currently have his combination of size, quickness and shooting touch.

 

On Saturday, Bailey registered 33 points and 14 rebounds along with three assists.

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Bailey signed with Rutgers in December. He has been committed to Scarlet Knights now for over a year.

 

Rutgers basketball: Lathan Sommerville is dominant (again) for Richwoods

Lathan Sommerville is having a strong senior season before heading to Rutgers.

It was a strong performance this weekend from Lathan Sommerville as the Rutgers basketball commit (and signee) put together another sparkling performance.

Somerville was dominant as Richwoods (Peoria, Illinois) beat a very solid O’Fallon (O’Fallon, Illinois) 60-46.

The Rutgers basketball center, who signed with the program in December, had 24 points and 12 rebounds to key the win for Richlands. With the win, Richlands is now 20-4 on the season.

Somerville is a big-time get for Rutgers basketball. Ranked a four-star in the 247Sports Composite, he is the No. 101 recruit in the nation according to Rivals. ESPN ranks him as the No. 84 recruit in the nation.

 

When he picked Rutgers, Sommerville did so from a final seven that included Villanova, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Bradley, Xavier, Missouri and Virginia Tech. He also had offers from Bradley, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Xavier.

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At 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Somerville is the big man of the Rutgers recruiting class. He is a strong rebounder who controls the paint well and can alter shots. Offensively, he is light on his feet and moves well around the basket in addition to having some nice range to his game.