Men’s Basketball Season Kicks Off Wednesday Against Rider
Rutgers men’s basketball is set to begin the 2023-2024 season on Wednesday, hosting Rider University at Jersey Mike’s Arena. This season opener is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, featuring commentators Jason Horowitz and Austin Johnson.
Rosters and Key Players
Rutgers enters the season with a refreshed roster. Only four scholarship players from last year remain: Jamichael Davis, Emmanuel Ogbole, Dylan Grant, and Bryce Dortch. Joining them are new transfers Darren Buchanan Jr., Tariq Francis, and Baye Fall.
- Jamichael Davis: A guard from Tennessee, Davis is entering his third year, averaging 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 113 assists over his career.
- Emmanuel Ogbole: The center has played 51 games, averaging 2.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 381 minutes.
- Dylan Grant: A standout from last season, he averaged 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds.
- Bryce Dortch: Played 12 games last season, highlighted by a nine-point game against USC.
The Scarlet Knights also welcome a strong freshman class, including highly ranked players like Chris Nwuli. Nwuli is expected to make an immediate impact, recognized as a four-star recruit.
Transfer Additions
New transfers bring considerable experience to the team:
- Darren Buchanan Jr.: Previously from George Washington, he averaged 13.0 points and 6.2 rebounds.
- Tariq Francis: He led the America East Conference in scoring last season with an average of 17.0 points per game.
- Baye Fall: A former McDonald’s All-American with experience at Arkansas and Kansas State.
Team History and Previous Meetings
The all-time series between Rutgers and Rider dates back to 1947, with RU holding a dominant 16-1 record. The Scarlet Knights have won the last four encounters, including a decisive 76-46 victory in their last matchup on November 22, 2022. Rutgers has an impressive home record against Rider, winning 14 of 15 games played at home.
Matchup Insights
Rider is returning players like Zion Cruz, who averaged 10.1 points per game last season, and Flash Burton, who contributed 7.6 points. The Broncs are undergoing significant roster changes and are integrating 11 new student-athletes, including several transfers.
Upcoming Season and Home Games
The Scarlet Knights are looking to maintain a strong home advantage. They have sold out 79 consecutive regular-season games at Jersey Mike’s Arena, boasting a home record of 79-24 since the 2019-2020 season.
Rutgers will begin with five consecutive home games, including contests against Maine, Lehigh, American, and Central Connecticut State before heading out for a tournament in Las Vegas. There, they will face off against competitive teams like Tennessee and Notre Dame.
Under head coach Steve Pikiell, Rutgers is 8-1 in season openers. The team aims to continue building on its strong performance against New Jersey schools, holding a 16-6 record during Pikiell’s tenure.
This season opener against Rider promises to be an exciting start for the Scarlet Knights as they launch into a new chapter of Rutgers men’s basketball.
