RUTGERS 2007-2008 SNAPSHOT

May 3, 2007


Head Coach: Fred Jill, Jr
2006-2007 Record: 10-19 (3-13 in Big East)

Returning Players:
Byron Joynes, Senior (Center)
Ollie Bailey, Senior (Forward)
Anthony Farmer, Junior (Point Guard)
Jaron Griffin, Junior (Guard/Forward)
JR Inman, Junior (Forward)
Courtney Nelson, Junior (Guard)
Hamady N'Diaye, Sophomore (Center)

Incoming Players:
Corey Chandler (Guard)
Earl Pettis (Guard)
Mike Cobourn (Guard)
Justin Sofman (Guard)
Marvel Waithe (Forward)

Graduated Players:
Marquis Webb
Adrian Hill


Open Items/Issues:
The Scarlet Knights are still battling in-state rival for the serives of Mike Davis, the much-traveled 6'9 BF/C from NYC. Davis would give Rutgers a much-needed Big East body upfront to go with Byron Joynes and the developing Hamady N'Diaye. Rutgers also has a verbal commitment, reportedly, from Marvel Waithe of Canada. Waithe still has to make it through the NCAA Clearinghouse to obtain eligibility for next season, something he was unable to accomplish last season when he committed to Loyola.

Summary:
Rutgers struggled in Fred Hill's first seasons as head coach of the Scarlet Knights, posting a woeful 3-13 conference mark as they never found a way to score points consistently, hitting for less than 60 pts in 16 contests last year. They are adding some perimeter firepower through recruiting with Corey Chandler, an exciting scoring guard, Justin Sofman, a sweet-shooting guard, Earl Pettis and Mike Cobourn. They also welcome back Byron Joynes from a medical redshirt, but this team still looks like it will struggle scoring, especially in the paint, which will unlikely create much room on the perimeter as it will be difficult for Rutgers to play inside-out.

There are some players I really like potentially, especially JR Inman and Hamady N'Diaye, but neither look to be the type to carry a team and are still more in terms potential than finished product. The rest of the returning players would largely make up role players on other Big East teams. The newcomers definitely have potential to be a good backcourt in the future, but will take their licks next season. Making the Big East Tournament is a legitimate goal for Rutgers, but they definitely seem like a team that will be on the outside looking in at Madison Square Garden early next March.