Rutgers Scarlet Knights beat Michigan State at MSG - Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Although the basketball season is over, it is never too early to discuss the Scarlet Knights Basketball team in 2024. Rutgers just missed out on competing in March Madness despite high hopes heading into the season. Rutgers ended up losing to Hofstra during the first round of NIT. Can the Scarlet Knights basketball team turn things around in 2024?
Rutgers has already lost a couple of players in the transfer portal, but it is not a heavy hit on the team. They recently announced a new member of the team. Rutgers announced via Twitter that they acquired Noah Fernandes from the University of Massachusetts. Fernandes is 5-11 and played in just 11 games last season. Now he gets a chance with the Scarlet Knights basketball as they try to make a push in March Madness next year.
There are a couple of other solid players coming in next year aside from Fernandes. Gavin Griffiths, a four-star recruit according to 247Sports has signed his letter of intent. Baye Ndongo is also currently listed as a Hard Commit. The current roster cannot be doubted either. Rutgers lost multiple starters to injuries last season, and Cam Spencer came in and showed what he could do. Spencer is set to return in 2023 and could be an important factor.
Scarlet Knights Basketball Keys To Success
Aside from players, there will be two keys to victory for the Scarlet Knights. The first is to stay healthy. Just halfway through February 2023, Rutgers lost three starters. Rutgers fans can look back and wonder what could have been if it were not for those injuries. It may not always be in their control, but a healthy Rutgers team can also be a scary one to face.
The second key to success for Rutgers is discipline. Rutgers went from high hopes to losing in the first round of the NIT bracket. This was a tournament they should have done well in, even with the injuries they faced. They need to play calm and keep their composure. This will be a solid team, but they need to work together and remember they can continue to win.
Rutgers has done well building this basketball team, and there are hopes that they can go far in the tournament within the next few years. That chance for the Scarlet Knights could be by next year. There is a long time until basketball season returns, but there are already high hopes for this Rutgers basketball team.
