On the Banks - All PostsInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2024-03-19T07:00:00-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T07:00:00-04:002024-03-19T07:00:00-04:00Knights On The Move: What does it mean for Rutgers basketball?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CtC4csnMUrZbkwI-Ie0y01dB5NQ=/5x0:275x180/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73217231/download.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>What do all the recent transfers transfers mean for Rutgers Basketball</p> <p id="3BwMLD">The Scarlet Knights have some players looking to move on to other teams after the team failed to make a decent run in the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness. </p>
<p id="XTsbgn">Antonio Chol, Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk have all decided to part ways with the Scarlet Knights in the hopes that they have more success elsewhere. One question remains however — what does this mean for the Scarlet Knights?</p>
<p id="zviZnX">In all honestly, not much. While all the players named above were by all accounts hard workers who bought into the culture, their production, especially this season, was lackluster as the Knights struggled from beginning to end this season. While the Knights faithful should do the respectful thing and wish them the best on their future endeavors, with how their production was this season and the highly rated recruits coming in next season, they should not be worried that the team is going to fall apart or bottom out.</p>
<p id="vYTlZg">The biggest reason not to worry is who the Knights have coming in next season. </p>
<p id="NPUkbD">Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Lathan Sommerville are the headlining names of a recruiting class that ranks top three in the nation. All of the transfers would have seen drastically reduced playing time based on who the Knights have coming in. This was more of a way for them to preserve their own careers.</p>
<p id="P8I4pj">Their production last season is also a major reason for leaving. At times, Simpson and Woolfolk would show flashes but never quite put it all together. They do not have the numbers that prove they can be bonified starters in the Big Ten. Woolfolk was never a permanent starter with the Knights either and could have seen his playing time dwindle to almost nothing if he stayed. Even more reason to believe this was an act of self preservation. </p>
<p id="zD28eW">Knights fans have no reason to worry and should have expected this to some degree. As for the transfers, best of luck where you end up!</p>
<p id="pyY68k"></p>
<p id="CksUDy">To follow me and my writing please follow @Andrew78Rice on X!-</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/19/24105200/knights-on-the-move-what-does-it-mean-for-rutgers-basketballAndrewRice122024-03-18T21:12:20-04:002024-03-18T21:12:20-04:00No. 18 Men’s Lacrosse Wins Thriller Against UMASS, 10-9
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AFIYp9eZrLNB_YBZkmt8-3_AAzE=/0x0:900x600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216769/Cardin_Stoller.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Cardin Stoller in net for Rutgers lacrosse vs. UMASS | March 16th, 2024 Farmingdale, Long Island | Dave Anderson, Inside Lacrosse</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cardin Stoller makes his 19th save as time expires </p> <p id="iAftaV">Redshirt freshman keeper Cardin Stoller made his 19th and final save at the buzzer to preserve the Scarlet Knights’s 10-9 win over the UMASS Gorillas. The game was played in front of 1,500 fans at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale, Long Island on a sunny and mild late winter day. </p>
<p id="eZWGCQ">Shane Knobloch led RU’s scoring attack with there goals, including the tie-breaking game winner with 2:13 left in the match. Ross Scott added two goals and Colin Kurdyla (three assists), Colin Kelly, Tanyr Krummenacher, Ryan Splaine and Nick Teresky each tallied one goal. </p>
<div id="YB7RYx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wantagh’s Nick Teresky returning home to Long Island with a clutch goal helping us earn a 10-9 Win! <a href="https://t.co/D128iENAHl">pic.twitter.com/D128iENAHl</a></p>— Coach Brian Brecht (@RUlaxCoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/RUlaxCoach/status/1769368903677817054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="KVAe7Z">Trailing 7-5 coming out of halftime, the Scarlet Knights dominated the third frame, outscoring the Gorillas 4-1. Krummenacher’s goal pulled the Knights within one with 10:43 remaining in the third and 37 seconds later, star freshman Kurdyla would knot the match up seven-all. With 6:53 remaining, Wantagh, Long Island native Nick Teresky would put the Knights in front, 8-7. UMASS would counter to tie the game up once again but Scott’s goal with 58 seconds left gave Rutgers a 9-8 advantage heading into the final frame.</p>
<p id="R3qs6w">In the fourth period, the Gorillas struck first at the 12:00 mark and the teams were tied yet again. The squads would play a nearly scoreless ten minutes before Knobloch netted the go-ahead goal with 2:13 left. The Gorillas’s Grant Breyo would fire a shot with seconds remaining but Stoller made the save at the buzzer, sealing the win.</p>
<h3 id="XmH64H"><strong>Notable </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="uMOysG">Rutgers led in shots, 50-39, and performed well at the face-off X, winning 13 of 22, with Matt Soutar winning 7 of 10. </li>
<li id="xmsVjj">Colin Kelly scored his first Rutgers goal</li>
<li id="QgPSiN">Ross Scott moved past Bob Kelly and is now 12<sup>th</sup> all-time in goals at RU</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="P4wek9"><strong>Quotable </strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="xIvZaB">“I’m very proud of the team. I want to thank the organizers of this event. It was a great atmosphere for our guys to play in. They were definitely excited at breakfast this morning. UMass is a good team that will compete for their conference championship and I was happy that we came in and got a win over that team heading into Big Ten play.”</p>
<p id="pTupns">Rutgers Head Coach Brian Brecht </p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="41zGhr"><strong>Next Up</strong></h3>
<p id="6EuTsn">The Big Ten gauntlet begins. The Knights have once again avoided any bad non-conference losses, giving themselves a shot to pick up some conference wins and make a postseason push into May. First up is Johns Hopkins at 4:30 pm this Sunday at SHI Stadium, broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.</p>
<p id="h1nSzD"></p>
<p id="EYEYL5"></p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/18/24105405/no-18-mens-lacrosse-wins-thriller-against-umass-10-9John Catapano (Spacecat)2024-03-18T17:03:22-04:002024-03-18T17:03:22-04:00Joshua Kuroda-Grauer named Big Ten Player of the Week, Doucette also honored
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FS1jWNlkB6j4TaD_52QT4VQqVA4=/1x0:1999x1332/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216394/BZ1_5471.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics | Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two Scarlet Knights earned Big Ten honors this week.</p> <p id="dMy0C6">It was a successful weekend for Rutgers Baseball and two Scarlet Knights were honored for their work.</p>
<p id="ZqfG72">On Monday, the conference announced that Joshua Kroda-Grauer was named Big Ten Player of the Week. Ty Doucette was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.</p>
<p id="kzTDfE">Rutgers played five games over the previous week. It dropped a close, two-game set with North Carolina before returning home for a three-game sweep of Delaware.</p>
<p id="2Mpx9N">Kuroda-Grauer hit .538 during this five-game stretch. He totaled 14 hits, 11 runs scored, eight RBI, and six extra base hits. He did not strikeout in 26 at-bats and did not commit an error at shortstop.</p>
<p id="uSxldc">During the Delaware series, Kuroda-Grauer was impossible to get out. He hit .706 (12-for-17) in those three games with a home run, five doubles, and eight RBI while scoring nine runs. Against the Blue Hens, Kuroda-Grauer did not have a game where he logged less than three hits and three runs scored.</p>
<p id="xi6QZ2">Doucette returned from injury and made an immediate impact for the Scarlet Knights.</p>
<p id="R7jaDp">Against Delaware, Doucette went 8-for-11 (.727) and provided power with three home runs. He drove in 10 runs and scored five. Doucette was on base each of his final 11 plate appearances over the weekend.</p>
<p id="uMzxxS">Rutgers is currently 13-6 on the year. It will be back in action on Tuesday afternoon at Bainton Field against Rider.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/18/24105237/joshua-kuroda-grauer-named-big-ten-player-of-the-week-doucette-also-honoredGreg Patuto2024-03-18T15:05:32-04:002024-03-18T15:05:32-04:00Rutgers Basketball: Derek Simpson enters transfer portal
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Rutgers at Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1yo-H7WxFMw7kg3NJ2K2yFDyfZ0=/0x0:4831x3221/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215937/usa_today_22687548.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Scarlet Knights point guard will be in search of a new home.</p> <p id="bOib6S">The season of the transfer portal is here and Rutgers has just taken a big hit.</p>
<p id="M30Glg">On Monday, Scarlet Knights point guard Derek Simpson entered the transfer portal, according to multiple reports. He will have two years of eligibility left.</p>
<div id="hjGRA7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rutgers sophomore Derek Simpson has entered the transfer portal <a href="https://twitter.com/On3sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@On3sports</a> has learned<br><br>The 6-3 guard started 25 games and averaged 8.3 points and 2.9 assists this season. Originally from New Jersey.<a href="https://t.co/BNdOOn2JGY">https://t.co/BNdOOn2JGY</a> <a href="https://t.co/6OClfMH8HV">pic.twitter.com/6OClfMH8HV</a></p>— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5/status/1769798422557552704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="z4tO3U">Fans were hopeful of Simpson having a breakout year as a sophomore after an encouraging first year in Piscataway. This year, Simpson played in 35 games, making 25 starts, and averaged 8.3 points and 2.9 assists per game. Defensively, he added 1.4 steals and turned the ball over 1.5 times per game.</p>
<p id="TkaplQ">Simpson shot 30.5% from the field and 28.2% from three-point range. He was one of the best free throw shooters for the Scarlet Knights, finishing 86.4%.</p>
<p id="dzDHV6">The three-star New Jersey native now becomes the second Scarlet Knight to enter the transfer portal to this point, joining Antonio Chol. It is expected that Simpson will not be the final Scarlet Knight to be on the move this offseason.</p>
<p id="1u3eVl">The departure of Simpson leaves the backcourt depth a bit thin next season with just three scholarship guards on the projected roster. Dylan Harper will join Jeremiah Williams and Jamichael Davis in the backcourt next season. This means Steve Pikiell and his staff could be on the look out for more depth in the portal.</p>
<p id="RbsVSt">Simpson now joins Cam Spencer and Paul Mulcahy as guards who have entered the portal in a bit of a surprising manner. The offseason is off and running for Rutgers after a disappointing season.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/18/24105105/rutgers-basketball-derek-simpson-enters-transfer-portalGreg Patuto2024-03-17T19:13:01-04:002024-03-17T19:13:01-04:00Selection Sunday: Did Rutgers play a role for bubble team?
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament First Round-Rutgers vs Maryland" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l3t_uO_0yelOMsdIyV0PhqX4nWM=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214005/usa_today_22765729.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Did the Scarlet Knights cost a rival a spot in the NCAA Tournament?</p> <p id="BF8Vw0">The NCAA Tournament fate for the Scarlet Knights was sealed far before the Selection Show on Sunday night. But was Rutgers’ presence in the room with the committee when it was all said and done?</p>
<p id="gOAPrv">On March 6, Seton Hall won what was viewed as a win-and-in game against Villanova. The Pirates ended the season 20-12 with a 13-7 record in the Big East. </p>
<p id="Zps9qE">As conference tournaments went on, there were outcomes where bids continued to be stolen — at least five when it was all said and done. For the Seton Hall, this proved to be detrimental as the Pirates were left out of the field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament. Instead, the team was listed as the second team in the First Four Out.</p>
<p id="WR1cuu">Just last year, Rutgers was in a similar spot where it was snubbed from a tournament spot and left in the First Four Out. A loss to Seton Hall was one of the red marks against the Scarlet Knights. For Seton Hall this year, it is hard to ignore a December 9 loss on its home floor to Rutgers.</p>
<p id="QD906e">The Scarlet Knights ended the season with seven losses in its final eight games. The team was 15-17 overall and 7-13 in the Big Ten. As the season went on, that loss for Seton Hall continued to fall and eventually became a Quad 3. </p>
<p id="4N77Gv">The Pirates logged impressive wins this season over the likes of UConn, Marquette, Providence, and Villanova in the Big East, who saw just three teams make the field. Seton Hall becomes the first team in Big East history to finish five games or better over .500 in conference play and miss the NCAA Tournament. In the non-conference, Seton Hall has losses to Iowa, USC, and Baylor. USC, who finished the year poorly, was ranked at the time of this game.</p>
<p id="DBIHTd">This is not to say that the loss to Rutgers was the sole reason that Seton Hall was left out of the field. Of course, just two weeks ago, it was viewed as a lock. There was a large wave of bid stealers this week. With that being said, that blemish that the Scarlet Knights left on the Pirates’ resume is one that certainly made some sort of impact.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/17/24104330/selection-sunday-did-rutgers-play-a-role-for-bubble-teamGreg Patuto2024-03-13T20:36:38-04:002024-03-13T20:36:38-04:00Big Ten Tournament: Rutgers run out early vs. Maryland
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament First Round-Rutgers vs Maryland" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JRJDmV3RcuFDVFcmdwm1uerZRaE=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73205618/usa_today_22765579.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Scarlet Knights were handled early in their final loss of the year.</p> <p id="vX1lbv">Rutgers fans, the season is finally over.</p>
<p id="LAmdc8">With the way the Scarlet Knights came out on Wednesday night, it seems as though the season ended for the team before the opening tip.</p>
<p id="DjHUd5">Rutgers fell behind by double-digits early in round one of the Big Ten Tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis. It took the Scarlet Knights three minutes to score their first basket of the game, when they were already in a deep hole. Rutgers could not climb out of it all night long and fell, 65-51, to Maryland.</p>
<p id="EptPmH">The Terps opened up an 11-0 lead early in the first half and would only extend from there. Rutgers would get as close as nine in the first half before Maryland went on a 7-0 run to build the lead back up to 18.</p>
<p id="WhfaIY">The second half was more of the same. Maryland opened the second with a 12-2 run and put the game away early.</p>
<p id="hoscR9">The Scarlet Knights shot 31.1% from the field and 5-for-21 from three-point range. Just like eight other games this season, Rutgers was held under 60 points.</p>
<p id="01PHXf">There are many factors that contributed to this season. First, the roster was not complete and ready to compete. Second, the coaching staff, led by Steve Pikiell, struggled to find ways to improve the offense. There was not a lineup that could be thrown out there to find consistency over the course of a game.</p>
<p id="lJemwM">Now, we move into an offseason that will feature the most hype and excitement in Rutgers Basketball history. The next time that the Scarlet Knights take the floor will feature its best recruiting class of all-time and one of the best in the nation.</p>
<p id="yLc16x">It does not excuse what went on during this game but help is on the way, Rutgers fans. Lick your wounds from this season and get ready for the future.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/13/24100201/big-ten-tournament-rutgers-run-out-early-vs-marylandGreg Patuto2024-03-11T20:20:25-04:002024-03-11T20:20:25-04:00Rutgers ends regular season with disappointing effort
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Ohio State at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OovhjCjXkkIbAnCCSRTyqZYW0Mk=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73199750/usa_today_22746062.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Scarlet Knights enter the Big Ten Tournament with no offensive answer.</p> <p id="XKvRbV">Rutgers took its home floor on Sunday to celebrate Senior Night. Energy was in the air, incoming freshmen were in the house, but the one thing that was missing was an offensive game plan.</p>
<p id="7ZGbS9">The Scarlet Knights shot an abysmal 27.3% (15-for-55) from the field during their 73-51 loss to Ohio State at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway.</p>
<p id="dOyBiG">Rutgers made just 15 shots in the loss, shot 4-for-18 from three-point range, and missed 11 free throws. Despite this performance, the Scarlet Knights trailed by just two at halftime but the Buckeyes pulled away over the final 20 minutes, outscoring Rutgers 43-23.</p>
<p id="wyF2Vi">This performance was no different than the rest of the season. It was the eighth time this season that Rutgers failed to score 60 points.</p>
<p id="KJxFK4">The Scarlet Knights finished dead last in the Big Ten scoring 65.8 points per game, which was nearly four points less than the penultimate team. The Scarlet Knights were also last in field goal percentage (39.2%) and 13th in three-point shooting (28.9%) and free throw shooting (66%).</p>
<p id="O1lt99">Over the course of the season, Rutgers failed to develop an identity on the offensive end of the floor. Steve Pikiell struggled to create one and could not find the right rotations to use. On the flip side, Pikiell had the defense playing at a high level from the opening weeks of the season.</p>
<p id="VFO3v0">Rutgers ends the season with a record of 15-16 and 7-13 in the Big Ten, which landed them the 13th seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. The Scarlet Knights will take on Maryland on Wednesday night in the opening game of the tournament.</p>
<p id="5pZo2P">Rutgers, Pikiell have ensured that help is on the way next season. The Scarlet Knights will bring in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation featuring two players ranked in the top five. The vibes will be up entering October next season and will make this season easy to forget.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/11/24097998/rutgers-ends-regular-season-with-disappointing-effortGreg Patuto2024-03-11T19:50:10-04:002024-03-11T19:50:10-04:00Rutgers Baseball drops weekend series to High Point
<figure>
<img alt="Rutgers Baseball" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Zu6KtnkJ_lGfzmaOVZkw5vDQeIQ=/0x0:455x303/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73199668/RUBaseball_medium.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The Scarlet Knights dropped its first series of the year.</p> <p id="tW3G2T">Rutgers entered the weekend with three consecutive series victories. In Greensboro, NC against High Point, the Scarlet Knights logged a win in the opener before dropping the final two.</p>
<p id="EHnikF">Rutgers is now 10-4 on the year and will face North Carolina for a two-game set in Chapel Hill on Tuesday and Wednesday.</p>
<p id="5XvFQP">On Friday, the offense got off to a slow start but Justin Sinibaldi continued his hot start to the year and kept Rutgers in the game. The offense would wake up late and secure a 7-4 win.</p>
<p id="C6LQQb">Sinibaldi tossed eight innings, allowing four runs (two earned), on eight hits while striking out eight and walking one.</p>
<p id="0r5qE3">The Scarlet Knights trailed 2-0 in the top of the sixth when the power bats woke up. Tony Santa Maria sent a game-tying, two-run home run over the wall before Joshua Kuroda-Grauer gave Rutgers the lead with a solo shot. He finished 3-for-5 with two RBI.</p>
<p id="Vqy9OK">Trevor Cohen also finished with multiple hits and an RBI.</p>
<p id="52LFqw">In game two, High Point got the Christian Coppola early with four runs in the first inning. The lead ballooned to 9-0 after six innings.</p>
<p id="HKnvyi">Rutgers finished with just four hits in this one. Cohen and Ty Doucette drove in runs.</p>
<p id="D7lmcO">The offense was quiet once again in the series finale. Despite logging 10 hits, the Scarlet Knights scored just two runs in a 6-2 loss that dropped them the series in Greensboro.</p>
<p id="Vkrpbt">After a scoreless three innings, High Point put up back-to-back three spots to take control.</p>
<p id="OfBiNR">Cohen drove in a run with a double before Santa Maria added a sac fly. He went 3-for-4 in the loss.</p>
<p id="shCiQK"></p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/11/24097983/rutgers-baseball-drops-weekend-series-to-high-pointGreg Patuto