On the Banks - All PostsInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2024-03-28T19:52:49-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/current/2024-03-28T19:52:49-04:002024-03-28T19:52:49-04:00Sweet 16 Open Thread
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<figcaption>Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Destination Phoenix and Cleveland </p> <p id="P0xV3L">Are UCONN and Purdue destined to meet in the men's championship? Can Caitlin and the Hawkeyes punch their ticket to Cleveland on the women's side? </p>
<p id="970WJP">As history has shown, anyone can be derailed at anytime. Enjoy the games folks and feel free to discuss anything RU. Keep an eye out for some positive RU portal news. </p>
<p id="dg4AkC">Thursday and Friday's opening slate of games below. Winners advance to the Elite 8 on Saturday and Sunday. </p>
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<cite>CBS Sports</cite>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/28/24115103/sweet-16-open-threadJohn Catapano (Spacecat)2024-03-28T13:08:21-04:002024-03-28T13:08:21-04:00NEWS: Gavin Griffiths to enter transfer portal
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<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Yet another Scarlet Knight intends to find a new home for 2024-25.</p> <p id="rRYfpQ">Another domino has fallen for the Scarlet Knights and it is one that they hoped would be around for years to come.</p>
<p id="FLmWyY">According to multiple reports from Thursday afternoon, Rutgers forward Gavin Griffiths will enter the transfer portal. Griffiths will look for a new home with three years of eligibility remaining after spending one season in Piscataway.</p>
<p id="H84bs5">Griffiths, a high-touted recruit for Rutgers, was a four-star coming out of Kingswood-Oxford Wyverns High School in West Hartford, CT. A Top 50 recruit, Griffiths was the highest-ranked commit in program history at the time of his commitment.</p>
<p id="udURLx">As a freshman, Griffiths played in all 32 games this season for Rutgers, making three starts. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Griffiths shot 32.4% from the field and 28.4% from three-point range.</p>
<p id="TRAOkJ">In just his second game, Griffiths scored 25 points in a victory against Boston but would struggle from there over the early portion of the season. Down the stretch, Griffiths would get more time on the floor and seemed to be putting it together. His play toward the end of the season made fans believe he would be a good piece next season with Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey entering.</p>
<p id="LtKvfK">Griffiths now becomes the sixth Scarlet Knight to enter the transfer portal to this point, joining Cliff Omoruyi, Mawot Mag, Derek Simpson, Antwone Woolfolk, and Antonio Chol (Howard).</p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/28/24114733/news-gavin-griffiths-to-enter-transfer-portalGreg Patuto2024-03-28T07:00:00-04:002024-03-28T07:00:00-04:00Rutgers Football: What roster changes mean for Scarlet Knights?
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<p>The Scarlet Knights have seen many changes among the roster this Spring. </p> <p id="iMX055">Several Rutgers football players will have new surroundings this 2024 season, whether that includes being on a football field or not. </p>
<p id="4N6r7P">The most notable being the four names who retired from football. Flynn Appleby, who was a solid punter for Rutgers last season averaging around 40 yards per punt, will not be returning to the team. In addition, offensive linemen Jacob Allen, Joe DeCroce, and Jake Eldridge have all medically retired from football.</p>
<p id="WQn3OH">The biggest loss from this group is Appleby. With his departure, Rutgers is losing a quality punter. Currently Rutgers only has one punter on the roster, Micheal Hartshorn, who did not appear in a game last year. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is currently making an effort to track down a new punter including searching in Appleby’s homeland, Australia.</p>
<p id="oq8DSa">The biggest losses from the O-Line group were potential and good long snapper play. Jake Eldridge, the only one from this group to see in game action, long snapped in nine games last season without any noticeable blemishes. Allen and DeCroce, both sophomores last season, did not see the field but were recruited very highly. Knee injuries got in the way of what could have been a very solid career for both of them.</p>
<p id="WILCOS">Some other notable changes to the Knights roster are Vilay Nakkoun Jr. and Jesse Ofurie, who are both moving from wide receiver to defensive back. Nakkoun did not appear in a game his freshman year and Ofurie recorded two receptions last season. Both should be quality depth pieces for the defense.</p>
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<p id="EuNWK5">To follow me and my work please follow @Andrew78Rice on X!</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/28/24113988/rutgers-football-what-roster-changes-mean-for-scarlet-knightsAndrewRice122024-03-27T09:40:32-04:002024-03-27T09:40:32-04:00Princeton transfer Zach Martini visiting Rutgers
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<figcaption>Zach Martini Twitter | Zach Martini Twitter</figcaption>
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<p>The Scarlet Knights will host the big man on Thursday.</p> <p id="tAO7cR">Rutgers is on the heels of its first transfer portal target this offseason.</p>
<p id="Ug40MT">The Scarlet Knights will host Princeton transfer Zach Martini for a visit on Thursday, first reported by <a href="https://247sports.com/college/rutgers/Article/princeton-transfer-zach-martini-reveals-plan-to-visit-rutgers--229411900/">Chris Tsakonas of 247Sports</a>. It is trending toward Martini ending up in Piscataway and this would fill a major need for Rutgers next season.</p>
<p id="SgQ0LU">Martini, New Jersey native, committed to in-state rival Princeton after an incredible high school career at Gill St. Bernard’s, where he starred alongside Paul Mulcahy.</p>
<p id="1UBSqz">This season, Martini took a major step forward for Princeton. He started all 29 games for the Tigers, averaging 8.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Martini excelled from three-point range, shooting 38.5%. Martini also shot 44.5% from the field and 83.3% from the free throw line.</p>
<p id="WEVq8p">It has been a busy offseason for the Scarlet Knights already. Rutgers has seen five players enter the transfer portal — Cliff Omoruyi, Mawot Mag, Derek Simpson, Antwone Woolfolk, and Antonio Chol. The Scarlet Knights have their best recruiting class in program history entering next season, led by Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. </p>
<p id="fGxkKq">It will be a new-look Rutgers team and Martini would provide an undersized center that can play both in and out. Martini has shown an ability to step out and shoot from deep, creating matchup problems for opponents. This is something that the Scarlet Knights have lacked in recent years.</p>
<p id="TwNmLs">With recent departures, it would greatly benefit Rutgers to land Martini in the portal as soon as this weekend.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/27/24113430/princeton-transfer-zach-martini-visiting-rutgersGreg Patuto2024-03-27T09:18:20-04:002024-03-27T09:18:20-04:00Rutgers Football Press Conference: Greg Schiano speaks after first Spring Practice
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<figcaption>Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Here is what the Scarlet Knight head coach had to say after day one!</p> <p id="ON4h6g">Rutgers began Spring Practices on Tuesday afternoon and Greg Schiano spoke with the media following the action:</p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/27/24113425/rutgers-football-press-conference-greg-schiano-speaks-after-first-spring-practiceGreg Patuto2024-03-26T13:22:59-04:002024-03-26T13:22:59-04:00Rutgers Football: Flynn Appleby no longer with program
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<figcaption>Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Scarlet Knights will feature a new punter during the 2024 season.</p> <p id="FfEE88">Greg Schiano announced that the Scarlet Knights will have a new punter for the 2024 season as Flynn Appleby is no longer with the program, according to <a href="https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/26/breaking-flynn-appleby-is-no-longer-with-rutgers-football/">multiple reports</a>.</p>
<p id="BEkn7z">Appleby was a glaring absence on the first roster of the Spring after starting every game last season for the Scarlet Knights in his second year with the program. Michael Hartshorn, a freshman from Abington Heights, PA, is currently the only punter on the roster. Schiano continues to explore options.</p>
<p id="JQ8Jx6">Appleby took over for Adam Korsak following his excellent career in Piscataway. Korsak won the Ray Guy award in 2022 before his eligibility ran out. Fellow Australian punter Appleby took over the role and had a strong 2023 campaign.</p>
<p id="ESvnvy">Last season, Appleby averaged 39.6 yards per punt. </p>
<p id="2e3nPC">Special teams is important to Schiano and the art of punting has become popular for the Scarlet Knights and their fans thanks to Korsak. This season, a new punter will be broken in.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/26/24112623/rutgers-football-flynn-appleby-no-longer-with-programGreg Patuto2024-03-26T13:11:04-04:002024-03-26T13:11:04-04:00Tyreem Powell recovering from torn Achilles, expected to be ready for season opener
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<figcaption>Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Scarlet Knights linebacker suffered a new injury while training.</p> <p id="n41jNq">On Tuesday, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano announced that linebacker Tyreem Powell suffered a torn Achilles while training.</p>
<p id="79FPV1">Powell, who missed the final five games of the 2023 season, underwent surgery to repair the injury, which he suffered during a training session in the winter. Schiano expects Powell to be ready for the season-opener on Aug. 31 as the Scarlet Knights host Howard.</p>
<p id="2cfYsN">“Unfortunately as he was able to get back into training, he tore his Achilles but he has already been surgically repaired and we expect him to be ready to go for the season so we are working on that,” Schiano said following the first spring practice.</p>
<p id="P2CbM1">“Tyreem is an incredibly positive individual who works really hard. He’ll be ready to go.”</p>
<p id="DNQimo">Powell logged a team-high 53 tackles with two sacks and two pass breakups prior to his injury last season. He suffered a wrist injury that required surgery during Rutgers’ 31-14 win over Indiana before its bye week.</p>
<p id="3cDQue">The middle of the defense was a major strength for a unit that was among the best in the nation. Powell ultimately decided to return to Rutgers for his final season before testing the waters at the next level.</p>
<p id="JayghZ">Rutgers will return Mohamed Toure and Moses Walker in what should be a loaded linebacker room for the Scarlet Knights. Deion Jennings, the team’s leading tackler last season, is no longer with the team after exhausting his eligibility. </p>
<p id="8KXbTx">With three strong returners, the group remains in good hands. Of course, this is if Powell’s recovery is smooth and he can take the field for the first game of the season.</p>
<p id="GCknmb">“It’s unfortunate, but, really, he’s on schedule to be back for when he was on back to be back with the wrist,” Schiano said. “It’s not a big difference, but now he has two things he has to rehab, not one.”</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/26/24112640/tyreem-powell-recovering-from-torn-achilles-expected-to-be-ready-for-season-openerGreg Patuto2024-03-26T09:36:29-04:002024-03-26T09:36:29-04:00Rutgers Football: Quarterback battle headlines start of Spring Practices
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<figcaption>Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Scarlet Knights will enter the spring with many battles once again.</p> <p id="lhtNSa">Stop us if you’ve heard this before — Rutgers will enter the first day of Spring practices with a battle at quarterback. </p>
<p id="0Lykim">In 2022, Gavin Wimsatt battled Evan Simon and a down year saw both get plenty of snaps under center. Last year, there was no announcement made in the Spring as Simon remained in the mix but it was assumed that Wimsatt would takeover, which led to Simon transferring to Temple.</p>
<p id="XdC793">Now, Wimsatt will battle transfer Athan Kaliakmanis.</p>
<p id="QzAkCV">Kaliakmanis started 17 games for Minnesota over the course of his career and stepped into the starting role permanently this season. He threw for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Kaliakmanis completed 53% of his passes as Minnesota finished 5-7 with a 3-6 record in conference play.</p>
<p id="wa8X4Z">The quarterback position remained a point of emphasis in the transfer portal entering the offseason. Wimsatt struggled throwing the ball over the course of the season and this severely impacted the Rutgers’ offense.</p>
<p id="f5VBU8">Wimsatt completed just 47.5% of his passes, which was among the worst in the nation. He totaled 1,735 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. The lack of a passing attack made this offense one-dimensional. The ground game was strong, led by Kyle Monangai, but Wimsatt was also a big part of that.</p>
<p id="Q6hqss">Wimsatt rushed for 497 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. This contrast of style makes for an intriguing battle over the course of the Spring.</p>
<p id="VgZFnt">Kaliakmanis rushed 74 times last season but is not known for being a threat with his legs. So, what are the options here?</p>
<p id="JhSTHQ">Kaliakmanis was recruited by offensive coordinator Kirk CIarrocca out of high school, where he was a four-star recruit and No. 26 quarterback in the Class of 2021. He was also ranked No. 6 overall in the state of Illinois.</p>
<p id="0HoF6c">The familiarity with Ciarrocca makes Kaliakmanis an interesting option. Ultimately, it will come down to who fits in the offense best. Also, Greg Schiano has a history of using multiple quarterbacks during his time at Rutgers. This was a unpopular method just two years ago. Despite his struggles last season, Wimsatt starting every game gave the Scarlet Knights much-needed consistency and allowed the young quarterback a chance to work through his problems.</p>
<p id="j07jED">While Wimsatt might not be the best option next season, it seems unlikely that he is moved to the bench full-time next season. It also seems unlikely that Kaliakmanis is not involved, given the fact that both quarterbacks have multiple years of eligibility left. Of course, this is just the start of the Spring and there will be comments coming from both Schiano and Ciarrocca.</p>
<p id="LQVxfr">Each word said from the coaching staff will be dissected but we know one thing — Schiano will not be giving an answer.</p>
<p id="AGOxag">Schiano has kept his quarterback decisions close to the vest over the years. Last season, even when the decision seemed clear, there was not a confirmation until training camp. That will be the case once again but this decision could take a little longer come camp in August.</p>
<p id="63paGz">The quarterback battle will e discussed at length over the next few weeks. Wimsatt and Kaliakmanis will get a chance to show why they can lead the offense to where it wants to be in 2024.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2024/3/26/24112348/rutgers-football-quarterback-battle-headlines-start-of-spring-practicesGreg Patuto