2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Basketball Preview

2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Basketball Predictions

It has been fourteen years since Rutgers last made an NCAA appearance. No other Big East team has missed March Madness that many years in a row. Unfortunately, this season doesn’t look promising either. The Knights aren’t helped by the fact that their leading scorer, guard Quincy Douby (25.4 PPG), declared early for the NBA draft.

Anthony Farmer (8.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 38.4 FG%, 65.8 FT%), Big East All-Rookie, starts in his second year. Ideally, Farmer will be the shooting guard and transfer Courtney Nelson (Richmond) will provide speed and deft passing at the point. Senior Marquis Webb (9.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 39.9 FG%, 77.6 FT%) can play either back or frontcourt.

Last season, the Knights’ frontcourt was severely hampered by injuries. If healthy, senior Byron Joynes (3.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 49.3 FG%, 42.9 FT%) will be a dynamic defender and rebounder. J.R. Inman (8.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 40.4 FG%, 75.8 FT%), a big forward, can play inside but also has potential from the three-point stripe. He earned All-Rookie honors last season, despite the fact that he missed nine games due to injury. Another big man, senior Adrian Hill (3.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 46.3 FG%, 81.5 FT%), can command the inside as long as he stays healthy. Knee problems limited his playing time in 2005- 06. Freshman N’diaye Hill could be a massive defensive force early on if he can be cleared to play.

Coach Fred Hill Jr. starts his first season ever as a head coach. He’s down one fine guard in Douby and doesn’t have the strongest recruiting class. Hill has been an assistant coach at nine different schools for the past 25 years, so he’s certainly ready to lead. He better be ready to problem solve—the biggest dilemma for this team will be manufacturing points. This will be a season of hard knocks.

The Knights have some good defense and up front guys. A leader will have to emerge on court. A break-even Big East mark will be an accomplishment for Rutgers.

If you want more info on the 2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Seton Hall Pirates and Cincinnati Bearcats.