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August 10th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights
Overall Rank:
#93
Conference
Rank: #12 Big East
2005-06:
19-14, 7-9, 9th (t)
2005-06
postseason: NIT
It will be
interesting to see how new Rutgers coach Fred Hill handles the
in-game coaching. Hill’s reputation was made as a super
recruiter and how he deals with the head job is a key to this
season for the Scarlet Knights.
Who’s Out:
Quincy Douby split for the NBA after being the only player on
the squad to average double-digit scoring a year ago, with 25.4
points per game. There will be a lot more shots to go around
and somebody has to start hitting some of them. Jimmie Inglis
was the first big man off the bench during his senior campaign
and averaged 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. The frontcourt loses
a little depth with the transfers of Michiganders Dan Waterstadt
and Zack Gibson.
Who’s In:
Courtney
Nelson showed promise as a freshman at Richmond before
transferring to Rutgers. The 6-1 guard averaged 6.1 points and
2.0 assists for the Spiders in 2004-2005 and, if he can stay
healthy, will be a nice option off the bench. His offensive
skills need some developing, but 6-10 center Hamady N’diaye has
the tools to battle for a starting spot right away. The Senegal
native, who doesn’t lack in the intensity department, can get on
the glass and is a major presence on the defensive end.
Who to Watch:
Marquis Webb will be the main benefactor of Douby leaving
early. Webb was second on the team in scoring last year with
9.5 points per game and will be asked to increase his scoring
load. Webb has been more effective at the three spot throughout
his career, but the 6-5 senior will likely see the majority of
his minutes at the two with Douby gone. His backcourt mate
Anthony Farmer will run the point. Farmer averaged 8.3 points
and 3.9 assists during an impressive freshman campaign. Farmer
hasn’t been running the point too long after transitioning to
the position late in his high school career. He has proven he
can do it at a high level and should only get better with more
experience.
Final
Projection:
The frontcourt
may end up to be the strength of this squad. Ollie Bailey won’t
put up huge numbers, but he does have starting experience. JR
Inman averaged 8.7 points and 5.3 boards as a freshman and is
big and athletic enough to play either forward spot. Center
Byron Joynes started 25 games last year averaging 3.1 points and
5.5 rebounds and could lose out on his starting job to the likes
of N’diaye by the time March rolls around. And throw in oft
injured Adrian Hill and under appreciate Frank Russell and there
is a dynamic, athletic and talented bunch to choose from.
Trying to figure out who is going to do all the scoring raises
some questions. Farmer, Webb and Inman can only do so much. It
would be helpful if wing Jaron Griffin can hit the outside shot
with more consistency and steal some more minutes as a
sophomore.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected
Starting Five:
Anthony Farmer,
Sophomore, Guard, 8.3 points per game
Marquis Webb,
Senior, Guard, 9.5 points per game
Ollie Bailey,
Junior, Forward, 4.4 points per game
JR Inman,
Sophomore, Forward, 8.7 points per game
Byron Joynes,
Senior, Center, 3.1 points per game
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