Predicted finish: 9th
Previous record: 20-12, 7-9 B1G
Key returners: N/A
Newcomers:
G- Charise Wilson 5’5 (West Babylon, New York) Gr. Transfer
G- Sierra Calhoun 6’0 (Brooklyn, New York) Gr. Transfer
G- Zipporah Broughton 5’7 (Wetumka, Alabama) Fr.
G- Noga Peleg Pelc 5’7 (Even Yehuda, Israel) Fr.
Head coach: C. Vivian Stringer- 21st season
As the longest-tenured coach in B1G women’s basketball, Stringer has reached the level of legendary status. Assuming they win three games this season, Stringer will join Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, Tara VanDerveer, and Sylvia Hatchell as the coaches who have won 1,000 games in their coaching career in women’s basketball. Stringer is also the first head coach in NCAA history to lead three different schools to the Final Four. Transitioning to the Big Ten was not the easiest for Stringer and the Scarlet Knights, but it seems they have adapted and remain a threat in the conference as long as Stringer is leading the team.
Outlook:
Rutgers has puzzled many for years now, showing inconsistency and struggling to maintain its status as a national power. Now the team has lost their best player in Tyler Scaife to the WNBA draft. However, adding two transfers, former Ohio State guard Sierra Calhoun and former Rhode Island guard Charise Wilson, adds to the already solid roster. Last season, the Scarlet Knights were invited to the WNIT, but refused.
Best case scenario: Rutgers looks even better than last year with the added transfers and they shoot to the top five of the conference.
Worst case scenario: Rutgers takes a step back and they drop back down to the bottom of the conference again.