Reviewing the Rutgers men’s basketball roster set for 2023-2024 season

With the commitment of Austin Williams and the return of Oskar Palmquist, Rutgers men’s basketball has now filled all 13 scholarships for the 2023-2024 season.

Here is the 13 scholarship players on the Rutgers men’s basketball for the 2023-2024 season.

Frontcourt: Cliff Omoruyi, Mawot Mag, Antwone Woolfolk, Emmanuel Ogbole

Wing: Aundre Hyatt, Gavin Griffiths, Antonio Chol, Oskar Palmquist

Backcourt: Noah Fernandes, Derek Simpson, Austin Williams, Jamichael Davis

The roster is a blend of experience and youth, size and versatility along with improved athleticism and speed. What is most impressive is the way in which Steve Pikiell was able to complete the roster with three quality additions so late in the offseason.

With team is set to travel overseas on Tuesday, August 8 for an 11 day trip to Senegal and Portugal, having the roster set was crucial. While there are some players still recovering from injuries including Mawot Mag and Emmanuel Ogbole, even just having the entire team together will provide for a important bonding experience.

In regard to Austin Williams, the 6’4″, 200 pound guard fills a major need on the roster for next season. He’ll need a waiver but it should be a formality. He is a bigger guard with experience who can create off the dribble and is effective in playing through contact. Williams is a good rebounding guard who is unselfish and shares the basketball. While he’s struggled with turnovers at times and isn’t a efficient three-point shooter at 29.0% in 111 games, he’s hit big shots throughout his career. He also won’t have to be the primary ballhandler.

Stepping up into the Big Ten, Williams is well suited as a key piece whose skill set compliments guards Derek Simpson and Noah Fernandes. All three players will be able to attack the rim, create shots for themselves and others.

With Cliff Omoruyi back at center, he has the chance to develop offensively and play more in space with the guards Rutgers has this season. Expectations are for Antwone Woolfolk to make a jump in his play as a sophomore and focusing on solely basketball for the first time in his career.

Gavin Griffiths brings high expectations on the wing and hopefully can provide efficient shooting from behind the arc as well as a complete scorer. Aundre Hyatt brings experience, depth and versatility.

Jamichael Davis and Oskar Palmquist could fill the 9th and 10th spots in the rotation. Davis has speed, athleticism and can be a quality on ball defender. Palmquist can provide spot up shooting from three, has proven to be ready in limited action and is a great culture guy to add back to the program. He’s eligible immediately as a grad transfer.

I’d expect Antonio Chol and Emmanuel Ogbole to be at the back of the rotation with a chance to breakthrough down the road. Jeremiah Williams is expected to sit out next season as a two-time undergrad transfer but did apply for the waiver.

Listen and watch to this episode detailing the Rutgers men’s basketball roster below.

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