With the roster construction underway, Rutgers is taking advantage of the first weekend to host transfers in April. As reported by Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers, UMass transfer Noah Fernandes is set to visit Piscataway this weekend. The report also states that a visit is scheduled to Butler the following weekend.
Fernandes hit a dagger three-pointer to defeat Rutgers at Amherst during non-conference play of the 2021-2022 season. He had 16 points and 11 assists in that game in which he highlighted his importance to the Minutemen. The Mattapoisett, Massachusetts native spent one season at Wichita State before the last three at UMass. He has one year of eligibility remaining. As a grad transfer, Fernandes is eligible to play right away next season without having to sit out as a two-time transfer.
This past season, Fernandes was limited to just 11 games due to an ankle injury. He missed the final two months of the season. The 5’11” guard averaged 13.1 points on 50.0% shooting from two-point range and 45.2% from three-point range. He also averaged 4.1 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 29.5 minutes per game.
It was the 2021-2022 season that was Fernandes’ best of his collegiate career. He led UMass with 14.9 points, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 33.6 minutes per game. Fernandes was No. 37 nationally with a 32.4% assist rate and was No. 344 in shooting 79.0% from the foul line. He also shot 48.1% from two and 36.0% from three.
Fernandes is a quick, shifty guard who can score in multiple ways. He is a good ball distributor who can create shots for himself and his teammates. It’s a positive development that Rutgers is able to get him on campus for a visit. He played in the New England Prep Circuit where assistants TJ Thompson and Karl Hobbs have strong connections.
Rutgers needs to add at least one guard who can create offense off the dribble and push the pace. Derek Simpson emerged late last season but relying him solely would be an issue. The hope is for Paul Mulcahy to return as well, but he offers a different skill set. Fernandes would give RU another offensive weapon who also would bring plenty of experience and big shot ability. He would be a high quality addition to the roster from the transfer portal. Stay tuned.
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BataliBoli98
April 6, 2023 at 2:19 am
Exactly the profile that RU needs: Someone who can attack the basket while helping to spread the floor because of his passing and shooting abillty. A guy like this can only make Cam and Gavin more lethal on the wings.
Go RU!