The Rutgers men’s basketball team is off to a 7-1 start and that has been helped out by contributions from players up and down the lineup. Newcomer Candido Sa has done his part, averaging 4.3 rebounds, 5.1 points and 1.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game. However, he does some other things that do not show up on the stat sheet.

“Defense is everything. [Head] Coach [Steve Pikiell] puts a big emphasis on defense,” said Sa, who came to Rutgers this year as a junior college transfer from San Jacinto College in Dallas, Tex. “That is a big part of my game. It is a product of hard work and that hard work pays off.”

The 6-foot-9 forward can also step out and hit some deep jumpshots.

“It was probably the first thing I learned how to do,” Sa said of his outside shooting. “I didn’t really like to be down in the post, but I developed a post game so I could do both things on the floor.”

As the season moves on, Pikiell is looking for Sa to play a bigger role as a leader as well.

“He has been trying to get me to bring my personality to the court and to be more vocal and more of a leader. I am still trying to adapt and bring more energy,” Sa said.

This winter will also be a first for Sa, who was raised in Portugal.

“I have never been in the cold before. It is not cold in Portugal and it is definitely not cold in Texas,” he said,.

Sa is part of a new-look Rutgers team that has ignited the fan base and provided hope for the future after losing seasons have seem to become commonplace for the Scarlet Knights.

Now, with the Big Ten schedule just weeks away, Sa is confident that Rutgers can continue its winning ways.

“I think we can be really good if we keep working hard. I think we can surprise some people."