Johnson led the team in rebounding with 239 total and 8.5 per game. He was also second in steals with 32. When Johnson was or wasn't on the court, there was a huge difference in the effectiveness of the team on both ends. When Johnson wasn't tallying any of his 68 shots, he was altering them. When called upon, he shot scored 8.0 points per game and had a field goal percentage of 62.8%. When Johnson got in foul trouble, the team was doomed, hence his importance.
Offensive POY: Jacob Young
The speedy senior was dynamic as he netted 14.1 points per game, good for second on the team, with 3.4 assists on average. Yes, he played wild at times with a team-high 83 turnovers (second highest was Geo Baker with 43), but Young shot 36.% percent from downtown, made 72% of his free throws, and could get in the lane.
Defensive POY: Myles Johnson
This was tough between the likes of Johnson, Young, Caleb McConnell, and Montez Mathis, but the edge goes to Johnson for his aforementioned presence in the paint. He was second in the Big Ten with 2.4 block per game and was vacuum when it came to rebounds.
Best Play: Jacob Young's late second-half steal against Minnesota. If the ball gets past, the Golden Gophers likely score and Rutgers doesn't make the NCAA Tournament.
Best Moment: Rutgers sees its name come up in the 2021 NCAA Tournament bracket on CBS' Selection Sunday Show. The Scarlet Knights broke a 30-year drought.
How can you not pick this one? The victory over Clemson in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament was the Scarlet Knights' first in the Big Dance since 1983.
The win over Illinois in December was a close second as was the triumph against Michigan State.
Tough Guy: Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy
Mulcahy played with a dislocated finger and broke his nose (while committing a foul...) and is always in the thick of things on the court. McConnell was going to redshirt this season, but fought through his ailing back, and saved his best performance when the team needed it most with a double-double against Clemson.
Best Celebration: After Rutgers defeated the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis
Ok, it wasn't a quote, but when Baker let out a humongous sigh after his press conference following the road win against Minnesota, the weight was lifted off and Rutgers was going dancing
Eye-opener: Cliff Omoruyi's 3-pointer
Where did that come from?
Sign the future is bright: Jaden Jones' 3-pointer
Omoruyi has had a couple monster dunks this year, but after enrolling early, Jones saw very brief action and hit a 3-pointer against Nebraska. He also dished out three assists in 9:53 of court time. Rutgers needs a shooter.
