2005 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Basketball Preview

2005 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Preview

The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers were seeing red last season when they finished dead last in the Big East with a 2 and 14 conference record. Coach Gary Waters got Fred Hill. Jr. from Villanova to join his coaching team. Hill is one of the best recruiters in the game and Waters is hoping he can make a difference on team that has to face good to excellent conference opponents throughout the season.

Although it’s too early for Hill to have made an impact, Waters did some fine work for this year by getting freshman JR Inman to join the ranks of the Scarlet Knights. Inman can have an immediate impact as a starting forward who can score and work the court. He’ll join four starting juniors—Qunicy Douby, Adrian Hill, Byron Joynes, and Marquis Webb.

Douby is a guard who hit for an average of 15.1 points a game in 2004-05. He’s one of the best outside shooters in the conference. Forward Adrian Hill’s potential is still unknown due to knee surgery and a medical red shirt last season. Hill is an excellent athlete with a keen inside game that includes a fine shot, a rough and ready attitude, and smart rebounding.

Joynes, who stands 6’-9” and weighs 265 pounds, can grab the ball off the rim but also needs to knock down more baskets. Last season he was a changed player having lost tonnage, which made him more durable and athletic. The Scarlet Knights are certainly hoping he can continue to progress.

Finally swingman Marquis Webb knows how to handle the ball, score, and defend. His versatility makes him an ongoing, across the court threat. Webb knows how to protect and control the ball, making him a tempo adjuster. Look for him to be a big contributor in terms of stats and leadership.

The Scarlet Knights will not be overtaking the Huskies, Wildcats, Cardinals, or Orange this season, but they will be making their way out of the cellar. How far up will they go? Only time will tell.

For more info on the 2005 Scarlet Knights check out the official Rutgers athletic site.