Rutgers Nonconference

Here at CDTN we like Fred Hill and Rutgers, we think they are on the verge of becoming a big time program within the next few years but this year Coach Hill is pulling a Jim Boeheim to the extreme. Syracuse is always known for not leaving their home and playing jobbers for the first two months of the season before big east play to pad their record. Well, Rutgers is doing the exact same this year.

That is why we are predicting Rutgers to be 12-0 going into Chapel Hill on December 28th. They have a young core which could be a good reason to schedule 3 MAAC teams, 2 independents, and an assortment of low major Northeast schools but they will be overwhelmed when they take on UNC.

Look at this nonconference schedule it puts Boeheim to shame even with the game @UNC
Marist
@Delaware
Robert Morris
St. Boneventure
Lehigh
St. Peters
@Rider
Binghamton
@Princeton
Delaware St.
Bryant
NJIT
@UNC (Something doesnt look right here)

They are 2-0 so far with a nice 8 man rotation of all capable Big East starters which is nice. They have an abundance of great guards with Anthony Farmer, Mike Rosario, Mike Coburn and Corey Chandler. And downlow Hamaday N'Diaye (in the picture) a former project is Hibberting into a very nice big east player and impact downlow (he scored his career high 26 points yesterday vs. Delaware)

I think this soft schedule may help them gain confidence heading into conference play and with 12 wins early on they will only need to stay at around 500 in the dominant big east to be on the bubble.

Next year with a more experienced team hopefully Coach Hill broadens the difficulty of the schedule early on because too many cupcakes can hurt your RPI while waiting it out on Selection Sunday.