As summer practices begin for Rutgers basketball, one of the Scarlet Knights’ star freshmen will be on the sidelines.
“Dylan Harper had a successful voluntary procedure on his knee,” head coach Steve Pikiell said Friday, referring to Harper’s right knee. “He won’t practice for 4 to 6 weeks. He will be present at all team activities.”
The 6-foot-6 guard, a McDonald’s All-American as one of the nation’s top high school players at Don Bosco Prep, missed several games last season after injuring his right knee against The Patrick School in December earlier. returning to lead the Ironmen to the NJSIAA Non-Public A title.
Rutgers’ summer training period runs from June 15 to August 9. Harper arrived on campus and is walking. Recovery from her procedure is not expected to impact her availability for the start of full-scale practices in late September.
The game between Rutgers and Monmouth is ending
Another local opponent is being added to Rutgers’ schedule.
A deal is being finalized for Monmouth to visit Jersey Mike’s Arena as part of the Scarlet Knights’ non-conference roster, the Asbury Park Press has learned. The Hawks join Seton Hall, Princeton (at the Prudential Center), Saint Peter’s, Columbia and Wagner in the local flavor department.
The last Rutgers-Monmouth game took place in 2015, when the Hawks won 73-67 in Piscataway during the Eddie Jordan era. The Scarlet Knights lead the all-time series 9-1.
Monmouth is the only Jersey opponent Rutgers hasn’t faced since Pikiell took the reins in 2016. The Hawks went 18-15 last season, including 10-8 in the CAA, but lose star guard Xander Rice (son from head coach King Rice).
One vacancy remains for the Scarlet Knights’ 2024-25 non-conference roster and will be filled with a home game. Their other opponents are Notre Dame, either Houston or Alabama, and a third major opponent to be determined in Las Vegas Thanksgiving week, and Kennesaw State on the road.
staff change
Video coordinator Mike Sasso is leaving to take a job as an assistant coach at Division 3 Ithaca. Sasso, a former captain of the Randolph High School basketball team, served as a manager and then a graduate assistant under Pikiell before joining the staff full time. He joined the program in 2016, Pikiell’s first year at the helm, and has been a highly respected member of the operation for eight seasons.
“Coach Pikiell gave me an opportunity eight years ago as a freshman student manager,” Sasso said. “Since then, he has been my biggest role model and one of the most loyal people I have ever met. He embodies what it is to be a fearless leader, a high-character individual and a family man. Because of him, I am confident and “I am ready to embark on my next journey.”
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and college basketball since 2003. He is an KeynoteUSA Top 25 Voter. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
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