The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball team, representing Rutgers University in the Big Ten Conference, made a memorable run to the NCAA Final Four in 1976, completing an undefeated 31-0 regular season and finishing fourth nationally. After a challenging period that included a 2013 coaching scandal, the program experienced a significant resurgence under Head Coach Steve Pikiell, breaking a 30-year NCAA tournament drought with appearances in 2021 and 2022, securing their first tournament win since 1983.
Rutgers has produced several NBA players, including Roy Hinson and John Battle. Most recently, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey made history in the 2025 NBA Draft as the highest-selected Scarlet Knights ever, chosen with the second and fifth picks respectively. With a top-ranked 2024 recruiting class featuring these two McDonald's All-Americans, the team anticipates continued success.