This season the Scarlet Knights have just one senior on the roster. With a young roster, they will lean heavily on
Shaquille Doorson to bring a veteran presence to this year's squad.
Doorson came to Rutgers from The Netherlands, via the Canarias Basketball Academy. He showcased his potential early in his career, using his seven-foot frame to his advantage. However, he was set back by a foot injury, which caused him to redshirt the 2015-16 season. Through all the injury woes, Doorson persevered and dedicated himself to the program.
"Shaq has been from day one a guy who has given everything to Rutgers basketball," head coach
Steve Pikiell said. "He had a serious injury and had to battle through that. He had to battle through losing weight. He has been an unbelievable representative of Rutgers University. He's a terrific student. He's a terrific young man. And he's working his tail off to be a terrific basketball player."
After battling injuries throughout his whole career, Doorson comes into this season as healthy as he's ever been. He's been diligently working this summer to get in better shape to be prepare to capitalize on this opportunity.
"I'm excited for him for a lot of reasons," Pikeill said. "He's actually had an offseason this year. He's going to grad school, so he's going to get a Master's Degree."
Doorson earned his Bachelor's degree in human resource management with a minor in labor studies and employment relations this past May. He will extend his academic career as a graduate student, looking to put all he has learned from his four years 'On the Banks' to good use in one final season.
"At the end of last year, he really showed signs of the good basketball player that he can be," Pikiell explained. "Now he's really stepped up in the leadership department. He's a fifth-year senior. The guys really respect him. He's a really good worker. He's done a really good job of helping bring some great chemistry to our team and some great leadership. He's an example of what I want a Rutgers basketball player to look like. Someone that's committed like him, that loves Rutgers University, that loves our basketball program. I think he's going to have an unbelievable year this year. I think if we can keep him healthy and on track, he's going to show people the kind of basketball player that he can be."
As a recognition of that leadership, Doorson will serve as one of the team's two captains this season, alongside junior
Eugene Omoruyi. Having played in 90 contests over his career, he brings the most experience of any player on the current roster.
"It's an honor for me to be named a captain," Doorson said. "I've been here for a while now. For me, being a captain, it's about making sure all the guys here bring their 'A game' every time."
Eager to make his last season of action an impactful one, Doorson is hoping to cement his legacy with this upcoming campaign. As a senior leader, he is emphasizing to his younger teammates the right way to handle their business.
"We're trying to take Rutgers basketball to a whole new level," Doorson emphasized. "We need to be the best that we can in everything we do. Whether it's getting to (athletic trainer) Rich Campbell and getting our ankles taped, making sure we're ready for practice, going to our strength coach Dave Van Dyke and getting our strength and conditioning in every day. Just making sure everything we do translates to the game.
Doorson hit his stride down the stretch last season. The center moved into a starting role for the final four games of the season, including the team's memorable three-day run at Madison Square Garden at the Big Ten Tournament. Doorson averaged 20 minutes a game as RU won two conference tournament games for the first time since 1998. Shaq looks to build off that strong finish heading into the 2018-19 campaign.
"Personally I'm trying to show everyone what I've got, this being my last year," Doorson said. "I'm really excited for that. We're really striving as a team to prove what we've got."
Doorson is sure to be a key team leader this season, both on the court and in the locker room. The Scarlet Knights will count on his presence this season as a mentor to ensure a successful 2018-19 season.
"He's a better person than a basketball player," Pikiell said. "And he's a heck of a basketball player. I think that says a lot about where I think he is personally."
