PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's basketball is ranked No. 24 in the preseason Associated Press poll. This marks the first time the Scarlet Knights have been ranked in the preseason polls since the 1978-79 season. The Scarlet Knights were previously ranked in the preseason in 1975-76 (17th in the Coaches Poll), 1976-77 (17th in the AP Poll and 18th in the Coaches Poll) and in 1978-79 (15th in the AP Poll and 18th in the Coaches Poll).

The Scarlet Knights were receiving votes in the final Associated Press and Coaches polls after the 2019-20 campaign. Rutgers spent eight weeks either nationally ranked or receiving votes last season. The appearance in the rankings at 24/25 in the January 20^th polls was the first time the program was nationally ranked in 41 years, since the final AP Poll in 1978-79.

The Scarlet Knights have been featured in preseason rankings from a variety of publications, peaking as high as No. 13 (NCAA.com). Geo Baker (preseason All-Big Ten, Bob Cousy Award Watch List) and Ron Harper Jr. (Julius Erving Award Watch List) have earned preseason accolade recognition. 

Last season, RU posted its first winning season in 14 years, secured the most home regular season wins in the nation (18), and also set a program record for home victories. The Scarlet Knights tied for fifth in the Big Ten Conference. As a result, RU earned its first opening round bye in a conference tournament in 25 years, since the 1995 Atlantic 10 Championship, and was poised to secure its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1991.



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