PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Mawot Mag was one of the key Scarlet Knights in 2022-23.
The forward started in every game until he suffered a torn ACL on Feb. 4 in the first quarter of the matchup against Michigan State at Madison Square Garden. At the time, the Scarlet Knights were (16-7) and were ranked No. 23 in the AP poll. Mag was described all season long by RU's head coach
Steve Pikiell as the second best defender on the team alongside
Caleb McConnell.
Following a successful surgery in Feb., Mag is in the midst of rehab and prepares for 2023-24 senior season. Mag finished his 2022-23 campaign averaging 7.8 points-per-game in 23 starts and games played. Mag averaged 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals-per-game and shot a clean 50 percent from the field.
"We're going to miss Mawot greatly," head coach
Steve Pikiell said on Feb 7. "He's a high-energy player, a veteran presence and the ultimate glue-guy. He's one of our best team defenders and one of our best offensive rebounders. There's not a better person in our program and we can't wait to see him back on the floor in front of Rutgers Nation."
Mag's best game of the season came against Ohio State at Jersey Mike's Arena, where he scored a season-high 15 points on Jan.15. Mag hit the game-winning three-pointer in the corner with RU leading by one point in overtime to seal the victory. Mag added eight rebounds in the victory.
Mag scored in double digits in five games and had over seven points in 15 of 23 games. Mag was a consistent piece of the Scarlet Knights team who had one of the best defenses in school history.
The Rutgers defense finished seventh in the nation in points allowed per-game (60.4) and established itself as the best defense in school history in the shot clock era. The team finished eighth in the nation in field goal percentage defense (39.3) and led the Big Ten Conference in every major defensive category.
Rutgers Nation can look for Mag to be a key member of the starting lineup next season and to take on the role as the lead defender in Steve Pikiell's defensive scheme as Caleb McConnell has departed. Mag brings an unmatched energy to the floor that was sorely missed for the 2022-23 Scarlet Knights following his injury. Mag will look to continue to develop on the offensive end as he prepares to be ready for the 2023-24 season.
