PISCATAWAY, N.J. – One of Rutgers men's basketball's top contributors in 2022-23 will be back for one more season with the Scarlet Knights.
Aundre Hyatt announced on Tuesday that he is returning for his last season of eligibility next year. The Bronx, N.Y. native averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and shot 37.4 percent from the field last season.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to return for my final season at Rutgers and complete my master's degree," Hyatt posted on his personal Instagram page. "I'm excited about this team and the upcoming season. Let's go Rutgers Nation!"
Hyatt played in a career-high 34 games and started a career-high of 17 games.
Hyatt improved most shooting the ball from deep last season. In 23.8 minutes-per-game, Hyatt shot 30.6 percent from three-point range and knocked down 45 three pointers, more than he did in his first three seasons of college basketball combined. Hyatt wrapped up his second season as a Scarlet Knight after two previous seasons with the LSU Tigers. Hyatt has played 119 collegiate games and started in 35 of them.
Hyatt began the season on fire on the offensive end, starting in place of the injured
Caleb McConnell. He scored in double digits in all the first four games and nine games out of the first 12.
The 6-foot-6 forward got comfortable in a sixth man role through the bulk of the middle of the season and provided offense as a member of the Scarlet Knights second unit when McConnell and guard
Paul Mulcahy were both back in action from early season injuries. Hyatt would have been a leading contender in the conference for Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year if he didn't surpass the number of games started in conference play (six) to quality for the award.
Hyatt's best game of the season came when he scored a career-high 24 points in the loss to Nebraska on Feb. 14 at Jersey Mike's Arena. He had a season-high eight field goals and made five three-pointers. Hyatt scored in double-digits in 16 of the Scarlet Knights games this season.
Hyatt can be expected to be a major contributor on the offensive end again in 2023-24 as he continues to improve his shooting from all areas of the floor and be an explosive option for head coach
Steve Pikiell in the starting lineup or off the bench. Hyatt will provide some of the younger Scarlet Knights with veteran leadership in his role as the team looks to return to the tournament for the third time in four seasons.
