Opposition Report: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Wednesday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. ET
Record
OVERALL: 11-18
CONFERENCE: 5-11
HOME: 10-9
ROAD: 1-9
NEUTRAL: 0-0
*If the videos do not appear, please “refresh” the webpage once.
- STATISTICS
- THE OPPONENT
- KEYS TO WIN
- LINEUP
- MYLES MACK
- KADEEM JACK
- JUNIOR ETOU
- JJ MOORE
- WALLY JUDGE
- JEROME SEAGEARS
- VIEW AS SINGLE PAGE
UConn - Rutgers, Stats
UCONN | RUTGERS | UCONN (conference) | RUTGERS (conference) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Poss Length | 18 seconds | 17.2 seconds | ||
| Points Per Possession | 1.12 (52nd) | 1.05 (188th) | 1.11 | 1.0 |
| Points Allowed Per Possession | .95 (27th) | 1.1 (313th) | .96 | 1.12 |
| Scoring | 75 PPG | 72.9 PPG | 74.6 PPG | 69 PPG |
| Scoring Allowed | 63.7 PPG | 76.4 PPG | 64 PPG | 77.2 PPG |
| Rebounding | 36 RPG | 35.4 RPG | 36.6 RPG | 33.5 RPG |
| Assists | 13 APG | 13 APG | 12.6 APG | 12 APG |
| FG% | 45.5% | 43% | 44% | 41.4% |
| 3P% | 39% (18.4 attempts) | 33.7% (18 attempts) | 35% | 31% |
| FT% | 77.4% (22 attempts) | 70.6% (22 attempts) | 79% | 72% |
| Point Distribution | 48% 2-Pointers 29% 3-Pointers 23% Free Throws | 53.4% 2-Pointers 25% 3-Pointers 21.6% Free Throws | ||
| Shot Attempt Distribution | 55% Jump Shots 33% Around Basket 6% Post-Ups 6% Runner | 48% Jump Shots 35% Around Basket 10% Post-Ups 7% Runner | ||
| Offense | 83% Half Court 17% Transition | 84% Half-Court 16% Transition | ||
| Defense | 98% Man 2% Zone | 94% Man 6% Zone |
THE OPPONENT
Rutgers enters this game coming off a home win vs. South Florida and going 3-6 since playing UConn. It is not particularly proficient on either side of the basketball, ranking 8th in the conference in offensive efficiency, and 7th in defensive efficiency. Rutgers allows an average of 76.4 points per game (315th of 351 Division-1 teams), and has given up 80 points eight times this season. Comparatively, UConn allows only 62.8 points per game, and has never given up 80 points in a regulation game. Scoring, and defending, do not come easily for Rutgers.
Point guard Myles Mack is the key cog in Rutgers’ offense. Because Rutgers has a forward-laden starting lineup, Mack handles the ball an inordinate amount, responsible for getting Rutgers into its offensive actions. Mack’s 123 assists make up one-third of all Rutgers assists. He leads the team in minutes played, scoring, assists, and steals. A big reason why UConn was able to sustain a lead in the first matchup was limiting Mack to a season-low 6 points.
Mack impacts the game with his jump shot. A crafty handle and quick release allows him to get his shot off, even at his diminutive 5-9 frame. Mack has range (two 3′s per game). In fact, 64% of Mack’s shot attempts are jump shots. He’s not very efficient (36%), but Rutgers shoots 34% on jumpers as a team, so he’s actually an above-average shooter relative to the team. Additionally, he can shoot both with his feet set, or creating off the dribble.
Mack frequently operates from the pick and roll in the half court, where 22% of his offense comes from. He’s quick to get around screens, and pulls up for a jump shot on 55% of his pick and roll attempts. He’s converting 30% of such attempts—not efficient, but nonetheless capable—and will often shoot without considering the clock or game situation. Be ready to contest Mack’s shot, either off the screen or on the catch. Perhaps go over, or blitz/trap Mack’s pick and roll, in an effort to make him either drive or pass.
Only 5-9 and with limited athleticism/leaping ability, Mack struggles to finish around the basket. In the half court, his .83 points per “around the basket” attempt rank in the bottom 13th percentile nationally. In transition, he often opts for pull-ups, instead of driving to the basket. If you can blitz/trap Mack’s pick and rolls—forcing him to quickly get rid of the ball, or even better, forcing a bad shot—Rutgers’ offense should become frantic and disorganized.
Lacking depth at the guard position, Rutgers usually starts four forwards alongside Mack in the starting lineup: JJ Moore, Kadeem Jack, Junior Etou, and Wally Judge.
Jack and Etou are the most dangerous offensively. Jack is an active and athletic 6-9 swingman, who slashes to the basket, defends and rebounds. He finds open seams with his off the ball movement, resulting in several cuts through the lane. He scores on “effort plays”—slashing to the hoop, put-backs, angles, and taking the open jump shot. He goes to work inside the 3-point line, where he maximizes his effort, length and athleticism. He can finish at the basket (converting 55%), and has recently shown flashes of converting mid-range jump shots. If you let Jack outwork you, he can fill up the stat sheet, and his energy radiates through the team.
Etou is similar to Jack, in that he’s an effort and rebounding type of guy. Etou plays with an “in your face” attitude, refusing to back down from anybody. He runs the floor, provides energy and rebounds. Not a threat to create off the dribble, but he can finish in the post. Etou and Jack consistently attack the glass, averaging 9.4 and 8.2 rebounds per 40 minutes, respectively.
Moore, a 6-6 swingman via Pittsburgh, provides a scoring punch. He attempts four 3′s per game, but only converts 32%. He’s a wide-bodied forward who occasionally hits a 3-pointer. 60% of his shot attempts are jump shots, while 30% come around the basket. Moore is slow off the bounce, and not consistent. But he’s experienced and tough—if he gets into a rhythm, he can be dangerous.
Judge, a former McDonald’s All-American via Kansas State, is stationed in the post for put-backs and drop-offs. A freak athlete vertically, 85% of Judge’s attempts are within the immediate vicinity of the basket. And virtually 100% are within 15-feet. Poor shooter, but he knows how to box out, position for rebounds, and has a soft touch to finish. You must put a body on Judge.
Off the bench, guard Jerome Seagears provides Rutgers lineup flexibility. He can relieve Mack at PG, or play alongside him in the backcourt. Seagears is a pure shooter; 72% of his attempts are jumpers. He attempts three 3′s per game, and creates separation with a tight handle. Seagears scored 19 points (including 3 threes) in the first matchup. The best way to defend him is to close out on jumpers. He struggles to finish at the basket, preferring outside jumpers. Similar to defending Myles Mack, when Seagears has the ball, be ready to contest, both off the screen and on the catch.
Overall, if you force Myles Mack into contested attempts, stay aware of Jack and Etou slashing, and match their activity on the glass, you should be OK. Rutgers doesn’t have a go-to scorer or playmaker. They win by Mack and Seagears hitting 3′s, and Jack/Etou/Judge cleaning up on the glass.
Again, Rutgers gives up 76.4 points per game, so UConn should be able to score. If the Huskies clamp down defensively—either by taking away Mack’s jump shot, or denying Jack/Etou’s put backs and cuts—Rutgers will struggle to compete on the offensive end as well.
KEYS TO WIN
— Blitz/trap Myles Mack on the pick and roll (Rutgers’ primary ball handler and facilitator)
— Close out on Mack, and force him to put the ball on the floor (64% of attempts are jump shots; be ready to contest, either off the screen or on catch)
— Run Mack off the perimeter to make him penetrate (5-9, poor finisher; avoids driving the lane)
— Be aware of Kadeem Jack and Junior Etou (athletic slashers who get into defensive seams with their off the ball movement; they finish in the paint; skilled and athletic)
— Box out Wally Judge (athletic, but not super skilled; don’t let him outwork you)
— Close out on Jerome Seagears (attempts three 3′s per game; struggles to finish at the basket)
STARTERS
G — Myles Mack (5-9)
F — JJ Moore (6-6)
F — Kadeem Jack (6-9)
F — Junior Etou (6-7)
F — Wally Judge (6-9)
RESERVES
G — Jerome Seagears (6-1)
#4 Myles Mack (JR) — 15.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1. 8 SPG, 2.6 TO
PG, 5-9, 175
12 FGA, 5.7 three-point attempts (35%)
33% of team’s total assists
— Rutgers’ primary ball handler and facilitator
— Leading scorer, accounts for 33% of team’s assists
— Good shooter, poor finisher
— 22% of offense in pick and roll
— Only 5-9; struggles to finish; has tendency to jack up shots early in possessions
— Shooting 36% on jumpers, 35% on 3′s
— Be ready on the catch
— Scored season-low 6 points in first matchup
Video: Jump Shooting (three-pointers)
Can shoot off the dribble or with his feet set
Video: Pick and Roll
22% of Mack’s offense is pick and roll. Quick burst to turn the corner, but struggles to finish at the rim. Mack pulls up for a jump shot on 55% of his pick and roll attempts.
Video: Transition Struggles
Mack struggles to finish in transition. He often pulls-up for a 3-pointer.
Video: Missed Field Goals
Video: Defense (small, can’t contest)
Due to his diminutive size, Mack has trouble contesting jump shots and also containing penetration. Per Synergy, he’s allowing 1.2 points per possession in spot-up situations, ranking in the bottom 20th percentile nationally. His limitations are apparent on film as well.
#11 Kadeem Jack (JR) — 14.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 50% FG
SF/PF, 6-9, 230
— Versatile forward who is long, explosive off the ground
— Scores on angles and cuts; good handle to make plays inside 3-point line
— 17% of attempts off cuts; terrific finisher
— Skilled, athletic, works hard; match his intensity
— Good mid-range shooter with room; be ready to contest
Video: 19 Points vs. UConn
Video: Cutting
Video: Defense
Video: Versatile Scoring
Video: Crashing Boards
Video: Transition (terrific athlete)
Video: Missed Jump Shots
Video: Made Jump Shots
#10 Junior Etou (FR) — 5.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG
F, 6-7, 225
— Strong forward who scores inside and out (50% jump shots; 50% around the basket)
— Only 29% from 3-point range
— 17% of attempts off cuts; constantly moving/slashing in the half court
— Long and active on the glass
Video: Scoring this season
Video: Shooting struggles
Video: 3-Point Shooting
Video: Slashing to the Hoop
#44 JJ Moore (SR) —11 PPG, 3 RPG
F, 6-6, 220
*Transferred from Pittsburgh this season
— Wide-bodied shooter
— Not efficient (32% on 3′s), but capable of getting into rhythm
— Slow off the dribble, but strong to finish through contact
— Often wanders on the perimeter, setting his feet for a catch and shoot opportunity
— Not very skilled, but a role player who uses his jump shot to score in bunches
Video: 20 points vs. USF
Video: “Off the Dribble” Struggles
Video: Scoring around the Basket
Video: Made Jump Shots
Video: Poor 3-Point Shooting
Video: Misses
#33 Wally Judge (SR) — 7 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.1 BPG
PF, 6-9, 250
*Transferred from Kansas State following his sophomore season
— Athletic and physical forward, who rebounds and cleans up on the glass
— 85% of Judge’s attempts are within the immediate vicinity of the basket; 100% are within 15-feet
— Poor shooter, but he knows how to box out, position for rebounds, and has a soft touch to finish
— Not very skilled; don’t let him outwork you
— Averages 3.6 fouls in 22 minutes per game
Video: Offensive rebounding/crashing boards
Video: Poor jump shooting
Per Synergy, Judge has only attempted 5-20 on jump shots all season. His attempts are almost exclusively within 10 feet of the basket.
Video: Points around the basket
Judge is shooting 58% around the basket. He can finish with either hand at the rim. In this regard, he has potential as a screener.
Video: Post-Ups Made
#1 Jerome Seagears (JR) — 8 PPG, 2 RPG, 3.4 APG
G, 6-1, 175
— First guard off the bench
— 72% of attempts are jump shots; shoots 40% from 3
— Can shoot with feet set, or off the dribble
— Scored 19 points in first matchup vs. UConn
— Struggles to finish at the basket, prefers to shoot
— Be ready to contest, both off screens and on the catch.
Video: 19 points vs. UConn
Video: 3-Point Shooting
Video: Shooting Off the Dribble
Video: Catch and Shoot
UConn - Rutgers, Stats
UCONN | RUTGERS | UCONN (conference) | RUTGERS (conference) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Poss Length | 18 seconds | 17.2 seconds | ||
| Points Per Possession | 1.12 (52nd) | 1.05 (188th) | 1.11 | 1.0 |
| Points Allowed Per Possession | .95 (27th) | 1.1 (313th) | .96 | 1.12 |
| Scoring | 75 PPG | 72.9 PPG | 74.6 PPG | 69 PPG |
| Scoring Allowed | 63.7 PPG | 76.4 PPG | 64 PPG | 77.2 PPG |
| Rebounding | 36 RPG | 35.4 RPG | 36.6 RPG | 33.5 RPG |
| Assists | 13 APG | 13 APG | 12.6 APG | 12 APG |
| FG% | 45.5% | 43% | 44% | 41.4% |
| 3P% | 39% (18.4 attempts) | 33.7% (18 attempts) | 35% | 31% |
| FT% | 77.4% (22 attempts) | 70.6% (22 attempts) | 79% | 72% |
| Point Distribution | 48% 2-Pointers 29% 3-Pointers 23% Free Throws | 53.4% 2-Pointers 25% 3-Pointers 21.6% Free Throws | ||
| Shot Attempt Distribution | 55% Jump Shots 33% Around Basket 6% Post-Ups 6% Runner | 48% Jump Shots 35% Around Basket 10% Post-Ups 7% Runner | ||
| Offense | 83% Half Court 17% Transition | 84% Half-Court 16% Transition | ||
| Defense | 98% Man 2% Zone | 94% Man 6% Zone |
THE OPPONENT
Rutgers enters this game coming off a home win vs. South Florida and going 3-6 since playing UConn. It is not particularly proficient on either side of the basketball, ranking 8th in the conference in offensive efficiency, and 7th in defensive efficiency. Rutgers allows an average of 76.4 points per game (315th of 351 Division-1 teams), and has given up 80 points eight times this season. Comparatively, UConn allows only 62.8 points per game, and has never given up 80 points in a regulation game. Scoring, and defending, do not come easily.
Point guard Myles Mack is the key cog in Rutgers’ offense. Because Rutgers has a forward-laden starting lineup, Mack handles the ball an inordinate amount, responsible for getting Rutgers into its offensive actions. Mack’s 123 assists make up one-third of all Rutgers assists. He leads the team in minutes played, scoring, assists, and steals. A big reason why UConn was able to sustain a lead in the first matchup was limiting Mack to a season-low 6 points.
Mack impacts the game with his jump shot. A crafty handle and quick release allows him to get his shot off, even at his diminutive 5-9 frame. Mack has range (two 3′s per game). In fact, 64% of Mack’s shot attempts are jump shots. He’s not very efficient (36%), but Rutgers shoots 34% on jumpers as a team, so he’s actually an above-average shooter relative to the team. Additionally, he can shoot both with his feet set, or creating off the dribble.
Mack frequently operates from the pick and roll in the half court, where 22% of his offense comes from. He’s quick to get around screens, and pulls up for a jump shot on 55% of his pick and roll attempts. He’s converting 30% of such attempts—not efficient, but nonetheless capable—and will often shoot without considering the clock or game situation. Be ready to contest Mack’s shot, either off the screen or on the catch. Perhaps go over, or blitz/trap Mack’s pick and roll, in an effort to make him either drive or pass.
Only 5-9 and with limited athleticism or leaping ability, Mack struggles to finish around the basket. In the half court, his .83 points per “around the basket” attempt rank in the bottom 13th percentile nationally. In transition, he often opts for pull-ups, instead of driving to the basket. If you can blitz/trap Mack’s pick and rolls—forcing him to quickly get rid of the ball, or even better, forcing a bad shot—Rutgers’ offense should become frantic and disorganized.
Lacking depth at the guard position, Rutgers usually starts four forwards alongside Mack in the starting lineup: JJ Moore, Kadeem Jack, Junior Etou, and Wally Judge.
Jack and Etou are the most dangerous offensively. Jack is an active and athletic 6-9 swingman, who slashes to the basket, defends and rebounds. He finds open seams with his off the ball movement, resulting in several cuts through the lane. He scores on “effort plays”—slashing to the hoop, put-backs, angles, and taking the open jump shot. He goes to work inside the 3-point line, where he maximizes his effort, length and athleticism. He can finish at the basket (converting 55%), and has recently shown flashes of converting mid-range jump shots. If you let Jack outwork you, he can fill up the stat sheet, and his energy radiates through the team.
Etou is similar to Jack, in that he’s an effort and rebounding type of guy. Etou plays with an “in your face” attitude, refusing to back down from anybody. He runs the floor, provides energy and rebounds. Not a threat to create off the dribble, but he can finish in the post. Etou and Jack consistently attack the glass, averaging 9.4 and 8.2 rebounds per 40 minutes, respectively.
Moore, a 6-6 swingman via Pittsburgh, provides a scoring punch. He attempts four 3′s per game, but only converts 32%. He’s a wide-bodied forward who occasionally hits a 3-pointer. 60% of his shot attempts are jump shots, while 30% come around the basket. Moore is slow off the bounce, and not consistent. But he’s experienced and tough—if he gets into a rhythm, he can be dangerous.
Judge, a former McDonald’s All-American via Kansas State, is stationed in the post for put-backs and drop-offs. A freak athlete vertically, 85% of Judge’s attempts are within the immediate vicinity of the basket. And virtually 100% are within 15-feet. Poor shooter, but he knows how to box out, position for rebounds, and has a soft touch to finish. You must put a body on Judge.
Off the bench, guard Jerome Seagears provides Rutgers lineup flexibility. He can relieve Mack at PG, or play alongside him in the backcourt. Seagears is a pure shooter; 72% of his attempts are jumpers. He attempts three 3′s per game, and creates separation with a tight handle. Seagears scored 19 points (including 3 threes) in the first matchup. The best way to defend him is to close out on jumpers. He struggles to finish at the basket, preferring outside jumpers. Similar to defending Myles Mack, when Seagears has the ball, be ready to contest, both off the screen and on the catch.
Overall, if you force Myles Mack into contested attempts, stay aware of Jack and Etou slashing, and match their activity on the glass, you should be OK. Rutgers doesn’t have a go-to scorer or playmaker. They win by Mack and Seagears hitting 3′s, and Jack/Etou/Judge cleaning up on the glass.
Again, Rutgers gives up 76.4 points per game, so UConn should be able to score. If the Huskies clamp down defensively—either by taking away Mack’s jump shot, or denying Jack/Etou’s put backs and cuts—Rutgers will struggle to compete on the offensive end as well.
KEYS TO WIN
— Blitz/trap Myles Mack on the pick and roll (Rutgers’ primary ball handler and facilitator)
— Close out on Mack, and force him to put the ball on the floor (64% of attempts are jump shots; be ready to contest, either off the screen or on catch)
— Run Mack off the perimeter to make him penetrate (5-9, poor finisher; avoids driving the lane)
— Be aware of Kadeem Jack and Junior Etou (athletic slashers who get into defensive seams with their off the ball movement; they finish in the paint; skilled and athletic)
— Box out Wally Judge (athletic, but not super skilled; don’t let him outwork you)
— Close out on Jerome Seagears (attempts three 3′s per game; struggles to finish at the basket)
STARTERS
G — Myles Mack (5-9)
F — JJ Moore (6-6)
F — Kadeem Jack (6-9)
F — Junior Etou (6-7)
F — Wally Judge (6-9)
RESERVES
G — Jerome Seagears (6-1)
#4 Myles Mack (JR) — 15.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1. 8 SPG, 2.6 TO
PG, 5-9, 175
12 FGA, 5.7 three-point attempts (35%)
33% of team’s total assists
— Rutgers’ primary ball handler and facilitator
— Leading scorer, accounts for 33% of team’s assists
— Good shooter, poor finisher
— 22% of offense in pick and roll
— Only 5-9; struggles to finish; has tendency to jack up shots early in possessions
— Shooting 36% on jumpers, 35% on 3′s
— Be ready on the catch
— Scored season-low 6 points in first matchup
Video: Jump Shooting (three-pointers)
Can shoot off the dribble or with his feet set
Video: Pick and Roll
22% of Mack’s offense is pick and roll. Quick burst to turn the corner, but struggles to finish at the rim. Mack pulls up for a jump shot on 55% of his pick and roll attempts.
Video: Transition Struggles
Mack struggles to finish in transition. He often pulls-up for a 3-pointer.
Video: Missed Field Goals
Video: Defense (small, can’t contest)
Due to his diminutive size, Mack has trouble contesting jump shots and also containing penetration. Per Synergy, he’s allowing 1.2 points per possession in spot-up situations, ranking in the bottom 20th percentile nationally. His limitations are apparent on film as well.
#11 Kadeem Jack (JR) — 14.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 50% FG
SF/PF, 6-9, 230
— Versatile forward who is long, explosive off the ground
— Scores on angles and cuts; good handle to make plays inside 3-point line
— 17% of attempts off cuts; terrific finisher
— Skilled, athletic, works hard; match his intensity
— Good mid-range shooter with room; be ready to contest
Video: 19 Points vs. UConn
Video: Cutting
Video: Defense
Video: Versatile Scoring
Video: Crashing Boards
Video: Transition (terrific athlete)
Video: Missed Jump Shots
Video: Made Jump Shots
#10 Junior Etou (FR) — 5.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG
F, 6-7, 225
— Strong forward who scores inside and out (50% jump shots; 50% around the basket)
— Only 29% from 3-point range
— 17% of attempts off cuts; constantly moving/slashing in the half court
— Long and active on the glass
Video: Scoring this season
Video: Shooting struggles
Video: 3-Point Shooting
Video: Slashing to the Hoop
#44 JJ Moore (SR) —11 PPG, 3 RPG
F, 6-6, 220
*Transferred from Pittsburgh this season
— Wide-bodied shooter
— Not efficient (32% on 3′s), but capable of getting into rhythm
— Slow off the dribble, but strong to finish through contact
— Often wanders on the perimeter, setting his feet for a catch and shoot opportunity
— Not very skilled, but a role player who uses his jump shot to score in bunches
Video: 20 points vs. USF
Video: “Off the Dribble” Struggles
Video: Scoring around the Basket
Video: Made Jump Shots
Video: Poor 3-Point Shooting
Video: Misses
#33 Wally Judge (SR) — 7 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.1 BPG
PF, 6-9, 250
*Transferred from Kansas State following his sophomore season
— Athletic and physical forward, who rebounds and cleans up on the glass
— 85% of Judge’s attempts are within the immediate vicinity of the basket; 100% are within 15-feet
— Poor shooter, but he knows how to box out, position for rebounds, and has a soft touch to finish
— Not very skilled; don’t let him outwork you
— Averages 3.6 fouls in 22 minutes per game
Video: Offensive rebounding/crashing boards
Video: Poor jump shooting
Per Synergy, Judge has only attempted 5-20 on jump shots all season. His attempts are almost exclusively within 10 feet of the basket.
Video: Points around the basket
Judge is shooting 58% around the basket. He can finish with either hand at the rim. In this regard, he has potential as a screener.
Video: Post-Ups Made
#1 Jerome Seagears (JR) — 8 PPG, 2 RPG, 3.4 APG
G, 6-1, 175
— First guard off the bench
— 72% of attempts are jump shots; shoots 40% from 3
— Can shoot with feet set, or off the dribble
— Scored 19 points in first matchup vs. UConn
— Struggles to finish at the basket, prefers to shoot
— Be ready to contest, both off the screen and on the catch.
Video: 19 points vs. UConn
Video: 3-Point Shooting
Video: Shooting Off the Dribble
Video: Catch and Shoot