PISCATAWAY, N.J. (OCT. 10, 2024) — It was another smashing success as the Rutgers University men's basketball program hosted its annual "Meet The Team Knight" as the program welcomed nearly 200 guests to its facilities. Among the night's highlights, the second annual Joe Boylan award was presented to Jason Newcomb CC'93, '94 and Deborah Newcomb CC'95 for their extraordinary contributions to the Scarlet Knights men's basketball program, as well as the entire department of athletics as a whole.
"What a remarkable night for everyone involved," said Shawn Tucker, Vice President for Athletics Development and Deputy Athletic Director. "To witness our Scarlet Knight family together connecting and engaging with our hard-working men's basketball student-athletes on a personal level while also honoring the Newcomb family in the name of someone as remarkable as coach Boylan was a memorable treat for all attendees! This upcoming season is undeniably shaping up to be a memorable one and we look forward to the ride taking off next week at the home exhibition!"
The night began with a good portion of the exclusive attendees sitting in on an open practice session at Jersey Mike's Arena as head coach Steve Pikell, beginning his ninth season at the helm of the historically successful Scarlet Knights program, led his team through various drills, plays and scrimmage time. Attendees were able to interact with coach Pikell, his coaching staff, the players and even Sir Henry, who was also there to kick off the night. Once the players and coaches dusted themselves off following practice, all the guests and team members made their way over to the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, the day-to-day home of the Rutgers basketball, wrestling and gymnastics programs, for cocktail hour on the first floor.
Gallery: (10-10-2024) 2024-25 MBB Meet the Team Knight
Finally, everything moved upstairs to the Brown Family Practice Court, which was beautifully arranged for the night's upcoming banquet. Coach Pikell kicked things off and had the crowd laughing all night with his quick-wit humor and remarks. Eventually, he introduced his 2024-25 roster to the crowd, with personal quips for each player. He began with the walk-ons, followed by the program's returners in Jeremiah Williams, Emmanuel Ogbole and Jamichael Davis — Williams led an interview-style panel with his two teammates and remained up there to do the same with the transfers — Tyson Acuff, Jordan Dekack, PJ Hayes IV and Zach Martini — as well as the freshmen — Ace Bailey, Bryce Dortch, Dylan Grant, Dylan Harper and Lathan Sommerville.
Last but not least, those in attendance were privileged to hear from last year's inaugural Joe Boylan Award winner, Mike MacDonald RC'75, who eventually gave way to the Voice of Rutgers Men's Basketball, Jerry Recco. Recco went on to share many personal anecdotes from his relationship with Coach Boylan during their years together as a radio broadcast team. Following that, he officially introduced the Newcombs as this year's Boylan Award winners and they came to the podium to give their acceptance speech.
Coach Pikell closed out the night with some thank yous, as well as more laughs from the crowd, to put a bow on it.
