Rutgers Basketball to hold open scrimmage for fans

Rutgers basketball is introducing a new way for fans to get a look at the latest version of the Scarlet Knights. There will be an intrasquad scrimmage inside Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sept 28. The event is being done in conjunction with the Knights of the Raritan called the Knighthood Showcase and will benefit NIL with all admission prices going to that area. 

Fans will be able to watch the action, in addition to participating in a post-game meet and greet with the players. Afterward, the players will be available to sign autographs to those in attendance. Head coach Steve Pikiell will also speak to the crowd.

The price of admission is $20 for KTR members and $10 for children. The admission cost for non-members is $45. Click here to buy tickets for the event and use the code UNDER 12 to purchase mission for a child. KTR members will receive an email about the discount. 

Gates open at 1 p.m. and the intrasquad matchup is set for a tip-off time of 2 p.m. Other entertainment will be provided as the acrobat Red Panda will perform her act inside Jersey Mike’s Arena. 

The intrasquad matchup open to fans will be the first of its kind during the Pikiell tenure at Rutgers. It will also be a chance for Rutgers fans to see the five-star duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper for the first time. The pair came in ranked No.2 and No.3 respectively in the class of 2024. Harper did not start working out with the team until late July as he was recovering from a voluntary procedure on his knee that preceded his June arrival at Rutgers. 

Harper is back to form and is teaming up with Bailey, who immediately showcased his skills upon arriving at Rutgers. 

“He’s a great teammate,” Pikiell said of Bailey in mid-July. “The guys love him. He’s just got a great way about him; [with] every manager, everyone. He’s an energy-giver. He walks into the room and smiles. He comes to practice ready to practice. Awesome. His family did an unbelievable job. And on top of that, he’s 6-foot-10 and does everything with the ball. It’s awesome. His upside is tremendous. He’s 17 years old. But an energy giver. An awesome guy to be around and anybody that’s been around him will tell you that.”

Rutgers will have a preseason tuneup before actual games begin as the team has agreed to an exhibition game against St. John’s in October. The season will then commence with a home game against Wagner on Nov 6. Rutgers finished last season with a record of 15-18.