by Mark Remsa
By mid-September, most college basketball preview magazines have already hit the shelves and online media outlets have released their projections with forecasts for each NCAA Division I team as well as impact players to watch for the upcoming season. Many of the magazines and online media outlets tabbed Rutgers to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten, projected the Scarlet Knights to earn another trip to the NIT, and continued to pose question marks about Steve Pikiell's roster. There was some praise in the previews for four-star stud Gavin Griffiths, currently one of the highest rated recruits in Rutgers hoops history. But, there was almost little to zero mention of newcomer Jamichael Davis, a three-star speedy guard from Georgia. However, those close to the program and who follow it know these two Freshmen are likely going to be vital for Rutgers to have a successful campaign this season.
It's quite obvious big man Cliff Omoruyi and defensive stalwart Mawot Mag immediately come to mind when you think of high impact players on this year's Rutgers squad, and rightfully so, they are major pieces to the roster, but if this year's team is to play at a higher tempo, drive the lane, convert shots from the perimeter, and stay active on defense there is no question Gavin Griffiths and Jamichael Davis will have a major impact.
JAMICHAEL DAVIS
When Jamichael Davis committed to Rutgers in December of last year, his commitment struck the fan base as a surprise. The Georgia guard was relatively unknown, was unranked on most recruiting platforms, and at the time of his recruitment finding footage of Davis on his AAU and high school teams was rare. Other than Rutgers, he was offered by only one high-major in Auburn and offers from multiple mid-majors, including VCU, Wichita State, Kennesaw State, UAB, and McNeese State.
Although, little was known about Davis, more information and video footage of him was released and fans became more familiar with his game. He became known for his defensive prowess, his quickness, and playmaking ability.
"We're so excited to add J-Mike to The Knighthood," Rutgers head coach said in a statement released by Rutgers Athletics. "J-Mike is an explosive guard with terrific vision. He plays with tenacity on the defensive end and is a great teammate. He can do a lot of things on the basketball court, and he is one of the great competitors. We've added another great basketball player with an exciting family to Rutgers Nation."
Davis was a prolific scorer during his high school career, but if you ask any of his previous coaches from Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe or McEachern, he was known best for his defense and his ability to disrupt passing lanes and defensive positioning.
Some believe Davis' style of game is reminiscent of the recent Rutgers guard Jacob Young, who was also known for his speed and defensive prowess. Jacob Young who had an incredible 2020-21 season, was the catalyst who helped catapult Rutgers into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years.
It's already become quite evident Jamichael Davis is going to be an intricate piece to this season's team's success. In a late October exhibition game against St. John's, Jamichael Davis logged 34 minutes, scored a game high 16 points, committed zero turnovers, and tallied 6 rebounds, which was second to Cliff Omoruyi.
According to Jerry Carino (of the Asbury Park Press), Jonathan Givony, an ESPN NBA Draft analyst, was in attendance for the game and felt Davis was "the best player on the floor for Rutgers". Givony shared on Twitter, "he's going to make an immediate impact it looks like with his handle, speed, and scoring instincts. Lived in the paint and held his own defensively."
Naturally, Davis was strong when attacking the rim offensively, drew multiple fouls to earn trips to the free-throw line, and avoided heavy pressure full court pressure from St. John's. Last season, Rutgers struggled at times to earn trips to the free-throw line, struggled in their half-court offense, and they lacked aggression when attacking the rim thus forcing themselves to take too many jump shots with the shot clock close to expiring. Rutgers fans will surely be pleased if Davis can deliver performances each night like he did in the exhibition game against St. John's.
GAVIN GRIFFITHS
Gavin Griffiths, Pikiell's most highly coveted recruit to date, has already been expected by Rutgers Nation to make an immediate impact on this year's season. The four-star recruit out of West Hartford, CT has been hailed by many recruiting platforms as the purest shooter in the 2023 recruiting class and has incredible athleticism. Ant Wright of the Ant Wright Media Group included Griffiths in his "Five High Impact Big Ten Freshmen" list for the upcoming season. During Rutgers media day, Pikiell hailed Griffiths as "the most talented guy we've signed here during my tenure."
Although known mostly for his offense, Pikiell knows he will have to improve defensively. Griffiths admitted during Rutgers media day, "when I first got here defense was one of my weaknesses". Rutgers fans are hoping Pikiell, a master-class at teaching defense, can help Griffiths hone the necessary defensive tactics he'll need to become a force in the Big Ten.
In the exhibition game against St. John's, Griffiths showcased some of his brilliance and abilities. Griffiths logged 34 minutes, scored 14 points, went 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, committed only 2 personal fouls, and grabbed 5 boards. Griffiths started the game cold from the floor but began to heat up in the second half and sank a one-handed floater from the baseline, an unguardable shot reminiscent of Rutgers great Quincy Douby, according to Jerry Carino.
Griffiths will be relied on heavily this season for scoring production for Rutgers. Rutgers Nation can expect Griffiths to shoot often from the perimeter, but he also thrives in creating space in taking shots directly off-the-dribble. Griffiths is an extremely versatile player who has band-handling ability and at times can play in the backcourt, but will mostly be seen at the wing. Last year production at the wing struggled at times with the lack of play creating ability and low percentage three-point shooting. Griffiths could be the answer to those issues this season.
Rutgers has yet to see a player as versatile as Griffiths, and while he is extremely gifted on the offensive end of the ball, defense will come natural to him as he adjusts through the duration of the season and develops through his progressions.
OUTLOOK
This upcoming season is certainly going to be an exciting one but never before in the Pikiell-era have two Freshmen entered a season with such a heavy reliance where they will be needed tremendously to help in all facets of the game, especially in scoring production and on the defensive end of the ball. After losing two major pieces in the backcourt to the transfer portal, Jamichael Davis adds a new dimension to the Rutgers offense with his speed and great vision, while Gavin Griffiths has showcased his range and the ability to handle the ball in tight spaces. There is no doubt these Freshmen will feel the weight of added pressure, and their ability to thrive in big games and big moments will surely make or break this Rutgers basketball team this season.
