Injury Rumors Surrounding Rutgers Star Guard Ahead Of Matchup With Michigan

On Monday, Aaron Breitman of The Scarlet Faithful announced some shocking news surrounding a Rutgers star guard. According to Breitman, Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell has been dealing with back spasms, and is day-to-day right now. Breitman added that Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell told him that McConnell did not practice, and if the Rutgers-Michigan game was today, he would not play.

Just spoke to Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell who said Caleb McConnell’s status is day-to-day after missing Saturday’s game with back spasms.

McConnell didn’t practice and wouldn’t play today if there was a game.

RU hosts Michigan on Thursday night.

— Aaron Breitman (@aaron_breitman) February 20, 2023

What Does Rutgers Star Guard’s Injury Mean For Michigan?

While you never root for injuries, the lack of McConnell would help the Michigan Wolverines a great deal seeing as he is a massive presence for the Scarlet Knights. This season, McConnell ranks 4th on the team in points per game (9.7), 2nd in rebounds per game (5.4), 3rd in assists per game (3.0), 1st in steals per game (2.5), and second in blocks per game (0.5). Additionally, McConnell leads Rutgers in minutes per game with 33.5.

In the spirit of competition and the well-being of these student-athletes, we hope that McConnell is able to play; however, his presence on the court will play a large role in the outcome of Thursday’s game, and will be a huge storyline to keep an eye on throughout the week.

Michigan Basketball Facing Another Must-Win Game

At this point in the season, it goes without saying that the Michigan Wolverines have their backs against the wall. The Wolverines are 15-12 right now with a 2-9 quadrant one record — this is not enough the make the NCAA tournament by any means. That said, if the Wolverines can grab a few massive Q1 wins — such as Thursday’s game at Rutgers — there could be hope for Michigan’s season yet.

Still, this would likely require Michigan to win out its regular season slate and earn another win or two in the Big Ten Tournament next month, which is a lot to ask from a banged up, young team like Michigan basketball. Not all hope is lost, though a win on Thursday seems essential for the Wolverines’ tournament hopes.

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