PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Emmanuel Ogbole might have just wrapped up his time at Jersey Mike's Arena with a memorable victory. In what could be his final home game, Rutgers secured a 74-62 win over Penn State, and Ogbole contributed five points, three rebounds, and two blocks in this 'Senior Day' triumph. The Scarlet Knights closed out their regular season with a 13-18 record, including 6-14 in the Big Ten.
There's a buzz around Ogbole's future, as reports suggest he may seek a waiver for another year of eligibility. However, it's still up in the air whether he would choose to return to Rutgers if granted the extra year. When asked about this possibility in the post-game press conference, Ogbole mentioned the potential for eligibility due to JUCO rulings and a possible redshirt year, hinting at the chance of playing next season.
When pressed about his interest in returning to college, Ogbole responded with a "Yeah, potentially." As for coming back to Rutgers specifically, he noted, "I'll have to get it first."
Ogbole was the sole senior honored on Sunday, and his potential return could be significant for the Scarlet Knights. His experience from 42 Big Ten games would be invaluable for a team still finding its footing.
Rutgers has some intriguing talent on the roster. Tariq Francis, a transfer from NJIT, has shown he can compete at this level.
Freshman Lino Mark appears to be a rising star, while Dylan Grant has made strides in his development. Players like Darren Buchanan Jr. and Kaden Powers have also shown glimpses of their potential.
Ogbole's presence has been a stabilizing force for Rutgers during a transformative period for the program. He recognizes the positive trajectory and camaraderie within the team.
"Yeah, because there's love in the room," Ogbole shared. "Everyone has everyone's back, and the chemistry is great both on and off the court. If we can all come back, it would be very, very good."
The future looks promising for Rutgers, and Ogbole could be a key part of it if he decides to return.