In the world of college basketball, Rutgers' junior guard Tariq Francis is making waves and turning heads. Recently named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the media, Francis has been a standout in his first season with the Scarlet Knights. Averaging 16.9 points per game, he has consistently delivered, scoring in double figures in 24 games this season.
Francis has had some electrifying performances, including a career-high 34 points and a buzzer-beater against Penn, earning him Big Ten Player of the Week honors. He's also dropped 30 points in victories over Northwestern and Oregon, and another 30-point game off the bench, a feat not seen in the Big Ten since 1996-97. This puts him in elite company, alongside Arkansas' Jannero Pargo, who last achieved this in a major conference back in 2001-02.
Throughout the season, Francis has been an offensive powerhouse, matching the likes of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper with three 30-point games in the Steve Pikiell era. His impressive performances include 28 points against Indiana, 26 against USC, and a 25-point, five-assist, three-steal game at Michigan State. He also delivered back-to-back 21-point games in wins over Maryland and Penn State, and most recently, led the team with 19 points in a victory over Penn State.
Francis isn't just about scoring; he's been a sharpshooter from the free-throw line, putting together one of the best seasons in Rutgers history. With 144 free throws made, he ranks 11th in single-season history for the program and boasts a free-throw percentage of .908, placing him third all-time at Rutgers and eighth nationally.
Meanwhile, junior captain Jamichael Davis has been recognized for his exemplary conduct, earning a spot on the Big Ten Sportsmanship Team. As a veteran leader, Davis has consistently represented Rutgers with integrity on and off the court.
Looking ahead, Rutgers is gearing up for the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Chicago. They face off against Minnesota on Wednesday night, a game that promises to be a thrilling showdown on the Big Ten Network.
With such talent and leadership, Rutgers is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. All eyes will be on Francis and Davis as they lead their team into battle.