The Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team has secured another significant addition as NJIT guard Tariq Francis commits to the program. With close connections to assistant coach Brandin Knight, Francis becomes the second transfer commitment this offseason. Last season, he averaged nearly 20 points per game alongside respectable contributions in rebounds and assists. As a player with two years of eligibility left, Francis joins Darren Buchanan from the transfer portal, addressing Rutgers' need for a scoring guard.

Tariq Francis emerged as a standout performer in the American East conference last year, leading in scoring and earning recognition as the rookie of the year in 2024. According to 247Sports, he holds a three-star rating and ranks among the top point guards available in the transfer market. Despite not boasting the highest shooting percentages, Francis showcased his scoring ability by reaching or surpassing 20 points on numerous occasions throughout the past season.

Having attended First Love Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, Francis brings an offensive focus to Rutgers, which recently lost key players such as Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Lathan Sommerville. These departures leave head coach Steve Pikiell seeking additional talent via the transfer portal, now with space for at least three more commitments following Francis and Buchanan's arrivals.

Pikiell envisions a revitalized team for the upcoming year, emphasizing excitement and maintaining Rutgers' traditional strengths in defense and grit. While acknowledging the potential loss of Harper and Bailey, Pikiell remains optimistic about enhancing the roster through transfers like Francis, who will help fill the void left by departed high-scoring contributors.

With the recent recruitment of both Francis and Buchanan, Rutgers continues its efforts to rebuild its lineup under Coach Pikiell's leadership. The team aims to leverage these new additions to create a competitive force that balances offensive firepower with defensive resilience, setting the stage for improvement after consecutive subpar seasons.