The Eddie Jordan era at Rutgers will begin with cellar-dwelling expectations.
The preseason coaches’ poll for the American Athletic Conference was released Wednesday morning, with the Scarlet Knights — entering their first season under Jordan — picked to finish in 10th place in the new 10-team league. Defending national champion Louisville was picked to win the conference, receiving eight of nine coaches’ votes (each of the league’s head coaches voted, with coaches not allowed to rank their own team).
The rest of the preseason poll is as follows:
2. Connecticut (one first-place vote)
3. Memphis
4. Cincinnati
5. Temple
6. SMU
7. Houston
8. South Florida
9. UCF
10. Rutgers
Louisville’s Russ Smith, last year’s leading scorer for the Cardinals, was chosen as the preseason Player of the Year, and SMU freshman Keith Frazier tabbed as Rookie of the Year.
Rutgers is looking to improve upon last season’s 15-16 record — a campaign marred by the suspension of then-head coach Mike Rice for “inappropriate behavior and language.” It was later revealed by an “Outside the Lines” report that Rice had engaged in verbal and physical abuse toward his players, and he was fired in April.
The Scarlet Knights are returning three starters: guards Myles Mack and Jerome Seagears and forward Wally Judge, who transferred from Kansas State in May 2011. They are looking for high-profile transfers Kerwin Okoro (Iowa State) and J.J. Moore (Pittsburgh) to make an impact.
Rutgers begins its regular season Nov. 8 with a game against Florida A&M at the Rutgers Athletic Center.