Darren Buchanan set to return to Rutgers Basketball for 2026-27 season
Rutgers Basketball locked down another returnee of the offseason, as forward Darren Buchanan Jr. announces his return for the 2026-27 season.
Basketball Darren Buchanan set to return to Rutgers Basketball for 2026-27 season
- Thread starter Richie O
- Start date
More players are returning than I expected. Don't know if that's good or bad
Gives you options off the bench ! One of the 2 I thought we would resign! Darin Smith Jr back up!
I think the biggest bulk of the dead weight we had has moved on. Ware returned but don’t see him having much of a role. TF, Mark, Davis, Powers at Guard are all players I don’t mind returning. Same for Buchanan. Those that are gone from last year I don’t think we are going to miss. It’s also possible that all or nearly all of these players that are returning may come off the bench as per Richie on today’s pod. TF likely to start but possible depending on what they bring in he could go back to his role of a scorer off the bench. Smith is one starter brought in from the portal, the secret center is another starter, sounds like they are looking at another forward/wing as possible starter, possible PG as a starter. We may bring in 4 starters via the portal.
Its a win win.
He gives us valuable veteran presence and positional flexibility.
I doubt he would get a better chance to play at this level anywhere else.
He gives us valuable veteran presence and positional flexibility.
I doubt he would get a better chance to play at this level anywhere else.
I like him more than I don’t (if you’ve watched him play you know what I mean), so I’m glad he’s back.
As noted he can play three positions and he brings a veteran toughness when he’s on.
My wish for him next season is that he becomes more decisive. His turnovers were almost always a result of him going strong initially but then hesitating.
Also has to work on his foul shooting.
Continuity with a team and coaches is almost always a good thing when a player is willing to work hard and give good effort.
As noted he can play three positions and he brings a veteran toughness when he’s on.
My wish for him next season is that he becomes more decisive. His turnovers were almost always a result of him going strong initially but then hesitating.
Also has to work on his foul shooting.
Continuity with a team and coaches is almost always a good thing when a player is willing to work hard and give good effort.
We are not bringing in 4 starters and Lino will be the starting point guard and JMike will be his backup . This nonsense about recruiting a point guard is wasted energy. The frontline is the problem and must be the only priority both offensively and more importantly defensively
Possibly but I agree the front court is biggest priority!
if we are looking to win we need a starting PG as well!
Lino JMike definitely not the answer
It looks to me on paper one of the selling points to convince Lino to stay was letting him run the show… if he buys into using his speed and driving to open scoring up for Francis and Smith then it makes sense
Also lends itself to the fact we are still shopping for PF and C… if we have yet to bring in PF AND C then Buchanan and Davis and Powers as bench rotation with another end of bench big man might look alright
Also lends itself to the fact we are still shopping for PF and C… if we have yet to bring in PF AND C then Buchanan and Davis and Powers as bench rotation with another end of bench big man might look alright
I believe Lino will be our starting PG….
If he actually has quality people to pass to he becomes a weapon driving to the lane and either looking to score or passing to an open man (he didn’t have many options last year)
TF will be our SG and a starter
round them out with a front court and have Jmike/Buch off the bench and we are good to go
If he actually has quality people to pass to he becomes a weapon driving to the lane and either looking to score or passing to an open man (he didn’t have many options last year)
TF will be our SG and a starter
round them out with a front court and have Jmike/Buch off the bench and we are good to go