RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Rashod Kent 6'6 275 F

History

A deceptively quick post player with a tremendous feel for the game both offensively and defensively. He is the leading returning rebounder in the BIG EAST, with 9.3 boards per game. Was first in the BIG EAST with 3.81 offensive rebounds per game and 26th in the nation in rebounding last season. Kent's .633 career field goal percentage is No. 1 in Rutgers history among players who have attempted at least 100 shots. He provides a unique inside presence with his incredibly quick first step, soft hands, deft shooting touch and a variety of creative low post moves. His 131 career steals entering the season already places him ninth on the Rutgers all-time steals list after three seasons. With 777 career points, is 26 points shy of cracking career top 50 in scoring.

2000-2001: Was 26th in the nation in rebounding last season and fourth in the BIG EAST. His 241 rebounds last season, moved into 20th all-time at Rutgers in total rebounds with 593. Had a career high with 15 rebounds in the season-opening win over FDU and matched it in the victory over Lafayette the very next game and again vs. Pittsburgh. Had six “double-doubles” last season and 12 for his career. Led the team with 34 steals.

1999-00: Was the leading rebounder on team at 6.9 rpg, shot team-best .598 from the field, and led the team in steals with 52, which is 9th in Rutgers single-season history. Finished the season 6th in the BIG EAST in offensive rebounds, 13th in rebounding, tied for 12th in steals. Finished the season with five “double-doubles.

1998-99: Was among the nation's leaders in field goal percentage and finished the season at .667 from the floor after spending a majority of the season over .700.

Evaluation

Kent is oner of the premier low post players in the Big East. He is almost unstoppable in the paint. Watching him play you wonder how he gets it done both offensively and defensively. The answer is plain and simple, he is a flat out player. He may remind some of Robert Traylor, but Kent is a better shooter percentage wise. He has the ability to play in the NBDL, CBA, IBA, or overseas.

Mike TOMPSON 6'7 220 F

History

The most traveled Scarlet Knight, Mike Tompson is an athletic forward who hails from New Zealand and is a transfer from BYU.

2000-2001: (1.5 ppg./1.7 rpg.): Gained the first three starts of his career vs. Fairleigh Dickinson, Lafayette and Bucknell. Saw time in 20 games last season, with a season-high 22 minutes at West Virginia .

1999-00: Shot .492 from the field (30-of-61) while averaging 10.3 minutes played per game. Enjoyed a 17-minute, 8-point, 3-rebound effort vs. Albany and a 10-point, 4-rebound game in 22 minutes vs. Elon on 12/18. Scored 10 points in just six minutes of action in win over Notre Dame, and scored a career-high 11 points and a then career-high five rebounds vs. Charleston Southern.

PRIOR TO RUTGERS: Played the 1996-97 season at Brigham Young University as a freshman before spending two years on a church-related mission.

Evaluation

Tompson is a solid perimeter player who will improve grealy due to the coaching change. He is a hard worker at both ends of the court. He has the talent to play internationally, but will probably end up playing in either New Zealand or Australia.