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Rutgers basketball: Dylan Harper out 4-6 weeks after knee procedure; new schedule addition

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Rutgers basketball: Dylan Harper out 4-6 weeks after knee procedure; new schedule addition

As summer practice gets underway for Rutgers basketball, one of the Scarlet Knights’ star freshmen will be on the sidelines.

“Dylan Harper had a successful voluntary procedure on his knee,” head coach Steve Pikiell said Friday, referring to Harper’s right knee. “He will not practice for 4-6 weeks. He will be present for all team activities.”

The 6-foot-6 guard, a McDonald’s All-American as one of the top high school players in the country at Don Bosco Prep, sat out a handful of games this past season after injuring his right knee against The Patrick School in December before returning to lead the Ironmen to the NJSIAA Non-Public A title.

Rutgers’ summer workout period runs from June 15 to Aug. 9. Harper has arrived on campus and is walking. His recovery from the procedure is not expected to impact his availability for the start of full-scale practices in late September.

Rutgers vs. Monmouth game being finalized

Another local opponent is getting added to Rutgers’ schedule.

A contract is being finalized for Monmouth to visit Jersey Mike’s Arena as part of the Scarlet Knights’ non-conference slate, the Asbury Park Press has learned. The Hawks join Seton Hall, Princeton (at the Prudential Center), Saint Peter’s, Columbia and Wagner in the local flavor department.

The last Rutgers-Monmouth game took place in 2015, when the Hawks won 73-67 in Piscataway during the Eddie Jordan era. The Scarlet Knights lead the all-time series 9-1.

Monmouth is the only Jersey opponent Rutgers has not faced since Pikiell took the reins in 2016. The Hawks went 18-15 last season, including 10-8 in the CAA, but loses star guard Xander Rice (head coach King Rice’s son).

There is one opening remaining for the Scarlet Knights’ 2024-25 non-conference slate and it will be filled with a home game. Their other opponents are Notre Dame, either Houston or Alabama, and a third high-major opponent to be determined in Las Vegas on Thanksgiving week, and Kennesaw State on the road.

Staff change

Video coordinator Mike Sasso is leaving to take a job as an assistant coach at Division 3 Ithaca. Sasso, a former captain of Randolph High School’s basketball team, served as a manager and then graduate assistant under Pikiell before joining the staff on a full-time basis. He joined the program in 2016, Pikiell’s first year at the helm, and has been a well-regarded member of the operation for eight seasons.

“Coach Pikiell gave me a chance eight years ago as a freshman student manager,” Sasso said. “Since, he has been the my biggest role model and one of the most loyal people I have ever met. He epitomizes what a fearless leader, high-character individual and family man looks like. Because of him, I am confident and prepared to embark on my next journey.”

Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

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