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Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr Announce Return to Rutgers, Will Forego 2021 NBA Draft

The Scarlet Knights are getting two key players back.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Rutgers at Houston Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights got some exciting news as star guards Geo Baker and Ron Harper, Jr announced they would be foregoing the 2021 NBA Draft and returning to Rutgers for next season. They were key parts of snapping Rutgers’ NCAA drought and should be productive starters next year.

During his four seasons in Piscataway, Baker played in 117 games and contributed significantly last season, averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. He also scored double-digits in both of Rutgers’ NCAA Tournament games. There’s little debating he will be among the Big Ten’s best guards next season.

Harper was also a key contributor for Rutgers last season, averaging 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He didn’t have great performances in the postseason, but still provides valuable contributions on the wing and should again next year. He’s also one of the better players at avoiding turnovers.

With these returns, Rutgers will now enter next season as one of the Big Ten’s favorites and have a viable shot at getting a really nice seed for March. The team has Baker and Paul Mulcahy in the backcourt, Caleb McConnell and Harper on the wing, and Cliff Omoruyi in the frontcourt. That’s a really viable starting lineup and doesn’t even mention the numerous young players who could develop behind them.

We’ll have to wait and see how things shake out, but Scarlet Knights fans have to be excited about these two coming back to campus. Expect Rutgers to once again make some serious noise.