Rutgers lands NEC Player of the Year Darin Smith in transfer portal

Rutgers has added the Northeast Conference Player of the Year once again.

Central Connecticut State forward Darin Smith has transferred to Rutgers, according to multiple reports. The 6-foot-7, 210-pounder was on campus on Wednesday and quickly made his decision to commit to the Scarlet Knights, announcing his commitment on Thursday morning.

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This marks the second time in three years that Rutgers landed the NEC Player of the Year. Jordan Derkack won the award while at Merrimack in 2023-24.

Smith comes to Rutgers with two years of eligibility remaining.

If his name sounds familiar, it’s because Smith was a major cog in CCSU’s upset win over Rutgers. He finished with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting with five rebounds.

Last season, Smith averaged 20.7 points and 5.4 rebounds. He shot 37.6% from three-point territory and 89.8% from the free throw line. In two years, Smith is a 40.6% three-point shooter.

Rutgers now has nine scholarships allotted for the upcoming season. There are six scholarship slots remaining as head coach Steve Pikiell looks to fill out the roster.

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rutgers-lands-nec-player-darin-164233435.html

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Publish date : 2026-04-16 16:42:00

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