By Kevin Sweeney

Even with the fall semester at most colleges beginning in the next 2 weeks, teams are still adding players that can contribute this season. Today, Rutgers made a big addition to this season’s team, as they received a commitment from center C.J. Gettys, a transfer from UNC-Wilmington. Since he has already graduated from UNCW, he will be eligible to play right away. Gettys has one season of eligibility remaining.

Gettys, a 6-11 forward from Findlay, Ohio, provides much-needed depth and experience on the Rutgers front line. He averaged 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per team last season for the Seahawks, while also providing vital rim protection, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He also brings NCAA Tournament experience to the table, having reached the Big Dance with UNCW last season.

Despite a solid season last year, Gettys’s plans for this season were very much in the air. According to an article on 247sports.com, Gettys was weighing professional opportunities until new Rutgers assistant coach Jay Young reached out to him. From there, Rutgers became the favorite to land the big man.

Gettys appears to round out a 5 man incoming class for Rutgers, which looks to improve on last year’s 7-25 campaign under new head coach Steve Pikiell. While Rutgers is not expected to win a lot of games this season, they should be an improved team, with star point guard Corey Sanders leading the way.