A look at Tariq Francis

Tariq Francis deserves his flowers. After announcing his return to the program, Francis has a chance to take another step forward next season. The NJIT transfer proved all doubters wrong by averaging 17 points per game last year, providing Rutgers with volume scoring at all three levels. He shot 43% from the field and 36% from three—impressive marks considering his high usage in a struggling offensive system.

Francis offers something Rutgers lacked heavily last season: the ability to create his own shot and draw fouls. Not only did he get to the line frequently, but he also cashed in on 91% of his free throws, leading the Big Ten. Francis achieved something no other Big Ten player has done in recent memory, recording multiple 30-point games off the bench. Overall, he scored in double digits in 26 games, had eleven 20-point performances, and led the conference with three 30-point games.

The scoring is undeniable; if you need a bucket, Francis will get you one. He thrived in a sixth-man role while remaining effective as a starter, where an uptick in his playmaking ability helped him earn a Big Ten Honorable Mention. With Rutgers looking to add a more traditional, pass-first point guard in the portal, Francis could return to the sixth-man role that played so well in his favor last season. Tariq Francis: Nothing But Buckets.