“We are very excited to add these talented young men to our program,” said head coach Eddie Jordan. “Kerwin is a competitive playmaker who brings toughness to the floor. Junior is a skilled and team-oriented player who rebounds and defends with tenacity. Both love to play the game.”

Okoro, who signed a scholarship agreement, will transfer to Rutgers after spending this past season as a freshman at Iowa State under head coach Fred Hoiberg. He played in nine games for the Cyclones. Okoro arrived in Ames after playing at St. Raymond’s High School, where he helped the Ravens to the 2012 CHSAA title under head coach Oliver Antigua. He had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in the championship game to earn playoff MVP honors. Okoro averaged 15.5 points as a senior to earn his second First Team All-CHSAA honor, as well as First Team All-Bronx accolades from the New York Post.

Etou, who signed a National Letter of Intent, averaged 14.8 points and 10.1 rebounds-per-game as a senior this past season at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Va., under head coach Joe Wootten.

As previously reported, he also played for Jordan on the DC Assault 17U team.

He earned Third Team All-MET honors from the Washington Post and helped the Knights to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and Alhambra Invitational titles. Ranked among the top 150 players overall (139) nationally by Rivals, Etou is a native of the Republic of Congo and is the cousin of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka.

Okoro and Etou join wing Craig Brown (Miami, Fla.) and point guard D’Von Campbell (Arlington, Texas) in Rutgers’ 2013 class.

Brown averaged 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds this past season as a sophomore at Broward College in Davie, Fla., to earn First Team All-Southern Conference honors. Campbell averaged 12.1 points and 4.0 assists as a sophomore at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College in 2012-13 to help the Blue Dragons to the NJCAA No. 1 ranking during the regular season.

Eddie Jordan has added some much needed depth to Rutgers’ depleted backcourt as Iowa State shooting guard Kerwin Okoro has committed to the Scarlet Knights, a source told SNY.tv. The source requested anonymity  since Okoro’s transfer paperwork is not finalized yet.

“I’m a Scarlet Knight……#RutgersNation,” Okoro tweeted.

The Bronx native who played at St. Raymond’s has decided to come closer to home after a difficult year where he had two deaths in the family with his 28-year-old brother dying of colon cancer in February and his father passing away from a stroke in December. Because of that, the 6-foot-5 wing may be able to get a hardship waiver from the NCAA to play immediately rather then having to sit out for a year.

“It was a decision I made to be close to my family,” Okoro told SNY.tv. “I thought about a couple of options but the Rutgers situation seemed like what was best for me.”

Okoro has three years of eligibility remaining after averaging 1.0 per game last year with the Cyclones.

Rutgers could use the help next year as their backcourt only has Myles Mack and junior college transfer D’Von Campbell.

“I’m going to contribute to the team in every way I can,” Okoro said. “I’m going to compete on both ends of the court and help my team win games in every way possible.”

Along with Campbell, Jordan has recruited forward Junior Etou and re-recruited junior college wing Craig Brown and sophomore wing Malick Kone.

Rutgers now has nine scholarship players on the roster for next season with the spring signing period ending Wednesday.

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It’s time for Rutgers President Robert L. Barchi to resign.

Really, how much more embarrassment can one University take?

Especially one that is poised to enter the Big Ten in 2014?

Already the jokes are starting to bubble up in the wake of the Deadspin report that Jordan never actually graduated from Rutgers.

“I heard Mike Rice gets a $10,000 bonus if Eddie Jordan graduates,” went one joke circulating Friday night.

By way of review, Barchi gave a humdinger of a press conference last month in which in addition to admitting that he often got lost on the Rutgers campus and had to be rescued by university police, he confessed that he never watched the damning videotapes of Rice hurling basketballs and gay slurs at his players until the week in which Rice was fired and former AD Tim Pernetti was forced to resign.

He signed off on a three-game suspension and $50,000 fine for Rice in December without ever having watched tapes that shocked and horrified most of the nation once ESPN broadcast them.

Then, according to Star-Ledger columnist Steve Politi, Barchi met last with the newspaper’s editorial board and “admitted that he didn’t understand the all-consuming power of an athletic scandal.”

No kidding, Sherlock.

Now, here comes Deadspin with the news that Jordan, by all accounts a good man bent on cleaning up the mess that Rice left, never actually graduated from Rutgers despite a school press release at the time of his hiring saying he owned “a degree in health and physical education.”

Jordan admitted as much to ESPN.com on Friday.

“I went back to Rutgers in 1984-85 as a voluntary assistant to complete my studies,” said Jordan. “I didn’t walk. I didn’t get a diploma because I wasn’t registered right. That’s it. I was 28 and didn’t take care of my business. It was never an issue.”

That left Rutgers spokesman Jason Baum, who currently has no permanent boss until Pernetti’s replacement is hired, to issue this awkward statement:

“While Rutgers was in error when it reported that Eddie Jordan had earned a degreefrom Rutgers University, neither Rutgers nor the NCAA requires a head coach to hold a baccalaureate degree.  Eddie Jordan was a four-year letterman and was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.  Rutgers sought Eddie for the head coach position as a target-of-opportunity hire based on his remarkable public career.

“We are excited to have him as our men’s basketball coach, and we look forward to many winning seasons.”

Think about that for a minute.

Rutgers, which prides itself on being an elite academic research institution, issued a statement saying that a degree isn’t a requirement for their head coaches.

Really?

Even though advertisements for assistant coaches indicate a college degree is required?

“It just looks like an embarrassing error, I guess,” one NCAA source told SNY.tv.

Look, if Jordan does what he needs to do and goes back into the classroom to get his degree, this episode will eventually be forgotten.

Do you think the Rutgers’ players or recruits really care?

No, they care about whether Jordan, a former NBA player and coach who touts Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin of the Knicks as his pupils, can make them better players and possibly get them to the next level.

But if you’re a Rutgers alum, the parent of a Rutgers’ student or the parent of a prospective Rutgers’ student, take a step back and look at how these past few months make your University look.

And take a hard look at who’s been steering this ship into one public relations iceberg after another.

President Barchi, it’s time for you to go.

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By ANDREW VAZZANO

Newly appointed men’s basketball coach Eddie Jordan did not graduate from Rutgers University, according to Josh Koblin of Deadspin.

According to an ad Rutgers posted to hire an assistant coach, a Bachelor’s Degree is required for that position. However, Jordan doesn’t necessarily need a Bachelor’s Degree to be the head coach at Rutgers.

“Hiring decisions, including coaches’ qualifications, are made by the school,” an NCAA spokesman told SNY.tv.

On its website, Rutgers said of Jordan: “RU’s all-time leader in both assists (585) and steals (220), “Fast Eddie” scored 1,632 career points and earned honorable mention All-American honors as a senior in 1977 before earning a degree in health and physical education.”

Koblin contacted the Rutgers registrar office, who told him that Jordan, “did not receive a degree from us.”

Jordan has earned 103 credits, according to the school’s registrar office. Koblin writes:

According to the registrar’s office, Jordan had earned 103 credits at Rutgers, short of the threshold for a degree (the official told me that the “minimum” threshold for a degree is usually 110 credits and, depending on the year, sometimes even a little higher—more like 120). I asked if it was possible that he finished those credits at a different school and got a degree later. The official said there was no record of transferred credits from another institution.

While Jordan left Rutgers in 1977, he came back after retiring from the NBA in 1984 to finish his degree and explained the mishap to ESPN.com.

“Some of the professors are still around and some are gone but they all know I was in class and did my work,” Jordan said. “There was arrogance on my part when I was told I didn’t register right and then I left to (coach at) Old Dominion. I was told my classes were never recorded. I saw a transcript. I will have to find it. I was there and I completed the work. My professors that are still there know that. That’s it.”

It wasn’t until after his final semester that Jordan found out he wasn’t registered.

“I went back to Rutgers in 1984-85 as a voluntary assistant to complete my studies,” Jordan said. “I didn’t walk. I didn’t get a diploma because I wasn’t registered right. That’s it. I was 28 and didn’t take care of my business. It was never an issue.”

And Rutgers – who admitted their mistake – is standing behind Jordan, as the university released the following statement:

“While Rutgers was in error when it reported that Eddie Jordan had earned a degree from Rutgers University, neither Rutgers nor the NCAA requires a head coach to hold a baccalaureate degree.  Eddie Jordan was a four-year letterman and was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.  Rutgers sought Eddie for the head coach position as a target-of-opportunity hire based on his remarkable public career.

“Eddie Jordan was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2004 and he has been a part of the Rutgers family since before 1977.

“His athletic skills and leadership and his professional accomplishments have been a source of pride for Rutgers for more than three decades.  We are excited to have him as our men’s basketball coach, and we look forward to many winning seasons.”

You can view Jordan’s transcript from the university here.

For Deadspin’s full report, click here.

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The first game will take place at the Rutgers Athletic Center at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Seton Hall will be a part of the revamped Big East Conference, while Rutgers will compete in the American Athletic Conference in 2013-14 before heading to the Big Ten in 2014.

“I’m obviously very excited that this series is going to continue,” said Rutgers head coach Eddie Jordan. “I have been a part of this rivalry as both a player and an assistant coach, and I look forward to preparing our team for it. It helps to build spirit and is good for our University, our fans, our students and the New Jersey basketball community. It’s special and we can’t wait to grow the rivalry even more.” 

“Continuing a local college basketball rivalry with such a rich tradition only made sense,” said Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard. “This game has evolved into one that both fan bases look forward to each season, so we are happy to see it continue.”

Rutgers’ four home games in the series will take place at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway in December of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Seton Hall’s four home games in the series will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark in December of 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.

Baez remains in the mix at Rutgers, but Rodriguez does not.

“Coach [Eddie] Jordan and [associate head coach David] Cox are seriously considering Baez,” Todd Washington of the Puerto Rico Playmakers told SNY.tv. “Carlos [Morales] and the coaching staff agreed that Wilfredo is not the right fit. They have been up front about their view of both players.

“Baez can come in and be a 10-15 minutes backup to Myles Mack right now.”

The 6-foot-3, 178-pound Baez will visit UNC-Greensboro today and Oregon State next week.

“I consider myself a leader on the floor,” Baez told SNY.tv recently. “I’m a pure point guard who can knock down shots and get to the basket to create for others. I’m a lock-down-defender and just tough competitor who will help a team win games.”

It’s unclear what’s next for the 6-6 Rodriguez, one of only three players in the history of the Florida Metro Conference to score 2,000 career points.

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By MATT SUGAM & ADAM ZAGORIA

Eddie Jordan has gained one Rutgers player back who looked to transfer, but has lost another in the process.

Sophomore wing Malick Kone will return after considering a transfer following the Mike Rice fallout ,while sophomore big man Derrick Randall will look to transfer, according to the New York Post.

Sources told SNY.tv that the 6-foot-8 Randall, a former standout at Paterson (N.J.) Catholic and South Kent (Conn.), has no list as of yet. He averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.

“Malick will be back. Malick is coming back. We officially lost [Jerome] Seagears, [Eli] Carter and [Mike] Poole,’’  Jordan told the Post. “Not officially lost him [Vincent Garrett], but he wants to leave. He asked for his release and Derrick asked for his release.’’

Seagears is headed to Auburn, Carter to Florida and Poole to Iona.

Kone adds some much needed wing depth for Rutgers. He averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game last year.

Jordan recently added pledges from big man Junior Etou, point guard D’Von Campbell and wing Craig Brown.

As previously reported, all of the Rutgers transfers could get waivers to play immediately next season.

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Jordan on Wednesday landed a pledge from 6-foot-8 1/2 Bishop O’Connell (Va.) big man Junior Etou, whom Jordan coached last summer with the DC Assault 17U team.

“Just COMMITTED to Rutgers!!! I’m very excited to be a Scarletknight..and I look forward to playing for Coach Jordan!!” he Tweeted.

Etou is Jordan’s third pledge, following JUCO wing Craig Brown and JUCO point guard D’Von Campbell.

The commitment comes at a time when three former Rutgers guards/wings have already found new homes — Jerome Seagears (Auburn), Eli Carter (Florida) and Mike Poole (Iona).

Etou is the cousin of Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder and is the No. 20-ranked center in the Class of 2013 by Rivals, although he is considered more of a step-out power forward.

“It came down to Rutgers, Xavier and Washington,” DC Assault coach Damon Handon told SNY.tv. “Rutgers got in late but once Eddie Jordan got the job that pretty much sealed the deal for Rutgers.

“Eddie coached him on our 17 and under team last year. Junior played for him. He loved playing for Coach Jordan.”

Etou averaged 15 points and a WCAC-best 14.3 rebounds and had 26 double-doubles last season, O’Connell coach Joe Wootten told SNY.tv.

“He’s a tremendous rebounder and a great shot-blocker,” Wootten said. “He has a great feel and time and sense for when to block shots.”

Etou will add frontcourt depth along with Wally Judge, Kadeem Jack and Greg Lewis.

“He’s going to bring toughness,” Handon said. “He’s going to play hard every game and every practice. That’s his mindset.

“He’s a four. He’s a step-out but he plays bigger than he is. He’s had multiple games with 20 rebounds.”

Several reports this summer indicated that Etou is really older than he is listed and either will turn 21 in June or already had in April.

Both and Handon Wootten said that wasn’t true. Wootten said Etou turns 19 on June 4.

“We have all his documentation,” Wootten said. “We have his birth certificate, his passport and his Homeland Security documents. When he played on a National Team, they made a mistake .”

Wootten also said Etou is a strong student who made second honors this past semester.

“He’s an awesome kid, a hard worker, an honors student,” he said. “Rutgers is getting a class human being.”

Handon said he believes Jordan, a D.C. native, will continue to recruit well in the DMV area.

“I think that Eddie’s going to be able to get more players from the D.C. area,” Handon said. “I think that’s just the beginning of them signing players from the DMV area.”

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Jerome Seagears

“I Will Be Attending Auburn University To Finish My Student Athletic Career!!! War Eagle,” he Tweeted.

Seagears’s announcement follows that of Eli Carter, who on Tuesday Tweeted he was headed to Florida, meaning two former Rutgers guards will suit up next season in the SEC. A week ago, junior wing Mike Poole said he would play for Iona.

All three players could get waivers to play immediately next season given the extenuating circumstances surrounding Rice’s firing.

“NCAA staff is prepared to move quickly in reviewing any request it receives,” the NCAA said in a recent email to The Associated Press.

Sources told SNY.tv that it’s yet to be decided by the NCAA if all the Rutgers players will be allowed to play without sitting.

The only “blanket” waiver the NCAA has ever done was in the Penn State case, and although this situation was different some have made comparisons between the Penn State and Rutgers cases.

Seagears had also visited Arkansas and also considered Baylor, Marquette, Cincinnati and West Virginia.

The 6-foot-1 native of Silver Springs, MD, averaged 6.5 points and 2.6 assists last season.

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For the second time in four years, a former Rutgers and St. Anthony guard is headed to Florida.

Last time around it was Mike Rosario,  now it’s Eli Carter.

And he could end up getting a hardship waiver to play right away.

“Proud to announce that I will be continuing my career at the University of Florida !! #Gators,” the 6-foot-2 Carter Tweeted.

Carter was supposed to visit Maryland later this week, but that visit won’t be necessary.

“The opportunity to play is certainly there and I know the visit went extremely well,” Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley told SNY.tv. “He was very impressed with the entire package they have, player development, weight training, athletic facilities, the tutelage under [head coach Billy] Donovan. And very strong in this is [assistant] Rashon Burno being there.”

Carter averaged 14.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists before fracturing his right fibula in mid-February against DePaul.

Echoing comments grassroots basketball legend Sonny Vaccaro told SNY.tv, Hurley said he expected that all the Rutgers transfers should — and would — get waivers to play right away in 2013-14 considering the extenuating circumstances of the Mike Rice firing.

“I think the NCAA  would give these kids eligibility,” Hurley said. “He’s gonna be right in there. He’ll be down there and working as soon as he’s able to. He loves basketball. He’s gotta take the next step now.

Carter is the second former Rutgers player to finalize his next step, following junior wing Mike Poole, who announced plans to transfer to Iona.

Sophomore guard Jerome Seagears will announce Wednesday for Auburn or Arkansas.

Photo: ESPN.com

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