Kerwin Okoro to Rutgers (UPDATED)

By MATT SUGAM & ADAM ZAGORIA

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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