Paul Mulcahy Caleb McConnell Appreciation Thread

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
32,989
37,410
113
Tonight feels like a passing of the torch. Think I’d rather relive some of the best moments from these two than ***** about us failing to hit the high expectations these guys helped make possible.

Favorite part of this play is his head is already turned around looking for the ball before his feet even get to the floor.

 

newell138

Heisman
Aug 1, 2001
35,504
44,907
112
They certainly gave us some incredible highs and lows but overall they did a great job and it was fun watching them and WATCHING RUTGERS BASKETBALL AGAIN!!! How many years did we go where it wasn't even worth watching one game?!! This team will continue to improve and we have a great coach to keep us going.
 

Rufaninga

All-Conference
Oct 8, 2010
3,873
4,407
0
Man, how far our program has come. It's in large part to the hard work & dedication these guys have displayed year after year. Forever grateful for them. Proud of where the program was when they started compared to where they lifted it up to today.
Thank you guys
 

richthedentist

All-American
Aug 2, 2001
10,559
7,995
113
They certainly gave us some incredible highs and lows but overall they did a great job and it was fun watching them and WATCHING RUTGERS BASKETBALL AGAIN!!! How many years did we go where it wasn't even worth watching one game?!! This team will continue to improve and we have a great coach to keep us going.
About 30 years of pain and waiting till the very last minute to renew my tickets each year although I always did but these guys and RHJ and Geo are the building blocks for a program that’s a must see and one that’s going to go on to even better days
So thank you to them for laying it on the line every night for dear old Rutgers
 

RU848789

Heisman
Jul 27, 2001
64,340
43,448
113
They certainly gave us some incredible highs and lows but overall they did a great job and it was fun watching them and WATCHING RUTGERS BASKETBALL AGAIN!!! How many years did we go where it wasn't even worth watching one game?!! This team will continue to improve and we have a great coach to keep us going.
Yep, that's why I simply don't get all the bashing. We're finally good again for the first time since at least the Wenzel era (and better than back then), which one would think would make our fans ecstatic, even if we didn't do as well as we could have in every game. Criticism is fine, but the vitriolic bashing is insane.
 

newell138

Heisman
Aug 1, 2001
35,504
44,907
112
Yep, that's why I simply don't get all the bashing. We're finally good again for the first time since at least the Wenzel era (and better than back then), which one would think would make our fans ecstatic, even if we didn't do as well as we could have in every game. Criticism is fine, but the vitriolic bashing is insane.

Its always going to be that way with some fans. Unless we go undefeated and win every game by the score of 100-0 they will find something to ***** about.
 

StevieB160

Junior
Oct 12, 2007
524
310
0
Caleb will be remembered as the best defensive player Rutgers has ever seen. His ability to guard multiple positions and help off the ball is unparalled. He could always guard the best scorer on the opposing team and was recognized at the highest national level for his consistent effort.

Paul will be remembered as the greatest gift card distributor in school history. An uncanny ability to move quickly through the cafeteria line with the $20 Targets and in one fluid motion glide into Band practice with the $5 Dunkin's. A standard has been set that will be nearly impossible to match.
 

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
32,989
37,410
113
Caleb will be remembered as the best defensive player Rutgers has ever seen. His ability to guard multiple positions and help off the ball is unparalled. He could always guard the best scorer on the opposing team and was recognized at the highest national level for his consistent effort.

Paul will be remembered as the greatest gift card distributor in school history. An uncanny ability to move quickly through the cafeteria line with the $20 Targets and in one fluid motion glide into Band practice with the $5 Dunkin's. A standard has been set that will be nearly impossible to match.

And Ill remember Paul as the selfless player who finished the season with a busted shoulder, busted ribs and a black eye.
 
Feb 5, 2003
10,900
9,218
113
Caleb, you are an all time Knight and will get a well-deserved standing ovation every time you are announced at the RAC. Thank you for believing in Coach and all you poured into our program.

Paul, if this is indeed your last season wearing our uniform, thank you for staying home and giving your all to Rutgers. You are an intense competitor on the court with an eye towards helping those around you off it. You gave us many great memories.
 

mildone_rivals

Heisman
Dec 19, 2011
55,607
51,271
0
Tonight feels like a passing of the torch. Think I’d rather relive some of the best moments from these two than ***** about us failing to hit the high expectations these guys helped make possible.

Favorite part of this play is his head is already turned around looking for the ball before his feet even get to the floor.


Good thread.
 

RUKiid

Senior
Feb 4, 2004
524
625
0
These two guys were warriors, playing hard and often times injured. Without them, this program is not even in the conversation for Gavin, Ace, Dylan and many others. As a long time suffering alum, thank you boys for helping lift this program up and giving us expectations. How many fans probably never texted your college friends during a basketball game?. Now it’s every game. Thank you guys! Well done.
 

RU MAN

All-American
Oct 29, 2001
23,385
9,728
113
Both of them will be missed. They were warriors out there and even though in the heat of the moment I got on them, I NEVER discounted their will to win, their dedication, or what they will leave behind. Caleb and Paul are part of the legacy here that has turned a moribund program into a winner. Thank you both for making that happen. As an alum and fan I'm grateful for what you've done at Rutgers.
 

RRRRUUUU

All-Conference
Nov 19, 2005
2,322
1,949
63
Thanks Caleb 2 Times (Dpoy)!

Paul, hope to see you come back next season!

How can people not love this group. I’ll take this group over the Bama team and the #1 seed with they’re off the court drama. Can be proud to have Caleb and Paul represent my alma mater.
 

TheB1GTerp

All-Conference
Apr 14, 2008
8,302
1,993
113
Tonight feels like a passing of the torch. Think I’d rather relive some of the best moments from these two than ***** about us failing to hit the high expectations these guys helped make possible.

Favorite part of this play is his head is already turned around looking for the ball before his feet even get to the floor.


It's ******** you aren't in tournament. I know we are enemies, but I'm still pissed.
 

High Quality H2O

All-Conference
May 7, 2022
1,354
2,139
57
We will miss you both, but not ready to say that about Paul for another year....Hopefully you got another year of leading on the banks, remember Izzo doesn't want to see you again. Please disapoint him.

Thank you both for the memories and being part of building up this program.

We as alum have something to be really proud of with this team. It is an awesome feeling.
 

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
32,989
37,410
113
It's ******** you aren't in tournament. I know we are enemies, but I'm still pissed.

Agreed. But to be fair, we probably didn’t deserve it last year, so it’s a wash to me (after going through the 5 stages of grief). Having one more home game with Paul and Caleb isn’t something I’ll complain about - one of the best games and atmospheres I’ve been to, despite the loss. Even fans sticking around to give a standing ovation showed how much these guys have meant to us. Bacs summary pretty much nailed every emotion I’ve had.
 
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Scarlet Blind_rivals

All-Conference
Aug 5, 2001
4,509
4,568
62
It really feels like Paul has been a part of this program for 5 years, like Caleb.

Paul was always in contact with the team in 2018-19, even though he was a HS senior. He's done a little of everything over 4 years, off the bench covering 2-4 his freshman year and starting anywhere from 1-4 the last 3 years, and even defending the opposing 5s for small stretches when Cliff was in foul trouble. Very unselfish player who should have been a little bit selfish when his shot was falling, nice form on his jumper, and still wasn't. He will be the first player, since 1988-1992, to be a part of 4 straight winning seasons, 0 losing seasons, Caleb was a part of the 18-19 team. He had his highs, lows and in betweens but a true leader.

He, along with Caleb, RHJ, Geo, Myles, among others, are the pillars that set a very strong foundation. They will be great ambassadors as why any player should play for Rutgers and a coach like Pike.

I'm so glad Mac McClung decommitted to allow Caleb to live out his dream school of Rutgers for 5 years as told by Austin Johnson this year with the picture of Caleb owning an Austin Johnson jersey in HS something I hadn't heard. He came here a very skilled offensive player with 8-10 shooting game his freshman year, and a perfect 8-8, 2-2 from 3, 2-2 from the line for 20pts @ Nebraska his sophomore year, and had that great game in the first four vs ND on 10-12 shooting. He is leaving one of the greatest defensive players to ever wear a Rutgers jersey which was evident in this year's B1G tournament game vs Purdue getting position defending Zach Edey, his shot hitting front rim well short. Caleb was another versatile player who played multiple positions for 5 years, very unselfish, team oriented player, his shot not always consistent but developed into an elite and willing defender whose career was defined what might have been if not for injuries.

I appreciate both players for getting the balls rolling for this program to be successful for many years to come.
 
Last edited:

OriginalKnight

All-Conference
Sep 16, 2014
4,440
3,551
71
Caleb will be remembered as the best defensive player Rutgers has ever seen. His ability to guard multiple positions and help off the ball is unparalled. He could always guard the best scorer on the opposing team and was recognized at the highest national level for his consistent effort.

Paul will be remembered as the greatest gift card distributor in school history. An uncanny ability to move quickly through the cafeteria line with the $20 Targets and in one fluid motion glide into Band practice with the $5 Dunkin's. A standard has been set that will be nearly impossible to match.
Fail
 
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