Most of the country has no idea who Corey Sanders is. Then again, most people, even college basketball folks, try their best to avoid Rutgers at all costs. And while you can understand why, given all the bad press they got under Eddie Jordan, the team has improved greatly over the last two seasons.

Corey Sanders, a junior, is a big part of their turnaround, probably the biggest besides head coach Steve Pikiell. And after each of his first two seasons came to a close, he checked his draft prospects — even working out with the Kings last offseason — before discovering a luke-warm reception and coming back to school.

But this year will be different. Sanders has momentum for the first time going into an offseason. His team played amazing in the Big Ten Tournament, beating Minnesota first, then Indiana before falling to Purdue in one of the best college games I’ve ever seen. Sanders, like usual, was the guy who brought them there (along with Geo Baker versus Purdue). He played great on offense, hitting big shot after big shot off the dribble, and left it all out on the court. Now, that’s a cliche thing to say but Sanders actually did give every ounce of effort he had — and that, combined with his 24.7 points-per-game average in the tournament, will go a long way with scouts. It was like he finally grew up — anyone who follows Rutgers closely will surely attest to that.

.@RutgersMBB's Corey Sanders just took his frustration out on the MSG rim. 😲#BTNStandout x @Discover pic.twitter.com/oHzPqJZ5RY — Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 2, 2018

When asked about his next move after the game, Sanders was mature in his reply.

“I don’t want to talk about that,” Sanders said, per NJ.com.

And while that’s the right thing to say, we all know what he’s going to do. He’ll check his pro options, speak with his inner-circle and make a decision. But this time when he checks his options, the NBA folks will surely bring up his performance in the conference tournament and be a lot giddier than in past offseasons.

It’d be sooo valuable for Rutgers to have a guy in the league. A guy prospective recruits can look at and know they have the same shot. Let’s hope it plays out that way. One thing we do know, the only way he returns for his senior season is if the NBA isn’t an option.

#KnightAndDay