Rutgers basketball: Big Ten Tournament in New York a fitting finale for this super-fan

If the Big Ten Tournament was played on the moon, Brian Kelley would be there to root on Rutgers men’s basketball.

Over the past 15 years, the program’s most ardent supporter missed just four road games. He traveled to Big Ten tourneys in Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. over the past three years, so the event's arrival in New York City this week is a special treat. You might even say it’s a karmic reward for his impressive tenure as Court Club president, which ends this spring after six years.

“People like Brian Kelley are the exact reason why Rutgers is such a special place,” Scarlet Knights coach Steve Pikiell said. “From the first time we met shortly after I was hired, it was clear to me that Brian’s passion for Rutgers basketball was unparalleled.

“He did an unbelievable job as Court Club president and I’m extremely thankful for all his efforts in keeping the Rutgers basketball fan base engaged and united.”

When 14th-seeded Rutgers (13-18 overall, 3-15 Big Ten) takes on 11th-seeded Minnesota (15-16, 4-14) Wednesday at 8 p.m. (Big Ten Network), Kelley and his wife Janet will be eight rows up in section 109 at Madison Square Garden.

“We’re not afraid to go anywhere, but it’s great to get back into New York and experience the whole vibe that goes with basketball in New York City,” said Kelley, a veteran of many electric Big East tourneys at the World’s Most Famous Arena. “It’s like a religious experience, put it that way. There is no better place for basketball in the country.”

Kelley's favorite Big Ten Tournament so far was Indianapolis in 2016.

“That was amazing; Indianapolis really knows how to do it,” he said. “It’s a different atmosphere from the Big East and I’m very interested to see what the Garden does to the Big Ten. It’s a little more laid back (than the Big East), a little more collegiate. There was very much a pro, edgy atmosphere at past Big East tournaments.”

Kelley graduated from Rutgers in 1994 with a degree in pharmacy — a field he works in today. The Washington Township resident is 48 and recently changed jobs, which is why he’s passing the Court Club’s torch. His legacy in charge: Nearly $200,000 raised and a healthy membership of 227. Remember, this took place amid two coaching changes, two conference switches and a string of losing seasons that dates back to 2006.

“Brian Kelley’s passion and dedication to the Rutgers’ men’s basketball program are extraordinary,” former head coach Mike Rice said. “Whether it was at a Court Club function or at an away game, you could always count on him being there for this program, always upbeat and positive.”

That demeanor continues this week. Yes, Rutgers limps into the Garden having lost 10 of its past 11 games, but so does Minnesota — plus the Gophers carry the added weight of a sexual assault case and widespread fan dissatisfaction with head coach Richard Pitino. The winner advances to face sixth-seeded Indiana Thursday at 9 p.m.

As it happens, Indiana is Kelley’s favorite road-game destination.

“Hands-down the best place for basketball in the league,” he said. “That's their religion out there.”

He knows the feeling.

Staff writer Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnj.com.