Rutgers basketball: How are the three freshmen progressing? An early breakdown of Montez Mathis, Ron Harper Jr. and Caleb McConnell. 'Offensively, we can do some things with these guys,' Steve Pikiell said.

Jerry Carino | Asbury Park Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Rutgers basketball practice highlights: Check out the one-on-one drill Check out the one-on-one drill as players battle to see who can score first.

PISCATAWAY — Ron Harper retired from the NBA in 2001 with five championship rings. More recently, he retired from playing his son Ron Harper Jr. in one-on-one.

“He doesn’t want to play me anymore,” the younger Harper said. “He’s said he’s too old for that. He’ll play H-O-R-S-E and I’m not gonna lie, he wins a lot of those games because he always shoots bank shots.”

Ron Harper Jr. shoots the ball pretty well, too. The freshman wing was the 3-point champion for Rutgers men’s basketball at Friday’s MidKnight Madness festivities. After a sensational senior year of high school, during which he led Don Bosco to the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions final, Harper is one of three freshmen who will factor into the Scarlet Knights’ rotation this winter. It’s an intriguing group: one high-profile recruit (four-star shooting guard Montez Mathis), one under-the-radar point guard (Caleb McConnell) and one late bloomer with royal bloodlines (Harper).

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“They’re a lot better offensively than (newcomers) we’ve had in the past, and they’re learning their way on the other end of the floor,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. “That will continue to be a challenge, but offensively we can do some things with these guys.”

Pikiell cautioned against expecting the kind of production Rutgers got last winter out of freshman guard Geo Baker, who led Big Ten rookies in minutes and was the Scarlet Knights’ second-best player for much of the season.

“I feel better for them that they’re not throw to the wolves like our freshmen have been in the past,” he said. “I had this conversation with (Baker) last year, that whether he was ready or not, it doesn’t matter.”

What roles will they have? Here’s a quick rundown of where each stands so far.

Montez Mathis

Pikiell says: “A freak athlete, he gets to the rim . . . and he’s a playmaker, makes plays for other people which I’m excited about. His body is getting a little bit stronger. Practices are hard (physically) for him, which all the freshmen they’re hard for . . . but he’s got that Baltimore toughness.”

Mathis says: “The biggest difference is physicality. Everyone’s a lot bigger and stronger than high school. (Baker) told me I have to take care of my body because it’s a long season.”

A teammate says: “His motor is very high," Harper Jr. said.

Word around the RAC: It took some time to hit stride, but Mathis has been coming on. His ability to attack the basket sets him apart on the team. He’s challenging for a starting backcourt spot alongside Baker.

Ron Harper Jr.

Pikiell says: “Great personality. He’s picked up our offense and everything the quickest. Very good IQ. His body is changing, too. Shoots the ball, which we obviously need an upgrade in that area. He blocks shots, you can post him up; he’s got a versatility to his game, especially on the offensive end.”

Harper Jr. says: “I feel I ended up in the perfect spot. All the stars, all the recruiting (hype) doesn’t mean a thing (Harper was rated two stars at the time of his commitment). I know I ended up here because I played hard and played for my team. I feel like I have the perfect fit here at Rutgers because I get to stay in Jersey and play in front of family and friends.”

A teammate says: “Do not leave Ron Harper open,” Caleb McConnell said.

Word around the RAC: The 6-foot-6 Franklin Lakes native is an X-factor. His conditioning is a work in progress, but his room for growth into a potential impact player is obvious. He’s forged a strong mentor bond with Baker, which can only help. He’ll see time, but probably as an end-of-rotation guy at the moment.

Caleb McConnell

Pikiell says: “He and Geo have been battling, so he has a tough matchup every day . . . He has the most overload (to learn), because he’s playing the point guard position. We’ve got to slow things down for him at times. He can shoot the ball from deep. He’s got swagger. He can really handle the ball and really pass.”

McConnell says: “I’m being taught by Coach Pikiell how to be a true point guard — how to be a leader, how to pick guys up, how to do things on and off the court. It’s been great.”

A teammate says: “He’s a tall point guard, so look for him to post little guards up,” Ron Harper Jr. said.

Word around the RAC: It took the 6-6 McConnell time to shake off the rust after breaking his foot last winter and undergoing surgery in June. Pikiell has him slotted to relieve Baker at the point, which means 5-10 important minutes per game.

In discussing his newcomers Tuesday, Pikiell noted that Baker was ranked the 414th-best prospect in his recruiting class by 247Sports.com. Rutgers’ top big man, Eugene Omoruyi, was even farther off the radar.

“I say this all the time: ‘Forget about all that stuff,’” Pikiell said. “Just come and be yourself and bring your personality and work, and bring the gifts you have to Rutgers. We’ll take advantage of those gifts.”

Staff writer Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnj.com.