PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men’s basketball program had a 968 multiyear average, placing it in the top 20 percent within sport, in the Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Report released today by the NCAA. The Scarlet Knights were 35 points above the Division I men’s basketball average (933) and had one of the highest totals among BIG EAST members.

Rutgers has consistently achieved in the classroom under the leadership of head coach Fred Hill. Every senior to compete with Hill at the helm has earned a diploma. The three seniors on the 2008-09 roster are all on target to graduate this year, increasing the total to 10 straight student-athletes to don the cap and gown under Hill. The fall 2008 semester saw four men’s basketball players earn citation on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll with semester grade point averages above 3.0.

Today’s report is based on data submitted by institutions for the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08 academic years. The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete. It awards two points each term to student-athletes who meet academic-eligibility standards and who remain with the institution. A team's APR is the total points earned by the team at a given time divided by the total points possible.