The Rutgers Scarlet Knights' roster continues to evolve this offseason, as forward Denis Badalau has entered the NCAA transfer portal. He becomes the fourth player from the program to do so this cycle, signaling a period of transition in Piscataway.
Badalau, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Romania, departs after one season with three years of eligibility remaining. His journey to Rutgers included a stint with Aquila Trento in Italy's top professional league, showcasing his international pedigree.
His freshman campaign was a tale of two halves. Badalau earned a starting role early, opening the season in the first five for 12 of the initial 14 games. However, his role diminished significantly down the stretch, as he appeared in only 10 of the team's final 20 contests.
On the stat sheet, he averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 24 total appearances. While noted as a sharp shooter in practice, those skills struggled to translate consistently in games, as he shot 30.1% from the field and 21.3% from three-point range.
This move opens a new chapter for the young forward, who will now seek a fresh start and a system where his shooting touch can flourish at the collegiate level. For Rutgers fans, it's another shift in the lineup as the team rebuilds for the future.