The wait is over for Rutgers basketball fans – the men’s team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years.

The team has been quarantining, testing for COVID-19 and practicing in Indianapolis.

“I do think they are excited about not having to answer those questions any more about 30 years ago and moving forward here,” says head coach Steve Pikiell. “The opportunity is in front of us. You’ve got to play well. This is a tournament of champions and winners.”

Rutgers is the No. 10 seed and is facing No. 7 seed Clemson. And while the Tigers have a little more postseason experience, they know not to sleep on the Scarlet Knights.

“A lot of respect for Coach Pikiell. I think what he’s done in the turnaround up there and they are a very experienced team with excelled guard play. Maybe the best defensive center in the Big Ten,” says Clemson coach Brad Brownell.

For the players at Rutgers, it’s not just about getting there, now they want to show the rest of the country what they are made of.

“I just feel like we’ve got to play connected and play for each other when we’re connected,” says junior guard Ron Harper Jr. “We play together, we can play with anyone in the country.”

Pikiell describes his players as resilient and says that they know they have the support of Rutgers Nation behind them.

“I wish all Rutgers Nation could be out here because I know a large contingent would be coming and they would really enjoy this experience,” he says.