Sofman Leaving Rutgers

Freshman guard Justin Sofman will transfer from Rutgers. Sofman, a West Milford native, played in 14 games, averaging 2.0 points in 5.1 minutes per contest.

"Justin is a fine young man who contributed a great deal to our program, both on and off the court," RU coach Fred Hill said. "We support him in his decision to transfer and wish him the best in the future.

Sofman is considering approximately 10 schools, mostly in the America East, the MAAC, the Northeast Conference and the Patriot League and hopes to decide by the end of April. He would have to sit out a year per NCAA regulations.

The 6-foot-4 Sofman, a former All-Area selection at West Milford High School, missed the first seven games of the season because of a jaw injury, and then played his first game against Princeton Dec. 1.

Rutgers has recruited several wing players, including McDonald's All-American Mike Rosario of St. Anthony, and current junior Dane Miller of Rush Henrietta High, and Sofman saw the writing on the wall. With Rosario joining current wings Earl Pettis and Jaron Griffin, Sofman figured his playing time would not likely increase.

"Justin is going to explore other opportunities," said  Steve Sofman, Justin's father. "Justin enjoyed his time spent with the Rutgers basketball program, and will be looking at other opportunities where he might play a more prominent role."

On a personal note...

We wish Sofman nothing but the best. He could be a sophomore in college now, probably doing well for a low- to mid-major program. He was fully eligible coming out of West Milford and had numerous scholarship offers.

Partly on RU's suggestion, Sofman then prepped a year at St. Thomas More, playing alongside Devin Ebanks, in order to prepare himself physically, mentally and socially for Rutgers.

He never really got a chance to show his stuff this year, with the injury and other factors. Even during blowouts, Coach Hill didn't seem to give Sofman much of a look, or coach him on how to get better. He spent most of his practice time working with the scout team.

Now he'll have to wait another full year before he can ball again.

Still, he is young for his grade and hopefully he can find a school that fits him, and where his family, all big hoops supporters, can come watch him play.

Comments

[TripleRLtd]

Best of luck in the future Justin. You made the right choice...the writing IS on the wall.

[RUrising]

Yes, all the best wishes for Sofman. Even in very limited action he did show a very smooth, dead-eye shot so I'm sure he'll do well at another level. He probably was just not multi-dimensional enough for the Big East at this point.

[RUrising]

As for your comment Adam that "(Fred Hill) didn't... coach him on how to get better", what's the basis for your opinion? Do you really believe that Sofman had a legitimate shot to play in the Big East and at this new era-RU under Coach Hill? He was a 2-star "NR" recruit out of high school.

C'mon Adam, we know that you think highly of the kid, but your criticism of Coach Hill here is unfounded.

[RUrising]

I know that you took some time off Adam, but still looking for follow-up on your comment about Fred Hill not coaching Sofman on how to get better.

Carino's take is
"Hoops Haven says: No surprise. If Sofman couldn't get time for this Rutgers team, he was never going to get it. He was a niche player who didn't pan out."