New Jersey Institute of Technology men’s basketball coach Jim Casciano always dreamed about leading a Division I program. He didn’t know that opportunity would come at a small public school of a little more than 5,300 undergraduates in Newark.

Casciano had experience coaching in virtually every other level of college basketball at four schools ranging from NAIA to NCAA Division II. When he took the job at NJIT six years ago, he took over a struggling D-II program in a city known more for poverty and crime than anything else.

The Highlanders are currently 3-14, but no one is too disappointed. Instead of facing former conference opponents like Goldey-Beacom (Del.) from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, NJIT reclassified as an independent Division I team this year.

‘We see athletics as a way to enhance our academics; to get some publicity and notoriety,’ Casciano said. ‘We want to have the best of both worlds: good academics and good athletics.’

The adjustment has not been easy for everyone. Casciano said though some players have elevated their games to meet the new pressures and challenges, some are still learning. The four freshmen on the roster were recruited to play D-I, while the returning players have been playing D-II ball during their collegiate careers. Like their coach, many of those players dreamed about showcasing their talents at the highest level of college basketball, and wound up in the right place at the right time.

‘This has been such a blessing and I thank God every day for the opportunity to play basketball at this level in my last year,’ senior Clayton Barker said. ‘Growing up this is what you dream about. Everybody wants to play D-I.’

Recruiting has been difficult, and probably will not get easier soon. Not many D-I prospects are willing to join an infant program that has not yet established itself in the national basketball scene.

Casciano said he is looking for ‘pioneers’ who are willing to help start a tradition instead of adding to tradition at a better-known school. But the chance to play right away is a pretty good selling point, too.

‘Once I heard I could get playing time, coming was an easy decision,’ freshman Andrew Engel said. ‘Do I want to go somewhere to play or go somewhere to sit a couple years?’

One thing that will make the transition easier for the Highlanders is eventually affiliating with a conference. NJIT is one of 11 independent Division I programs, but is searching for a home within the traditional conference system.

Because the Highlanders are independent, they have the challenge of scheduling games against schools all around the country. NJIT scheduled games against teams from nine different conferences and the other independents.

When and if NJIT joins a conference, it will be able to schedule more home games and have the chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in March.

Joining a conference will show Casciano the type of players to recruit – better prospects look to join teams in more prestigious conferences like the Big East. NJIT is hoping to someday affiliate with the America East, Patriot or Northeast Conference, but it all depends on which league is the most compatible geographically, financially and academically.

‘If you’re playing in the Big East, you know who you are recruiting against and the level of players you need,’ Casciano said. ‘When and if we get into a conference, we’ll be able to clearly hone in on the kind of player we need to win that conference.’

But more important is how the basketball team has started to create a buzz on campus and in the community. For a public university in New Jersey often overshadowed by Rutgers down the New Jersey Turnpike, NJIT suddenly matters.

‘People around the city are starting to ask questions, starting to know who we are,’ Engel said. ‘It’s part of the growing process. If we’re really going to grow to be something, these are the roots.’

As NJIT’s basketball program grows, so does the entire neighborhood. Newark is in the process of a much-needed Renaissance, in an attempt to revitalize a city riddled with problems. Many know Newark for its airport, but not much else.

Next season, the NHL’s New Jersey Devils move from East Rutherford to a new arena blocks away from the NJIT campus. New office and retail space are also on the horizon as part of the Harrison MetroCentre project just across the Passaic River. Newark needed help, and the Highlanders hope to be part of the change.

‘Our mindset is to turn around the image and impression people on the outside have of our city,’ Casciano said. ‘Our growth as a basketball program can parallel that of the city. You look at what has happened to other cities in Jersey, so why not Newark?’

No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 19 ClemsonWednesday, January 17; 7 p.m. ESPN

Both teams have something to prove: North Carolina wants to get back to the No. 1 spot, where it was last week before it lost to Virginia Tech. Clemson is trying to show the world its 17-0 start was not a fluke.

UNC 83, Clemson 74

Georgetown vs. Seton HallFriday, January 19; 7:30, ESPN Full Court

It has been a disappointing season for Georgetown (11-5, 1-2). The Hoyas started the year at No. 8, but has since lost to three unranked teams. While Seton Hall has not fared much better, it does have three players who average at least 13 points.

Seton Hall 68, Georgetown 62

No. 11 Arizona vs. No. 3 UCLASaturday, January 20; 4 p.m.

UCLA has spent most of the season atop the polls, but a tough loss to Oregon sent it down two spots. Junior Arron Afflalo is averaging more than 16 points per game and may be too tough for an Arizona team that has lost two of three.

UCLA 71, Arizona 60

No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 8 Texas A&MSaturday, January 20; 8 p.m. ESPN

The Big 12 boasts four ranked teams, including these two. At 15-2 (3-0), the Aggies lead the conference. Cowboys senior Mario Boggan averages more than 21 points and seven rebounds per game, and he’ll need a good one against the bigger Texas A&M squad.

Texas A&M 88, Oklahoma State 85

Cincinnati vs. SyracuseWednesday, January 17; 7 p.m. ESPN Regional

Syracuse is riding a three game Big East winning streak into tonight’s game against Cincinnati. The Bearcats are last in the conference and have lost four straight. While the numbers stack up in favor of the Orange, conference games are always unpredictable.

Syracuse 70, Cincinnati 52

Published on January 16, 2007 at 12:00 pm