Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Rahim Bunch admits that he spent most of his freshman basketball season at Rutgers-Newark learning from former Scarlet Raiders standout point guard Al’Don Muhammad.

“I learned a lot from Al’Don,” Bunch said. “I learned how to run the team.”

So when Bunch’s sophomore year began and Muhammad was nowhere to be found, Bunch knew that he had to take the bull by the horns more.

“I had to be more mature,” Bunch said. “I knew that this was going to be a pretty big year for me. I just tried to get recognized last year and contribute a little. I just added a few things and knew my role.”

Rutgers-Newark head men’s basketball coach Joe Loughran expected big things from Bunch in his second season with the Scarlet Raiders.

“He got some decent playing time last year,” Loughran said. “He was key in some key games. But I didn’t want him to be too confident. He had to be more of a vocal leader at point guard. He has to figure it all out a little more. He needs to be a leader. I think he’s growing up in that area. He needs to tell people what to do and give others direction.”

Bunch said that he is heeding his coach’s pleas.

“I didn’t talk too much,” Bunch said. “I knew I needed to work on that. I have to be able to talk more. I have to embrace the role as being the point guard.”

Bunch certainly offers a lot to the Scarlet Raiders’ rotation. There isn’t a quicker player on the roster. Bunch has explosive speed.

“He can really run,” Loughran said. “His quickness with the ball is incredible. And he can finish at the other end. He can hang in the air and change direction. He’s a quick leaper and can get off the ground. For a guy his size, he gets to the rim well. His ability to get off the dribble, get into the lane and then kick it out or finish. It’s a special trait to have.”

Bunch said that it’s always been his style of play, long before he ever attended Egg Harbor Township High School.

“I’ve always played like that,” Bunch said. “I take pride in my quickness and being able to go to the basket. I’ve always had that ‘go after it’ attitude. That’s just the way I play.”

Loughran also likes that Bunch is an aggressive defender.

“He can put pressure on the ball,” Loughran said. “I think he relies too much on his quickness defensively. He needs to learn more technique. We’re trying to break him of that habit. But he’s a good defender.”

Bunch said that he decided to come to Rutgers-Newark after weighing offers from Kean, Ramapo, Delaware Valley and Lycoming.

“I chose Rutgers-Newark because Coach Loughran was pretty honest with me when he recruited me,” Bunch said. “He didn’t tell me that I was going to get a starting spot right away, that I had to come in and work. I liked that. I also liked Newark. It had a good city atmosphere.”

Loughran said that he had a good relationship with George McNally, Bunch’s high school coach.

“He’s a friend of ours,” Loughran said. “George knew that we were going to get involved with Rahim.”

Bunch didn’t know if he would fit in with the other Scarlet Raiders.

“When we first had open gym, there were a lot of egos and I was a little worried,” Bunch said. “But then we got to know each other better and we knew that we all wanted to accomplish the same goals.”

If there is a side to Bunch’s game that may need a little work, it’s his perimeter shot.

“He needs to improve in that area,” Loughran said. “He needs to be more consistent with his shot.”

But Loughran likes what he’s seen of Bunch.

“He has a huge upside,” Loughran said. “He just needs to figure it out. He needed to mature a little. He’s handling it all much better.”

“I know I have to be more mature and responsible,” Bunch said. “I know I have to be a leader. I think everything is falling into place.”

Bunch is a criminal justice major at R-N. He has not decided what career path he will take.

“He’s a good kid who wants to learn,” Loughran said. “He’s very coachable. He’s also a good student and that’s an asset.”

“I’ve learned a lot,” Bunch said. “But I have to keep learning.”