It's no surprise that Betnijah Laney has always felt comfortable around Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer. After all, Stringer is her godmother, keeping a baby photo of the prize freshman on her desk.

Laney grew up around Stringer and the Rutgers women's basketball program — her mom was a former player for the Hall of Fame coach when she was at Cheyney State. Knowing Stringer made her college choice a little easier.

Her first memory of Rutgers is something she keeps close. On her phone is a photo from when she was 6 years old, standing behind Tasha Pointer and Shawnette Stewart as they sign autographs.

Now Laney's the one who is being asked for her signature as she and her talented freshmen classmates have been a huge reason for the No. 12 Scarlet Knights' early success this season.