The Garden State Hardwood Classic trophy, a distinctive prize made from Asbury Park boardwalk planks, has sat at the Rutgers basketball practice facility since the Scarlet Knights won last year’s rivalry game with Seton Hall.

Jordan Derkack refuses to come close.

“I’m not going to touch it until I get it — until we win,” the junior guard said.

The Colonia High School graduate grew up almost halfway between Rutgers and Seton Hall, but never attended the annual showdown. That will change on Saturday when the Pirates (5-5) visit the Scarlet Knights (6-4) at 3 p.m

“Since they’re the two biggest programs in New Jersey, I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Derkack, who transferred to Rutgers from Merrimack in the spring.

He’s not alone in his newness to the series. Only three guys who will take the court Saturday played in the competition last year — Jamichael Davis for Rutgers and Dylan Addae-Wusu and Isaiah Coleman for Seton Hall. It used to be a grudge match that entered the contestants’ bloodstream and stayed forever – long past finals day. Now that free agency leads to massive roster moves every spring, coaches have to explain the series to their charges and what it means.