Tonight @Court Club....

[BKIn118]

AD Pat Hobbs 7 PM

Head Coach Steve Pikiell to follow

 

[Jim_from_RU]

What did Hobbs have to say? Anything on facilities?

 

[SJScarlet]

What did Hobbs have to say? Anything on facilities?

Nothing really. Talked about adidas a lot. Plan is to upgrade but not expand the RAC.

 

[MCKnight]

Any other insight from coach ?

 

[SJScarlet]

Any other insight from coach ?

He made comments that make it clear they expect some roster attrition, as they are still actively recruiting for next year. Mentioned they may try to bring in another point guard on top of Mensah and Baker. Also made it clear he expects Sanders back next year.

 

[Knightmoves]

There are a few frontcourt RU players that I'd like to see on the attrition list.

Pike had no choice but to bring in multiple big men this season. 16-17 has been a tryout for those guys. Some have played ok, some have not made any appreciable impact on the games.

IMO Pike knows who he wants back and who is better off in another program. I will stand by his decisions regarding player personnel and support him in those decisions.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

Hobbs spoke first at 7pm. He answered some questions after opening remarks but no earth shattering news.

There wasn't really any news broken during Coach Pikiell's time at the podium either but he was was really, really entertaining. He must've spoken for at least an hour and a half. He had DOBO Brian Dougher man a slide presentation highlighting some of the statistical improvements this year and some of the other selling points of the program they are using. Of course, the presentation showed the new practice facility renderings and one slide on the new adidas relationship where Hobbs and Pikiell are selling that we are a priority for adidas, being only one of ten basketball programs aligned with them, a group which includes the likes of Kansas, Indiana, and Louisville. Pikiell did a "film session" for the members via video of the Northwestern game at the RAC which equal parts informative and humorous. Coach Pikiell is sneaky hilarious.

Like the rest of us, you can tell that he is frustrated with the limitations of our talent. Interesting that he seemed to point to recruiting better passers as one of his main priorities.

 

[knightfan2000]

STOP with the negative comments about individual players!! If I learned anything from the Court Club meetings it's that the coach LOVES his team and that they are giving 100% effort. So just stop - it's not helping the players, the coaches, or recruiting.

 

[BKIn118]

It was an honor and pleasure to have put tonight together...thank you to all those who attended, and have continued to make the Court Club a strength for Rutgers Basketball!

See you all next season!

 

[knight82]

It was an honor and pleasure to have put tonight together...thank you to all those who attended, and have continued to make the Court Club a strength for Rutgers Basketball!

See you all next season!

Thanks as always for all your hard work Brian

 

[Jtung230]

STOP with the negative comments about individual players!! If I learned anything from the Court Club meetings it's that the coach LOVES his team and that they are giving 100% effort. So just stop - it's not helping the players, the coaches, or recruiting.

Thank you for posting. I was getting the impression that he was rolling the players under the bus before I read your post.

 

[RUJMM78]

Hobbs spoke first at 7pm. He answered some questions after opening remarks but no earth shattering news.

There wasn't really any news broken during Coach Pikiell's time at the podium either but he was was really, really entertaining. He must've spoken for at least an hour and a half. He had DOBO Brian Dougher man a slide presentation highlighting some of the statistical improvements this year and some of the other selling points of the program they are using. Of course, the presentation showed the new practice facility renderings and one slide on the new adidas relationship where Hobbs and Pikiell are selling that we are a priority for adidas, being only one of ten basketball programs aligned with them, a group which includes the likes of Kansas, Indiana, and Louisville. Pikiell did a "film session" for the members via video of the Northwestern game at the RAC which equal parts informative and humorous. Coach Pikiell is sneaky hilarious.

Like the rest of us, you can tell that he is frustrated with the limitations of our talent. Interesting that he seemed to point to recruiting better passers as one of his main priorities.

What I liked about Pikiell was not only his knowledge of college basketball but more so his humor.During the film session of the first Northwestern game Pikiell made many humorous comments about what was happening on the court regarding the good and bad performances taking place.Bottom line Pikiell really likes his players but also realizes major improvement is needed going into next season including Sanders learning to drive to the basket with his left hand to stop defenses from overplaying to his right side.

There aren't that many head coaches that would spend so much time with fans explaining all the difficulties in rebuilding a program and still have a smile on his face.I like Pikiell because he and staff are hard workers and they understand that recruiting more talented players is the ultimate solution but it will take time to change the perception of the program because negative recruiting must be overcome.

 

[SJScarlet]

Thank you for posting. I was getting the impression that he was rolling the players under the bus before I read your post.

Yes to be clear, I only inferred roster movement based on the fact that they may still be recruiting for next year. He loves the players and says they bring it every day.

 

[4theknights]

Just a great meeting having coach conduct power point presentation on the progress of the program. I have said this before but the most important aspect of this season is "We have a coach!!" Someone we know with his excellent staff, will develop players and pound the pavement for new recruits. Losing is tough right now but Pikiell is not part of the past and we should all feel optimistic going forward. Nice Job to Brian... the CC meetings this year have been great!!

 

[Knights 1212]

The meeting was most enjoyable. Coach P. is the best. He loves every guy on our team so much and is so appreciative of all the effort that each and every one of them puts forth. I am so thankful for everything that Brian and Janet have done for the Court Club. I also am thankful to the other Court Club officers. All of them put in countless hours of work to make the Court Club a huge success. They all do this out of love for Rutgers Basketball.

 

[higgins3]

Hobbs spoke first at 7pm. He answered some questions after opening remarks but no earth shattering news.

There wasn't really any news broken during Coach Pikiell's time at the podium either but he was was really, really entertaining. He must've spoken for at least an hour and a half. He had DOBO Brian Dougher man a slide presentation highlighting some of the statistical improvements this year and some of the other selling points of the program they are using. Of course, the presentation showed the new practice facility renderings and one slide on the new adidas relationship where Hobbs and Pikiell are selling that we are a priority for adidas, being only one of ten basketball programs aligned with them, a group which includes the likes of Kansas, Indiana, and Louisville. Pikiell did a "film session" for the members via video of the Northwestern game at the RAC which equal parts informative and humorous. Coach Pikiell is sneaky hilarious.

Like the rest of us, you can tell that he is frustrated with the limitations of our talent. Interesting that he seemed to point to recruiting better passers as one of his main priorities.

Interesting how he might want to bring in another point guard. In general, sticky fingers are not good for the team. I think that is what Mensah brings-an arsenal of different passes. If he can get Williams, Johnson, Thiam, Sanders, and Baker percentages up, or if those guys keep working, Mensah will find them.

He does have an uphill battle with Mensah. He is turnover prone, and does lack shooting. He is up for the challenge.

Let's be very clear- Pikiell is the best coach Rutgers has had in 10 years. Who else has ever gone to college ave to try to get fans to show up?Put in programs to make pr egg and cheese sandwiches?

He loves his players. He is aware what is needed at this level, and how some players might see themselves more happy elsewhere. Get more time playing the game they love.

There is not a classier guy in D1 hoops. If you are a player with BIG ten potential, look no further.

 

[RUsojo]

Thank you for posting. I was getting the impression that he was rolling the players under the bus before I read your post.

I didn't get that impression at all from that attrition post. Appreciate both posters input though.

 

[Tango Two]

Hobbs started the Q & A session saying no Yankees questions.
I think he's getting the hint that it's a bad decision.

 

[RUPete]

Hobbs started the Q & A session saying no Yankees questions.
I think he's getting the hint that it's a bad decision.

It really has nothing to do with basketball, so I can see his reasoning. But yes, he's probably sick of talking about it by now.

 

[hoquat63]

Court club membership well worth the dues! Pikiell was great every meeting he has been to.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

It really has nothing to do with basketball, so I can see his reasoning. But yes, he's probably sick of talking about it by now.

For the sake of those not there, he said it with a laugh.

 

[RUJMM78]

The meeting was most enjoyable. Coach P. is the best. He loves every guy on our team so much and is so appreciative of all the effort that each and every one of them puts forth. I am so thankful for everything that Brian and Janet have done for the Court Club. I also am thankful to the other Court Club officers. All of them put in countless hours of work to make the Court Club a huge success. They all do this out of love for Rutgers Basketball.

I also think fans that have been members of the Court Club for many years deserve a shout out for their continued support of the mens basketball program.

 

[bowlgoal]

I'm wondering what kind of upgrades to the RAC. I think they should add seats and enclose it into a bowl shape after the practice facility is built. I think there's a lot they can do with that current space.

 

[BKIn118]

I also think fans that have been members of the Court Club for many years deserve a shout out for their continued support of the mens basketball program.

I do this every chance I get...Last night in person and in this very thread as examples!

Those who spend their hard earned money in support of the cause are worthy of my undying respect!

 

[DHajekRC84]

Next meeting should bring in a portable basket and have Pike take 10 foul shots. We could all wager $$ on how many he makes...just for fun and to raise some $$ LOL.

or better yet..charge a fee to see who can out shoot the team % ...:smiley:

 

[e5fdny]

Next meeting should bring in a portable basket and have Pike take 10 foul shots. We could all wager $$ on how many he makes...just for fun and to raise some $$ LOL.

or better yet..charge a fee to see who can out shoot the team % ...:smiley:

Hilarious and so inside at the same time.

That would be funny.

 

[WJLeggett]

This was our second year in the Court Club and it was well worth the $100 this year. If you love basketball, you can't beat it. I thanked Brian personally the other night but he deserves all the thanks in the world for keeping the Court Club going with all the issues in and around the program the last few years. And thank you to all the people who have come and spoken us.

And Coach Pikiell is outstanding. He is honest, he is funny, and you can tell that he really does love this challenge and that he has a plan to be successful. Getting to watch and listen as he broke down film was really fun and I learned a lot. And after he was done he stayed by the door and thanked people, shook hands, and spoke to everyone who wanted to speak with him.
After hearing Hobbs and Pikiell it's hard not to think that the basketball program and the entire athletic department are finally heading the in the right direction.