Carino Q&A with Pikiell

[dpwhite]

 

[MadRU]

Like what I read there, looking forward to seeing them play.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

Like what I read there, looking forward to seeing them play.

I especially like that he feels Kiss is the best shooter, by far. I thought he was a streaky volume shooter at Quinnipiac. If he's improved, it can open up the inside and change the dynamics of this team quite a bit.

 

[ouchmyknee]

You gotta love Pike. It shows just how amazing a job he’s done where all his players and fans would run through a wall for him, despite being cellar dwellers. This is the year where we surprise some people and exit the basement.

 

[MadRU]

I especially like that he feels Kiss is the best shooter, by far. I thought he was a streaky volume shooter at Quinnipiac. If he's improved, it can open up the inside and change the dyanamics of this team quite a bit.

Agree, that and Pikiell seems to think Montez is shooting better, I was a little concerned with this as when I watched him on video and games on TV he seemed almost exclusively the type of player that attacked the rim (as the article said). If Montez is decent from the perimeter it will be a bonus.

Also seems like he feels Caleb can handle the backup PG responsibility, which will help Geo a lot.

 

[Shell21]

I'm pumped..Seems like we have a lot of interchangeable parts which is good the way todays game is played. The main issue is whether we can score enough consistently especially at the beginning of the year. If we can just make enough outside shots to keep the defense honest, it will go a long way.. I think this will be the best shooting team we've had in awhile, (not great though). When you take 3 guys away who can't really shoot (sanders, sa, and freeman), and replace them with Kiss, hopefully and improved Tiam, and improved Gio, and hopefully Harper when he gets acclimated, we have to improve.

I think the key, besides scoring will be how quickly all the new parts gell in games. By the sounds of Coach Pike, it sounds like they have gelled in practice at least so we shall see how it translates. I'm also excited to see what Miles Johnson can do this year. He's an interesting prospect.

 

[zebnatto]

Can’t wait.

 

[RUKnights86]

As most fans are, we are excited to see what they can do together. I think this has been the deepest & most talented roster we have had in years. No disrespect to those who left the program last year, those guys were a huge part in getting this thing going & were warriors, but this does feel like a college basketball roster from top to bottom.

We do of course need to temper our expectations, there will be growing pains as this is a younger group who will be playing a lot of minutes & getting adjusted to BIG basketball. It will be exciting to see who steps up, how they gel in terms of creating & distributing shots now that guys like Corey & D are gone who would not hesitate to take the shot late in the shot clock. The goal should be getting out of last in the BIG & hopefully above .500. While there are a lot of questions with the team, they are questions of optimism & excitement. A lot of interchangeable parts which is the the way college basketball is going with position less basketball, so I for one cannot wait to see the season kick off & be in the RAC as a season ticket holder.

 

[SJScarlet]

The stuff he’s emphasizing (Kiss as best shooter, Eugene a physical freak with an added jumpshot) makes me think there is a chance we’ll be better than I thought. Eugene might have a chance at 2nd/3rd team all conference.

 

[Knights 1212]

This sounds good to me. I am looking forward to seeing the team on October 13 which is only 17 days away.

 

[dkostus]

I would not have thought he was going to say Eugene is best player on the team. This should be interesting.

 

[littlenis5]

I would not have thought he was going to say Eugene is best player on the team. This should be interesting.

Shouldn’t be that surprising. The team was always better with him in the game last season, and we know he has the best work ethic of maybe any Rutgers player in the last 20 years.

I’m getting the impression Doucore will be the odd man out in the big rotation. This could be good for his development long term if he sticks it out. Good programs often have bugs that sit and watch for two years before making an impact.

 

[kcg88]

Shouldn’t be that surprising. The team was always better with him in the game last season, and we know he has the best work ethic of maybe any Rutgers player in the last 20 years.

I’m getting the impression Doucore will be the odd man out in the big rotation. This could be good for his development long term if he sticks it out. Good programs often have bugs that sit and watch for two years before making an impact.

That's been my sense as well, and the fact that his name wasn't mentioned in this Q&A further solidifies it.

 

[dkostus]

Shouldn’t be that surprising. The team was always better with him in the game last season, and we know he has the best work ethic of maybe any Rutgers player in the last 20 years.

I’m getting the impression Doucore will be the odd man out in the big rotation. This could be good for his development long term if he sticks it out. Good programs often have bugs that sit and watch for two years before making an impact.

Yeah, I just figured maybe Geo, or one of the two new 4* recruits. So much respect for Eugene... 2*, August commit that has just worked his *** off.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Im very intrigued by the prospect of caleb mcconnell. Kid is a legit 6’5-6’6, has a good handle, great passer and has serious range when hes hot. Hes probably the guy im most intrigued to see on the court this year

 

[lilphilw]

If Eugene can hit jumpers off the pick n roll, he's gonna be lethal! Doesn't need to hit them all the time but just having to guarded for it will be huge. He's already great at driving and hitting tough shots down low. Also his passing is on point. Can't believe he's the most improved player again. Great to see

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Eugene as an offensive threat from the perimeter would be a huge development. We must have 4 perimeter threats on the floor if we want to win this year and in to the future.

 

[Goku]

His comments on the improved passing is the reason why I was totally fine with Sanders going pro, even hoping for it. We'll be fine without him.

Based on how Eugene's game is being described, I can see him getting drafted after his senior year, if his trajectory as a player continues. The NBA is all about versatile players like him. For a lot of us, he's definitely one of the most anticipated players for us to watch this year.

I can't wait for the season to start too.

 

[RUChoppin]

 

[Degaz-RU]

Eugene as an offensive threat from the perimeter would be a huge development. We must have 4 perimeter threats on the floor if we want to win this year and in to the future.

It doesn't really even have to be from the "perimeter." He just needs to be able to hit a jumper from 15 feet and in, so that his defender doesn't constantly sag on him waiting for the inevitable drive to the hoop. Hit a few jumpers early on and then they have to guard you. Then Gene can blow by bigs to the hole.

If he can hit that elbow jumper against the zone, it will really open up our zone offense.

 

[Goku]

It doesn't really even have to be from the "perimeter." He just needs to be able to hit a jumper from 15 feet and in, so that his defender doesn't constantly sag on him waiting for the inevitable drive to the hoop. Hit a few jumpers early on and then they have to guard you. Then Gene can blow by bigs to the hole.

If he can hit that elbow jumper against the zone, it will really open up our zone offense.

Pike has not been shy in the past to tell the media that his players can't hit shots either. I'm sure he is hyping is guys/program up a bit by praising their improved shooting, but there has to be some truth to this boasting. And if we have multiple legit outside shooting threats that actually hit their shots, and if Gene has developed a mid-range game to go with his scrappy inside game, then there is good reason to be excited for our offense. I'm totally aware of and prepared for the learning curve and youth struggles in this season, but there is so much more positive stories to look forward to.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Sounds like our 4 and 5 will be a rotation of Shaq, Shaq, and Johnson, with Doucoure as the odd man out. Fine with me.

 

[bowlgoal]

I'm so excited for the season. What I think we will become is a team with crazy gritty defenses that are always changing. Young guys need to be in top physical shape to transition to the rigors of the Big 10 so that may take some time. But once they figure it out, look out for different presses and things we couldn't do without depth. Interested to see how we do with FT shooting as well. We need to convert as that literally costed us some games when you look at the stats.

 

[Knights 1212]

Free throw shooting is very important. Omoruyi, Doorson, Carter & Johnson must all hit their foul shots. I think Eugene was barely over 50 % last year but he had some very good games as well. Doorson needs to be over 50 % this year. Carter must improve his % from JUCO as well and hopefully Johnson can make them. Most of the other guys I think should be fine. As a team I hope we can shoot 70 % which I think is reasonable.

 

[whofrewdatmataRU13]

Can I get a Hell Yeah Brother

 

[PiscatawayMike]

I really hope the solid shooting in practice continues when the games begin. If it does, it will open things up nicely for Myles Johnson down low. If opponents have to stay close to our guards at all times, I honestly believe Johnson will do damage in the paint and can average 8-10 ppg.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

The shooting truly cant be worse than last year overall based on percentages.....the numbers in long stretches of games were really low. But in the games they were decent, RU played well.

I am more fearful that the defense and rebounding isn't going to carry over with so many new faces and youth on the roster, more than the shooting. We could shoot better and give up more points which could be a wash. The training camp will have to emphasize that defense and toughness that may not translate from Sanders and Mike Williams automatically.

 

[RUChoppin]

I am more fearful that the defense and rebounding isn't going to carry over with so many new faces and youth on the roster, more than the shooting. We could shoot better and give up more points which could be a wash. The training camp will have to emphasize that defense and toughness that may not translate from Sanders and Mike Williams automatically.

This is where I'm hoping it being "year three" in Pike's system really pays dividends. The coaches are settled and have their routines and expectations laid out. There are only four new faces that weren't with the team last year (Mathis, McConnell, Harper, Carter) - the rest have at least a year of coaching already. Omoruyi is fully bought in on defense, and is looked at as a leader. Doorson's a 5th year "elder" on the team and also looked to as a leader.

All things that make me think we'll see carry over of defense and rebounding mindsets.

 

[rubaseball78_rivals]

I get pumped up just reading his answers to the questions. Can’t wait for b-ball season.

 

[rufeelinit]

A redshirt year for Doucore might not be the worst thing for him or the program longer term. I still think he has a lot of potential. What this says to me is that Myles Johnson is ready to contribute.

 

[ScarletLongIsland_rivals]

Really looking forward to this season. Can’t wait to see Gene. Hands down my favorite player

 

[Knights 1212]

If we redshirt Doucoure we would again only have 10 scholarship players. We don't want to have a problem again if we get an injury or two. I think that is playing with fire.

 

[rufeelinit]

If we redshirt Doucoure we would again only have 10 scholarship players. We don't want to have a problem again if we get an injury or two. I think that is playing with fire.

Well if that occurs and it involves our bigs then you don't redshirt him. As I just posted in another thread I think managing PT in competitive games for more than 9-10 guys is a challenge.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I like hearing that Issa Thaim is more confident. That should lead to him being more aggressive on the offensive end. Don't pass up those open looks and make more drives to the basket.

 

[littlenis5]

To me it’s not surprising at all that Issa is more confident. Anyone who’s played Rec ball with guys who are ball hogs knows when that guy doesn’t show up, the more timid players flourish.

I agree that Gene will play his way into the NBA after 4 years. Been saying for a while he’s going to be the next draymond.

 

[rutgersfandan]

Jerry will be the next guest on The Scarlet Spotlight with Jon & me. We want him to see a couple practices first, so we will tape next week and release the episode on Fri. Oct. 5 at 6am: https://www.thescarletspotlight.com/. Excited for RU hoops season to return!

 

[treauRU]

I think if the guys who are returning are able to be effective in the roles they were recruited for.
( Kiss = Shooter, Johnson = High Post ball mover and rim presence, Gene = All Around Player, Geo = Playmaker/Scorer.

Then it comes down to how high of a level can our Freshman play, and for how long.

I'm looking for Mathis, McConnell and Harper to help raise the bar this year and moving forward. I like the skill set of each and they all are what we need.
I'm excited. Looking to be at 500 with a couple of upsets this year.