Podcast Rutgers Hoops Declines NIT/Crown + Where Do They Go From Here?

[Richie O]

https://rutgers.rivals.com/news/tkr-pod-rutgers-hoops-declines-nit-crown-where-do-they-go-from-here-

 

[dark_check]

https://rutgers.rivals.com/news/tkr-pod-rutgers-hoops-declines-nit-crown-where-do-they-go-from-here-

Great listen as always. Thanks guys. Have to admit though pretty depressing with maybe four guys staying, four frosh including a project, possibly two low major and two mid major transfers. I know it’s all speculative but it does seem accurate. How attractive can it be wanting to play for a coach who might be on the hot seat. Also being behind in money. I recall you saying we might be lower middle in power five NIL. But it seems we’re at the bottom, with us behind all the big ten and maybe even a team like Providence in the region. Oh well.

 

[RUJMM78]

Great listen as always. Thanks guys. Have to admit though pretty depressing with maybe four guys staying, four frosh including a project, possibly two low major and two mid major transfers. I know it’s all speculative but it does seem accurate. How attractive can it be wanting to play for a coach who might be on the hot seat. Also being behind in money. I recall you saying we might be lower middle in power five NIL. But it seems we’re at the bottom, with us behind all the big ten and maybe even a team like Providence in the region. Oh well.

Successful team in a power conference like the B1G Ten need :
1. Financial backing to attract top tier recruits and portal transfers
2.Coaching staff that can adapt to changes on and off the court
3.Talented players who can perform at a high level at both ends of the court
4.Rutgers is lacking in all three areas which are the reasons the program is no better than a 11-15 ranked B1G Ten team mired in mediocrity

 

[Degaz-RU]

Think you guys were too harsh on Jerry and gave Hobbs too much of a pass.

As the AD, it should’ve been Hobbs’ job to *lead* NIL strategy and efforts, but he was a complete empty chair on NIL. That’s why GS took it upon himself to go out and fundraise — because his AD abdicated that responsibility.

Pike deserves criticism, for sure, in not adapting and pivoting like GS did to create fundraising opportunities. But the PRIMARY blame lies with the guy running the department who did not do anything to move the NIL needle.

 

[Richie O]

Think you guys were too harsh on Jerry and gave Hobbs too much of a pass.

As the AD, it should’ve been Hobbs’ job to *lead* NIL strategy and efforts, but he was a complete empty chair on NIL. That’s why GS took it upon himself to go out and fundraise — because his AD abdicated that responsibility.

Pike deserves criticism, for sure, in not adapting and pivoting like GS did to create fundraising opportunities. But the PRIMARY blame lies with the guy running the department who did not do anything to move the NIL needle.

Would it have helped for Hobbs to be more hands on with NIL? Yes. Is he partly to blame? Yes.

However like most programs, it is on the head coach to raise the funds for the programs to being successful in today's day and age. Pikiell needs to go out there and find higher paying donors, guys that have no connections to the program and convince them to invest. It's exactly what Schiano did and what other coaches from all over the country have done. He needs to be more proactive with his approach to NIL.

The primary blame is the leader of the program and in this case that's Steve Pikiell.

 

[Degaz-RU]

I have been banging my head wondering WHY Hobbs ignored NIL and basically left it to Knights of the Raritan and the individual coaches to fend for themselves.

My working theory — which is admittedly speculative — is that he viewed “donor fundraising” as a zero sum game, and NIL was “competition” for the fundraising Hobbs wanted to do for building of facilities (RAC upgrade or replacement, football fieldhouse etc). Hobbs wanted his legacy to be all of the major facility upgrades that were and would be accomplished during his tenure, and he probably viewed NIL fundraising as a direct impediment to raising sufficient funds to complete the RAC and Fieldhouse.

Again, just a theory, but I can’t understand why else our AD would ignore NIL at a time when NIL was becoming the predominant feature of college athletics.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

I have been banging my head wondering WHY Hobbs ignored NIL and basically left it to Knights of the Raritan and the individual coaches to fend for themselves.

State law said he couldn't. And as far as I know, it still says he couldn't (maybe it got repealed, I don't know).

 

[Smols]

State law said he couldn't. And as far as I know, it still says he couldn't (maybe it got repealed, I don't know).

Are you referring to the Fair Play Bill, because if so, that doesn't prohibit the AD from fund raising activities for NIL purposes.

 

[Wagram97]

I have been banging my head wondering WHY Hobbs ignored NIL and basically left it to Knights of the Raritan and the individual coaches to fend for themselves.

My working theory — which is admittedly speculative — is that he viewed “donor fundraising” as a zero sum game, and NIL was “competition” for the fundraising Hobbs wanted to do for building of facilities (RAC upgrade or replacement, football fieldhouse etc). Hobbs wanted his legacy to be all of the major facility upgrades that were and would be accomplished during his tenure, and he probably viewed NIL fundraising as a direct impediment to raising sufficient funds to complete the RAC and Fieldhouse.

Again, just a theory, but I can’t understand why else our AD would ignore NIL at a time when NIL was becoming the predominant feature of college athletics.

Or, I'm going to throw out a little conspiracy theory. Hobbs thought the rules of NIL were a little murky and maybe any actions he took could get him in trouble. Maybe, just maybe, he was a little worried about allegations of an affair getting out if there was legal actions taken as a result of his NIL activity. Those emails and text messages to the gymnastics coach and various receipts coming out in some subpoena request or deposition. That's my conspiracy.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

Are you referring to the Fair Play Bill, because if so, that doesn't prohibit the AD from fund raising activities for NIL purposes.

"A four-year institution of higher education, an entity whose purpose includes supporting or benefitting the institution or its athletic programs, or any officer, director, or employee of the institution or entity, shall not compensate or cause compensation to be directed to a current or prospective student-athlete participating in intercollegiate athletics for use of the student’s name, image, or likeness."

 

[TommyGunn_rivals157283]

A great job as always guys, and a sobering listen. A year ago the tone of these podcasts was off the charts - a top three class, being one of the “new bloods“, sky’s the limit, etc. Wow, how times have changed quickly. As Rutgers fans, I guess we should not be at all surprised.

 

[NickRU714]

Or, I'm going to throw out a little conspiracy theory. Hobbs thought the rules of NIL were a little murky and maybe any actions he took could get him in trouble. Maybe, just maybe, he was a little worried about allegations of an affair getting out if there was legal actions taken as a result of his NIL activity. Those emails and text messages to the gymnastics coach and various receipts coming out in some subpoena request or deposition. That's my conspiracy.

Oh! I love a good conspiracy and like this one.

It’s like driving the speed limit when you have a dead body in the trunk.

 

[Degaz-RU]

A great job as always guys, and a sobering listen. A year ago the tone of these podcasts was off the charts - a top three class, being one of the “new bloods“, sky’s the limit, etc. Wow, how times have changed quickly. As Rutgers fans, I guess we should not be at all surprised.

There's a reason Lucy pulling the football from Charlie Brown is the most indelible description of Rutgers athletics.

You know how many times in the last 40 years we thought Rutgers had turned the corner and the "sleeping giant" was awakening, only to end up mired in scandal or disappointed by plain incompetence? Too many to count at this point.

The college athletic Gods (Lucy) are just toying with us Rutgers fans (Charlie Brown).

 

[Smols]

"A four-year institution of higher education, an entity whose purpose includes supporting or benefitting the institution or its athletic programs, or any officer, director, or employee of the institution or entity, shall not compensate or cause compensation to be directed to a current or prospective student-athlete participating in intercollegiate athletics for use of the student’s name, image, or likeness."

Fund raising is not compensating. Meeting with possible donors is not compensating. Paying directly from the university's funds is not allowed.

 

[Mholinko]

Would it have helped for Hobbs to be more hands on with NIL? Yes. Is he partly to blame? Yes.

However like most programs, it is on the head coach to raise the funds for the programs to being successful in today's day and age. Pikiell needs to go out there and find higher paying donors, guys that have no connections to the program and convince them to invest. It's exactly what Schiano did and what other coaches from all over the country have done. He needs to be more proactive with his approach to NIL.

The primary blame is the leader of the program and in this case that's Steve Pikiell.

plenty of people on this board still feel like steve did a good job and is the right man for the job in this era... hope they listened to this

 

[LotusAggressor_rivals]

Oh! I love a good conspiracy and like this one.

It’s like driving the speed limit when you have a dead body in the trunk.

Or heroin.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

Fund raising is not compensating. Meeting with possible donors is not compensating. Paying directly from the university's funds is not allowed.

Fundraising for what?

 

[Smols]

Fundraising for what?

NIL, of course.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I have been banging my head wondering WHY Hobbs ignored NIL and basically left it to Knights of the Raritan and the individual coaches to fend for themselves.

My working theory — which is admittedly speculative — is that he viewed “donor fundraising” as a zero sum game, and NIL was “competition” for the fundraising Hobbs wanted to do for building of facilities (RAC upgrade or replacement, football fieldhouse etc). Hobbs wanted his legacy to be all of the major facility upgrades that were and would be accomplished during his tenure, and he probably viewed NIL fundraising as a direct impediment to raising sufficient funds to complete the RAC and Fieldhouse.

Again, just a theory, but I can’t understand why else our AD would ignore NIL at a time when NIL was becoming the predominant feature of college athletics.

This is part of it….becsuse we have a historic low donating fan base …..

 

[superfan01]

Would it have helped for Hobbs to be more hands on with NIL? Yes. Is he partly to blame? Yes.

However like most programs, it is on the head coach to raise the funds for the programs to being successful in today's day and age. Pikiell needs to go out there and find higher paying donors, guys that have no connections to the program and convince them to invest. It's exactly what Schiano did and what other coaches from all over the country have done. He needs to be more proactive with his approach to NIL.

The primary blame is the leader of the program and in this case that's Steve Pikiell.

@RUGiddy777 needs to read this.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

NIL, of course.

Ah ... so causing compensation to be directed to a student athlete. Yeah, that's prohibited by state law.

 

[ancienthooper]

Would it have helped for Hobbs to be more hands on with NIL? Yes. Is he partly to blame? Yes.

However like most programs, it is on the head coach to raise the funds for the programs to being successful in today's day and age. Pikiell needs to go out there and find higher paying donors, guys that have no connections to the program and convince them to invest. It's exactly what Schiano did and what other coaches from all over the country have done. He needs to be more proactive with his approach to NIL.

The primary blame is the leader of the program and in this case that's Steve Pikiell.

It’s exactly what Schiano did? What exactly is that? 7-6 and didn’t have to play Michigan, Ohio St, Penn St. Then gagged a low tier bowl game. With all his success on the NIL front I look forward to them being in the playoff next year. I actually think he’s a fine coach and good for Rutgers, but I don’t buy the notion that he’s achieved some Gold Standard.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

It’s exactly what Schiano did? What exactly is that? 7-6 and didn’t have to play Michigan, Ohio St, Penn St. Then gagged a low tier bowl game. With all his success on the NIL front I look forward to them being in the playoff next year. I actually think he’s a fine coach and good for Rutgers, but I don’t buy the notion that he’s achieved some Gold Standard.

7-6 was disappointing but I wouldn’t say that it had anything to do with the things referenced in the post you responded to. Some poor in game coaching decisions (see end of Illinois game) and having most of our defense wiped out to injury during the conference portion of the season are responsible for the underachievement.

In football recruiting and / or transfer portal pick up quality at RU had been trending up.

 

[Smols]

Ah ... so causing compensation to be directed to a student athlete. Yeah, that's prohibited by state law.

No.

 

[Smols]

Ah ... so causing compensation to be directed to a student athlete. Yeah, that's prohibited by state law.

You tell me where in this law the AD would be accused of breaking this law: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1186648

 

[AdventureHasAName]

You tell me where in this law the AD would be accused of breaking this law: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1186648

Paragraph 3

 

[Smols]

Paragraph 3

I could see this being a grey area left to interpretation:

• Allowed (probably): An AD says at a booster event, "Supporting the collective is a great way to help our athletes thrive in the NIL era."
• Prohibited: An AD calls a donor and says, "Donate $50,000 to the collective, and I’ll ensure it goes to our star recruit for an NIL deal."

The rule doesn’t explicitly ban an AD from encouraging donations to a collective, but it hinges on how "cause compensation to be directed" is interpreted in practice. If the AD’s encouragement is indirect and doesn’t involve directing specific payments to athletes, it likely wouldn’t violate the law. However, any appearance of coordination or control could raise compliance issues.