Fun Team To Watch

[rsegall]

I agree with OP and your reply entirely

Rutgers needs to take a long look in the mirror at the end of the day as to what type of athletic department not just basketball program that it wants to be

the landscape is the landscape and trying to create a winning scenario in revenue sports where NIL and portal chaos aren’t embraced is a losing proposition

You can win overnight now in college sports it just requires a different recipe than pike is an expert at

he is a program builder the old school way and it remains to be seen if that’s feasible at the major conference level in this day and age

if Rutgers had even a mid pack NIL Chest I think pike with his development abilities could do wonders but we don’t even have that

Pike is horrible coach and terrible evaluator of talent. This year will be a disaster.

 

[Mholinko]

We don’t know how this team is going to translate as the competition ratchets up but damn this is a fun team to watch and root for so far. Love the usage of 11 players that each brings something to the table.

I‘m totally enjoying the type of basketball RU is playing this season moreso than last year’s team thus far.

Kudos to Coach Pike and staff for trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

GO RU

You were right CCSU was a step up they are taking power conf scalps left and right

 

[RUDivision]

It is ALWAYS fun to watch RU win, unless the team is really, really miserable to watch. They have not been really miserable to watch this season so far. So .. 4 fun games to date!

And frankly, other than the American game, none of the games were ever really in doubt, just the margin of victory. And even the American game, after RU tied them at the end of the 1st half, I was pretty confident - and when RU went up 45-35 to start the 2nd half (a 15-2 run), RU was never really horribly threatened. Yeah, American got to within 5 towards the end - but never had the ball with a chance to make it a one-possession game, and RU hit their FT's to put it away.

I cannot remember if it was in this thread, or another, but one poster was complaining that it too a strong FT shooting game to beat a low level team ... like they were complaining a=that RU shot FT's in quantity and well in this game! And if RU had shot FT's poorly, they would have said "See, I told you RU sucked" - even if RU had win the game but with poor FT shooting!

Look, RU has a ton of question marks still, looks like they are short talent relative to mist of the other Big Ten teams, and do look like they could get blown out a few times, and struggle in the Big Ten. But ... stranger things have happened. I still see a path to 14-16 overall wins. I admit that 12 wins seems more likely a downside than even 16 wins as an upside. But until they play the games? Who knows?

For example .. here are some "What If's":

1) What if ... Grant is actually a true break-out player, like the 2 Murray brothers were, or a number of other players were for other pas Big Ten teams ... and he can actually average 16 ppg, 7 rpg, with a good efficiency?

2) What if ... Davis can average 9-10 ppg, 4-5 apg, 42%+ FG, 35%+ 3-point shooting, and solid on-ball defense?

3) What if ... Francis can be acceptable defensively, even with his 6'0" or shorter height (like Jameer Young of Maryland, let's say) and average 12-14 ppg with an reaosnable offensive efficiency?

4) What if ... ONE of Badalau or Bichanan can be a reliable #3 scorer behind Grant and Francis? Or between them ONE is a #3 scorer in most games, alternating, ;et's say?

5) What if ... Nwuli gradually develops into an effective reserve, even if only defensively and rebounding? He showed much better, less lost, versus American than in the prior 3 games.

6) What if ... Fall and Dortch, combined, can deliver 15-18 mpg and provide 6-7 reb/g and solid help defense (both likely are too skinny to be too effective in solo post defense - i.e. without help - against any teams with decent post players)?

1) What if Grant only looks good against small unatheltic kids?

2) What if Davis is a bad defender who does not create shots, can not score or shoot and gets dominated against true bigger power 4 guards.

3). What if Francis can not guard small low mid majors and gets dominated in power 4 play? What if he can not score and gets dominated inside against true BIG talent?

4) What if Badalau who can not create a shot against terrible low major can not do anything in the BIG?

5) What if Nuwili develops? Too what an 8 th man off the bench?

6). What if fall and Dortch get absolutely destroyed against actual big men?

What if

 

[BigEastPhil]

It’s a fun team to watch so far because we’re 4-0.

If we were 2-2, it wouldn’t be too much fun!

Knew this thread wouldn’t age well !

 

[Knight Shift]

At least with football we have some NFL bound players and even the biggest GS fans (myself being one of them) are honest about the defense.
Saying this is a “fun team to watch” prior to tonight is just straight delusional. Yes, it’s so much fun trotting out a team with almost no B1G players

Not sure what the point is with Schiano. If anything, Schiano has a bigger problem with all the offensive talent, and what has happened with the defense- his calling card. If money/buyouts were not object, both should be canned immediately. That's not realistic, and with football, there is a dearth of coaches and a lot of openings to fill.

 

[biazza38]

Not sure what the point is with Schiano. If anything, Schiano has a bigger problem with all the offensive talent, and what has happened with the defense- his calling card. If money/buyouts were not object, both should be canned immediately. That's not realistic, and with football, there is a dearth of coaches and a lot of openings to fill.

Have you missed the part this seasons where NIL caused roster issues with the defense? The whole point of mentioning the offensive players is at least Schiano attempted to fundraise and be able to keep guys such as Duff, Strong, Raymond, and a competent QB in AK. That’s wild that you would think being able to at least put together a B1G offense is somehow a negative because the other side is bad. Yeah, his calling card is defense, but as Richie has mentioned, we don’t have the money to get what we need. I like Pike, but he clearly did nothing. If we didn’t have Schiano, football would be in major major trouble. He’s kept it afloat without any administrative support over the last two seasons. The season is disappointing. NIL didn’t cause us to lose to Minnesota. But that’s laughable that you think Schiano has bigger problems despite actually taking action and fielding a competent offense

 

[Knight Shift]

Have you missed the part this seasons where NIL caused roster issues with the defense? The whole point of mentioning the offensive players is at least Schiano attempted to fundraise and be able to keep guys such as Duff, Strong, Raymond, and a competent QB in AK. That’s wild that you would think being able to at least put together a B1G offense is somehow a negative because the other side is bad. Yeah, his calling card is defense, but as Richie has mentioned, we don’t have the money to get what we need. I like Pike, but he clearly did nothing. If we didn’t have Schiano, football would be in major major trouble. He’s kept it afloat without any administrative support over the last two seasons. The season is disappointing. NIL didn’t cause us to lose to Minnesota. But that’s laughable that you think Schiano has bigger problems despite actually taking action and fielding a competent offense

Nope. Have not missed a thing.
Have you noticed how long it took Greg to hire KC and then the third time retread Robb? That's totally on him not finding a competent DC. Wow, talk about turning the tables, trying using some reading comprehension. I complimented the offense. Wah, wah, wah on money. What about Pikes and money? He got next to zip. And what about any support for basketball? Basically nonexistent. Greg's support staff and spending is in the top 1/3 of the B1G with bottom 1/3 results. I see you are an only Greg can do it guy. That's OK. We can agree to disagree here. As I said, if money was no object, both should be canned.

 

[biazza38]

Nope. Have not missed a thing.
Have you noticed how long it took Greg to hire KC and then the third time retread Robb? That's totally on him not finding a competent DC. Wow, talk about turning the tables, trying using some reading comprehension. I complimented the offense. Wah, wah, wah on money. What about Pikes and money? He got next to zip. And what about any support for basketball? Basically nonexistent. Greg's support staff and spending is in the top 1/3 of the B1G with bottom 1/3 results. I see you are an only Greg can do it guy. That's OK. We can agree to disagree here. As I said, if money was no object, both should be canned.

Richie has mentioned numerous times that money is there for Pike if he’s asks for it. I don’t think Pike should have RU in the top 10 in the conference. Just like football he has no NIL support. (Which by the way is way different than money on support staff) But man, you can’t lose to CCSU by 13. You can’t lose to Kennesaw state and Princeton with two lottery picks. Basketball is clearly in worse shape.

This is my original post
“At least with football we have some NFL bound players and even the biggest GS fans (myself being one of them) are honest about the defense. Saying this is a “fun team to watch” prior to tonight is just straight delusional. Yes, it’s so much fun trotting out a team with almost no B1G players”

That’s it. I was commenting on the fact that the fans here are straight delusional to think this is a fun team. But of course you completely derailed the convo and somehow are talking about Robb Smith. Nothing I even said was rah rah Schiano is the best and the only one who can do it. Just pointing out that football doesn’t have an entire roster of low major player. The team that can at least compete in OOC does not have a bigger problem than the team that lost by 13 to CCSU

 

[Knight Shift]

Richie has mentioned numerous times that money is there for Pike if he’s asks for it. I don’t think Pike should have RU in the top 10 in the conference. Just like football he has no NIL support. (Which by the way is way different than money on support staff) But man, you can’t lose to CCSU by 13. You can’t lose to Kennesaw state and Princeton with two lottery picks. Basketball is clearly in worse shape.

This is my original post
“At least with football we have some NFL bound players and even the biggest GS fans (myself being one of them) are honest about the defense. Saying this is a “fun team to watch” prior to tonight is just straight delusional. Yes, it’s so much fun trotting out a team with almost no B1G players”

That’s it. I was commenting on the fact that the fans here are straight delusional to think this is a fun team. But of course you completely derailed the convo and somehow are talking about Robb Smith. Nothing I even said was rah rah Schiano is the best and the only one who can do it. Just pointing out that football doesn’t have an entire roster of low major player. The team that can at least compete in OOC does not have a bigger problem than the team that lost by 13 to CCSU

Take a look in the mirror and a dose of your own advice on derailing. You brought up your God can do no wrong, he's our football savior Schiano. The constant excuse train you guys are happy to jump on and ride along is comical. So, what you are saying is everyone should enjoy your Greg gushfest and just respond to "fun team to watch." Got it. I'll try to be more selective, read your mind and only respond to the parts of your post you want us to respond to. By the way, I feel equally strong that both should be fired if money was no object. But we know that is unlikely to happen given the lengths of their contracts and the buyouts. So we agree on 50% of things. Enjoy your day.

 

[biazza38]

Take a look in the mirror and a dose of your own advice on derailing. You brought up your God can do no wrong, he's our football savior Schiano. The constant excuse train you guys are happy to jump on and ride along is comical. So, what you are saying is everyone should enjoy your Greg gushfest and just respond to "fun team to watch." Got it. I'll try to be more selective, read your mind and only respond to the parts of your post you want us to respond to. By the way, I feel equally strong that both should be fired if money was no object. But we know that is unlikely to happen given the lengths of their contracts and the buyouts. So we agree on 50% of things. Enjoy your day.

Take a chill pill dude. It’s not that serious

 

[Knight Shift]

Take a chill pill dude. It’s not that serious

Again, take a dose of your own words. Be nice. Recognize fans can have different opinions. Enjoy your day (again). Good tidings to you.

 

[biazza38]

Again, take a dose of your own words. Be nice. Recognize fans can have different opinions. Enjoy your day (again). Good tidings to you.

Oh the irony

 

[Mholinko]

Have you missed the part this seasons where NIL caused roster issues with the defense? The whole point of mentioning the offensive players is at least Schiano attempted to fundraise and be able to keep guys such as Duff, Strong, Raymond, and a competent QB in AK. That’s wild that you would think being able to at least put together a B1G offense is somehow a negative because the other side is bad. Yeah, his calling card is defense, but as Richie has mentioned, we don’t have the money to get what we need. I like Pike, but he clearly did nothing. If we didn’t have Schiano, football would be in major major trouble. He’s kept it afloat without any administrative support over the last two seasons. The season is disappointing. NIL didn’t cause us to lose to Minnesota. But that’s laughable that you think Schiano has bigger problems despite actually taking action and fielding a competent offense

Schiano at least attempted to stay afloat knowing there was NIL issues

Pile is allergic to NIL

 

[RUDiddy777]

Ok throw them out! Pike peaked during Covid and has been in a downward spiral every year since. Crashing into a Moutainside last year. The only reason he is still coaching is RU refuses to act like a true power 4 school.

The 22-23 team was pretty good until Mawot went down (yes, depth on him). He has this season and next. It’s still November. Yesterday sucked. I hope it gets better.

If things look abysmal for next year in March, then we might have to move on sooner. It won’t be a decision made on the emotion of a (very) bad loss.

Some of the same emotional posters in this thread have been calling for Pikes firing since 2018.

 

[Mholinko]

The 22-23 team was pretty good until Mawot went down (yes, depth on him). He has this season and next. It’s still November. Yesterday sucked. I hope it gets better.

If things look abysmal for next year in March, then we might have to move on sooner. It won’t be a decision made on the emotion of a (very) bad loss.

Some of the same emotional posters in this thread have been calling for Pikes firing since 2018.

Well they are negative to be negative

rational people who say his time is up see the stark decline as the landscape has changed

the crazy part for pike is if we had not had ace and Dylan last year the seat wouldn’t be nearly as hot

the program took a huge swing and you falll twice as hard when it fails and if it’s followed with probably his worst roster to date it’s a bad look

 

[RUDiddy777]

Well they are negative to be negative

rational people who say his time is up see the stark decline as the landscape has changed

the crazy part for pike is if we had not had ace and Dylan last year the seat wouldn’t be nearly as hot

the program took a huge swing and you falll twice as hard when it fails and if it’s followed with probably his worst roster to date it’s a bad look

I can agree with most of that. My number is 2. This season needs to show improvement from now until March and next season has to be a return to the dance. If it doesn’t, I’ll be incredibly appreciative of Pikes tenure and accept that the game has changed too much for him.

But yeah, I dont think it’s looking good right now. But I’ll continue to be optimistic and root for team and Pike.

 

[Mholinko]

I can agree with most of that. My number is 2. This season needs to show improvement from now until March and next season has to be a return to the dance. If it doesn’t, I’ll be incredibly appreciative of Pikes tenure and accept that the game has changed too much for him.

But yeah, I dont think it’s looking good right now. But I’ll continue to be optimistic and root for team and Pike.

If we have the type of season seton hall had last year which was like Eddie Jordan’s last year… I don’t think you can wait agree?

 

[RUDiddy777]

If we have the type of season seton hall had last year which was like Eddie Jordan’s last year… I don’t think you can wait agree?

Definitely. A season like that will make him irrelevant in recruiting and transfer portal, and lead to the only talent transferring out - he’d be a lame duck overseeing a debacle before Zinn drags him out behind the shed and finishes him off with a shovel.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Pike is horrible coach and terrible evaluator of talent. This year will be a disaster.

The guy who won a national coach of the year award in 2020 is a horrible coach? What’s more likely? He forgot how to coach or you don’t know what your talking about?

 

[Mholinko]

The guy who won a national coach of the year award in 2020 is a horrible coach? What’s more likely? He forgot how to coach or you don’t know what your talking about?

I’ll take door #3. He knows how to coach and is a winning coach just not in this basketball climate when being a sales men and fundraiser matter more

 

[needmorecowbell]

I’ll take door #3. He knows how to coach and is a winning coach just not in this basketball climate when being a sales men and fundraiser matter more

That’s completely fair. It’s all about NIL right now and if Pike can’t do it or the university can’t figure it out, he won’t be here long.

 

[Mholinko]

That’s completely fair. It’s all about NIL right now and if Pike can’t do it or the university can’t figure it out, he won’t be here long.

You can see it in his post game presser he knows he just doesn’t have the horses to actually do anything and possibly not even compete

even in year 1 I think the talent was better than this year

 

[RUDivision]

The guy who won a national coach of the year award in 2020 is a horrible coach? What’s more likely? He forgot how to coach or you don’t know what your talking about?

Good defensive system coach at a lower level. Power 4 coach with actual big time talent zero chance. No offensive ability at all, stubborn and won’t hire an offensive assistant, can not handle big time talent , can not run an inbounds, horrible x and o coach. Time to go. He will leave us worse then great found us

 

[RUDiddy777]

That’s completely fair. It’s all about NIL right now and if Pike can’t do it or the university can’t figure it out, he won’t be here long.

Getting NIL together is priority 1. If Pike can’t figure it out and we need to move on, we’re going to be stuck taking a flyer on a coach because no established coach is going to come here and risk their career fighting with one hand tied behind their back.

 

[RUDivision]

Don’t know about you but it’s fun to watch five players playing for each other, unselfish play, facing adversity, making adjustments and giving their all Collectively. That’s team ball.

There were multiple agendas on the court at once last season. That’s not how you play the game of basketball.

Also, Pike and staff are coaching the hell out of these players without holding back.

That’s fun to me.

GO RU

How much fun is it now with the low end MAAC level talent?

 

[Mholinko]

How much fun is it now with the low end MAAC level talent?

He hasn’t posted on this board since before the CCSU game

 

[satnom]

He hasn’t posted on this board since before the CCSU game

Full of s h i t. Posted Friday night. See attached.

Anyways, team has major issues guarding the three ball, running plays, hitting shots, defense, rebounding, etc. Can‘t have both small guards on court at same time, especially against bigger, strong, longer, auto shot maker back courts.

Very disappointed in the play of our roster. Tennessee had a bunch of avatar players that could shoot from anywhere on the court.

Very unfun to watch. Pike and company have to figure something out quick.

GO RU