RAPID REACTION — NJIT

[Degaz-RU]

1. Got the job done again against an overmatched low major opponent. NJIT’s defense was pretty awful, and we got what we wanted when we wanted it. This could’ve been a 50 point win if Rutgers had not missed a boatload of bunnies and layups. First time Rutgers scored 100+ points in over a decade (2/3/2016).

2. Nervous times in the first five minutes, though, as NJIT jumped out to a 13-8 lead. But Rutgers stormed back on the strength of four dribble drive layups by Lino Mark, and with Rutgers clamping down on defense and NJIT going cold. Once we got the lead to double digits, we just kept going and never looked back.

3. Solid night again from deep, as we hit 7 of 17 before garbage time, and 8-21 overall, with Rasheed Jones (2-2) and Tariq Francis (3-4) leading the way.

4. I honestly didn’t love the interior defense, particularly from Christian Gurdak. We had trouble defending the pick and roll, and were generally allowing too many easy looks in the paint.

5. Lots of contributions up and down the lineup again, with 12 players scoring. The offense was led by Lino Mark (17 pts, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Francis (17 pts, 6 assists)

6. Special shoutout to Will Sydnor, who only played 7 minutes in the last quarter of the game, but had 10 points, including a nice three and 5-6 from the line. Sydnor looks smooth and athletic, has a nice looking shot, and he shows no ill effects from the ankle injury. I think it’s time to weave him into the regular rotation instead of just playing as a deep reserve. He looks like he can be a difference maker.

 

[shields]

Like Sydnor.

 

[sct1111]

Like Sydnor.

Looks a little rusty but has crazy potential. Needs to develop chemistry with the starters.

 

[RUDiddy777]

I was actually impressed with Lino’s effort on the defensive end.

 

[Scangg]

Sydnor is a baller and at a different level on the court. You can see it the second he is on the court and gets the ball in his hands. He should be a starter and focal point of the team

 

[Rutgers25]

Knight must be sending a message to Sydnor about the defensive end. Can’t see any other reason why he’s not getting rotation minutes. Doesn’t look injured to me

 

[Rokodesh]

Knight must be sending a message to Sydnor about the defensive end. Can’t see any other reason why he’s not getting rotation minutes. Doesn’t look injured to me

He missed an entire season. He's adjusting back into rhythm. He'll play more each game.

 

[littlenis5]

On tv coming out of a timeout Sydnor was saying something and TJ and Knight both seemed to be holding back laughter and trying to calm him down, would love to know what was being said.

I also wonder if they’re intentionally hiding him a bit hoping Houston can’t get a scout on him next week

 

[Scangg]

Knight must be sending a message to Sydnor about the defensive end. Can’t see any other reason why he’s not getting rotation minutes. Doesn’t look injured to me

He's coming back from an injury

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Sydnor is a baller and at a different level on the court. You can see it the second he is on the court and gets the ball in his hands. He should be a starter and focal point of the team

Bingo. Bringing him back carefully off the ankle sprain

 

[richthedentist]

1. Got the job done again against an overmatched low major opponent. NJIT’s defense was pretty awful, and we got what we wanted when we wanted it. This could’ve been a 50 point win if Rutgers had not missed a boatload of bunnies and layups. First time Rutgers scored 100+ points in over a decade (2/3/2016).

2. Nervous times in the first five minutes, though, as NJIT jumped out to a 13-8 lead. But Rutgers stormed back on the strength of four dribble drive layups by Lino Mark, and with Rutgers clamping down on defense and NJIT going cold. Once we got the lead to double digits, we just kept going and never looked back.

3. Solid night again from deep, as we hit 7 of 17 before garbage time, and 8-21 overall, with Rasheed Jones (2-2) and Tariq Francis (3-4) leading the way.

4. I honestly didn’t love the interior defense, particularly from Christian Gurdak. We had trouble defending the pick and roll, and were generally allowing too many easy looks in the paint.

5. Lots of contributions up and down the lineup again, with 12 players scoring. The offense was led by Lino Mark (17 pts, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Francis (17 pts, 6 assists)

6. Special shoutout to Will Sydnor, who only played 7 minutes in the last quarter of the game, but had 10 points, including a nice three and 5-6 from the line. Sydnor looks smooth and athletic, has a nice looking shot, and he shows no ill effects from the ankle injury. I think it’s time to weave him into the regular rotation instead of just playing as a deep reserve. He looks like he can be a difference maker.

Was going to mention #4!!
Gurdak got burned numerous times on the pick and roll just completely overcommitting that’s a big concern going into the Big

 

[Rutgers25]

Bingo. Bringing him back carefully off the ankle sprain

come on guys, this is nonsense. He was flying around out there tonight. No reason he shouldn’t have been in there earlier in the game. I’m almost certain it’s tied to defense

 

[bigbirdru]

Sydnor looks talented but a bit of a mole. Maybe since he was playing in garbage time and wanted to get some looks.

 

[Simce91]

come on guys, this is nonsense. He was flying around out there tonight. No reason he shouldn’t have been in there earlier in the game. I’m almost certain it’s tied to defense

I would speculate that the ankle injury has caused him to miss practice time, as well as not being in 100% cardio shape.
I would hazard a guess that he gets more minutes Friday, then more next week against Houston and ???


RU isn't that deep that they can afford him to be the 9th/10th man

 

[seansherm]

Inside defense will be a concern as the season goes on. That Kelly kid got some confidence and wasn't scared to go at our bigs.
Great to see Syndor moving around pretty well. Harness his energy and his athletic ability and length is something we don't have.
Still would like to see more Jones and honestly less Lino in the half court, don't care how much he scored.
Got very sloppy, good for everyone to get minutes.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

come on guys, this is nonsense. He was flying around out there tonight. No reason he shouldn’t have been in there earlier in the game. I’m almost certain it’s tied to defense

I’ll stick by my information….thank you

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I’ll stick by my information….thank you

If there was a guy tonight who was sent a message about defense and rebounding effort , it was Darrin smith jr, who sat most of the first half after an unacceptable effort on the boards and D in the first 4 minutes

he got the message …good sign

 

[RUfan1977]

Inside defense will be a concern as the season goes on. That Kelly kid got some confidence and wasn't scared to go at our bigs.
Great to see Syndor moving around pretty well. Harness his energy and his athletic ability and length is something we don't have.
Still would like to see more Jones and honestly less Lino in the half court, don't care how much he scored.
Got very sloppy, good for everyone to get minutes.

I can see why you would want to see less of Lino, sure he is disruptive on defense with his speed, athleticism and hustle, but 21 minutes is way to much for a player who scored 17 points only because he took 9 shots, but only made 5 and shot 9 free throws, but only made 7, he’s too short to rebound even though he goes after every rebound so he was only able to get 8 rebounds to lead the team, but in a game like this as you pointed out it’s good for everyone to get minutes.

I also have to agree that Sydnor looked great in garbage time. Hope Sydnor is fully recovered and close to being in game shape so we can see more of Sydnor when the game is on the line.

 

[PatrickRU92]

I was actually impressed with Lino’s effort on the defensive end.

he's a very pesky defender. He was last year too

 

[DC8690]

Inside defense will be a concern as the season goes on. That Kelly kid got some confidence and wasn't scared to go at our bigs.
Great to see Syndor moving around pretty well. Harness his energy and his athletic ability and length is something we don't have.
Still would like to see more Jones and honestly less Lino in the half court, don't care how much he scored.
Got very sloppy, good for everyone to get minutes.

Kelly was 1-3 from the floor - most his points came from free throws 5-8 and at least 2 of the fouls should have been travels

 

[needmorecowbell]

Knight has the team making the extra pass on offense and playing tough defense. It’s way more fun to watch and will definitely translate into more wins.

 

[RC80]

Nice attending a game with a stable coaching staff; they do seem like a pretty tight group - and will see if that means wins when the competition gets better. At least we are back to destroying these lower levels teams and not struggling. Keep it going Friday - and let's see what this looks like in Vegas.

 

[RUDiddy777]

I can see why you would want to see less of Lino, sure he is disruptive on defense with his speed, athleticism and hustle, but 21 minutes is way to much for a player who scored 17 points only because he took 9 shots, but only made 5 and shot 9 free throws, but only made 7, he’s too short to rebound even though he goes after every rebound so he was only able to get 8 rebounds to lead the team, but in a game like this as you pointed out it’s good for everyone to get minutes.

I also have to agree that Sydnor looked great in garbage time. Hope Sydnor is fully recovered and close to being in game shape so we can see more of Sydnor when the game is on the line.

I think the issue is that Lino isn’t going to be able to do what he did tonight against P4 teams who will have bigger and more athletic interior defense. I did like how he read the defenses better, picked his spots, and looked off help defense much more than he did last season. So he had a great game, but probably not the game we need him to play in Jan and Feb.

That said, he’s freakin electric.

 

[RUDiddy777]

he's a very pesky defender. He was last year too

He’s a lot of fun to watch on both ends. Really glad he stuck it out with us.

 

[RUDiddy777]

He missed an entire season. He's adjusting back into rhythm. He'll play more each game.

can imagine he’s probably been limited in playing with the team in practice.

 

[NBKnight]

I think the issue is that Lino isn’t going to be able to do what he did tonight against P4 teams who will have bigger and more athletic interior defense. I did like how he read the defenses better, picked his spots, and looked off help defense much more than he did last season. So he had a great game, but probably not the game we need him to play in Jan and Feb.

That said, he’s freakin electric.

He did average 10 points a game over the last ten B1G games last year.

 

[S.W.A.I.N]

When Miteo can slow it down a bit he's gonna be a problem.

 

[Simce91]

I think the issue is that Lino isn’t going to be able to do what he did tonight against P4 teams who will have bigger and more athletic interior defense. I did like how he read the defenses better, picked his spots, and looked off help defense much more than he did last season. So he had a great game, but probably not the game we need him to play in Jan and Feb.

That said, he’s freakin electric.

Thought Lino was key in getting the teams head out of their arses early in the game.

Love that RU has more options this year of guys that can pick the team up

 

[BigEastPhil]

Kelly was 1-3 from the floor - most his points came from free throws 5-8 and at least 2 of the fouls should have been travels

Local kid from Bridgewater!.

 

[BillyC80]

- Lino is the fastest player with the ball in his hands.
- Gurdak is a high IQ finesse 5, can score & pass.
- Tariq is a pure scorer, with help this year.
- JMike is efficient and an improved rebounder.
- Smith has a knack for finding space to score.
- Miteo is a beast in the making, with agility.
- Garavaglia is a fellow Italian, ‘nuff said.
- Buchanan is good at bully-ball.
- Jones can shoot the rock from deep.
- Ware has untapped potential.
- Wooten looked best in attack mode.
- Sydnor unleashed is eye-popping.
- Don’t expect much from Tonejc, Buca, or Powers.
- If Max is playing, it means we’re winning.

 

[satnom]

- Lino is the fastest player with the ball in his hands.
- Gurdak is a high IQ finesse 5, can score & pass.
- Tariq is a pure scorer, with help this year.
- JMike is efficient and an improved rebounder.
- Smith has a knack for finding space to score.
- Miteo is a beast in the making, with agility.
- Garavaglia is a fellow Italian, ‘nuff said.
- Buchanan is good at bully-ball.
- Jones can shoot the rock from deep.
- Ware has untapped potential.
- Wooten looked best in attack mode.
- Sydnor unleashed is eye-popping.
- Don’t expect much from Tonejc, Buca, or Powers.
- If Max is playing, it means we’re winning [by a lot].

Fixed one thing.

GO RU

 

[BillyC80]

Fixed one thing.

GO RU

Thanks, intent was “we’re going to win the game” but that was unclear.

 

[RUfan1977]

I think the issue is that Lino isn’t going to be able to do what he did tonight against P4 teams who will have bigger and more athletic interior defense. I did like how he read the defenses better, picked his spots, and looked off help defense much more than he did last season. So he had a great game, but probably not the game we need him to play in Jan and Feb.

That said, he’s freakin electric.

He’s quicker, faster and more athletic than Jacob Young was when he played here and plays more under control and at the end of last year he showed he could play like that against Big Ten teams. To your point the defenses will be bigger and more athletic so he will likely need to mix up taking it himself and passing off more to be really effective.

 

[shields]

Like how Jones plays.

 

[seansherm]

I can see why you would want to see less of Lino, sure he is disruptive on defense with his speed, athleticism and hustle, but 21 minutes is way to much for a player who scored 17 points only because he took 9 shots, but only made 5 and shot 9 free throws, but only made 7, he’s too short to rebound even though he goes after every rebound so he was only able to get 8 rebounds to lead the team, but in a game like this as you pointed out it’s good for everyone to get minutes.

I also have to agree that Sydnor looked great in garbage time. Hope Sydnor is fully recovered and close to being in game shape so we can see more of Sydnor when the game is on the line.

He made layups against a bad team. His speed is his best asset, no doubt, and in a game against a team like this it will look wonderful. All our guards are good rebounders thank god. I only saw the second half since my DVR malfunctioned, but he's still kind of useless in the half court, I like him better as a chaos agent off the bench, for this team, but it could work w Riq off the bench also. I just think an as the season goes on lineup Id like the combo of Lino and Smith off the bench w starting wings of Jones, Darren, and Syndor. Bring in chaos and scoring against tired legs.

 

[seansherm]

He did average 10 points a game over the last ten B1G games last year.

He's a good player who will get even better. I don't think what's best for this team in the long run is a Riq Lino pairing, not about his ability.

 

[Simce91]

What Lino has this year is a big who can finish around the rim, if he can "perfect" when to finish and when to dish on these drives, watch out !!!

 

[RUfan1977]

He made layups against a bad team. His speed is his best asset, no doubt, and in a game against a team like this it will look wonderful. All our guards are good rebounders thank god. I only saw the second half since my DVR malfunctioned, but he's still kind of useless in the half court, I like him better as a chaos agent off the bench, for this team, but it could work w Riq off the bench also. I just think an as the season goes on lineup Id like the combo of Lino and Smith off the bench w starting wings of Jones, Darren, and Syndor. Bring in chaos and scoring against tired legs.

Sorry to hear that your DVR malfunctioned, you missed quite the highlight show from Mark when Rutgers started poorly and Mark cut through the NJIT defense in transition for 3 impressive drives to the basket in a row. He looks faster and more in control than Jacob Young looked and Young was a real offensive weapon and disruptor on defense like Mark. Disagree with Mark being useless in half court but even if you’re right, Mark is so good in transition that Rutgers can run and score in transition almost at will. If Rutgers wants to make scoring in transition part of their identity they really need Mark.

 

[richthedentist]

I can see why you would want to see less of Lino, sure he is disruptive on defense with his speed, athleticism and hustle, but 21 minutes is way to much for a player who scored 17 points only because he took 9 shots, but only made 5 and shot 9 free throws, but only made 7, he’s too short to rebound even though he goes after every rebound so he was only able to get 8 rebounds to lead the team, but in a game like this as you pointed out it’s good for everyone to get minutes.

I also have to agree that Sydnor looked great in garbage time. Hope Sydnor is fully recovered and close to being in game shape so we can see more of Sydnor when the game is on the line.

Remember Richie said he probably wouldn't be a full go till December at least

 

[richthedentist]

- Lino is the fastest player with the ball in his hands.
- Gurdak is a high IQ finesse 5, can score & pass.
- Tariq is a pure scorer, with help this year.
- JMike is efficient and an improved rebounder.
- Smith has a knack for finding space to score.
- Miteo is a beast in the making, with agility.
- Garavaglia is a fellow Italian, ‘nuff said.
- Buchanan is good at bully-ball.
- Jones can shoot the rock from deep.
- Ware has untapped potential.
- Wooten looked best in attack mode.
- Sydnor unleashed is eye-popping.
- Don’t expect much from Tonejc, Buca, or Powers.
- If Max is playing, it means we’re winning.

I'm just very worried about Gurdak on the pick and rolls he overcommits andhe was torched a bunch by NJIT yesterday; when we get into BIG play the teams will step it up a notch and we will get roasted on defense