27, 9 & 8.....

[NewJerseyHawk]

Bench productivity tonight was elite level basketball.

Lathan 3-4....6 PTS, 4 Assists (shhh, he doesn't pass is what I heard)....another zero turnover game.

PJ Hayes 2-6 (2-5 from 3), 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist, no turnovers

Derkack 2-4 (0-1 from 3), attacking all game, earned 8 FTs (made 5), 3 Turnovers (1 was just a turnover he can't make but he's learning)...robbed of 2 charges he absorbed and got called fouls on.

Acuff.....timely 3s off the bench and some important minutes down the stretch without any hiccups (2-4 from 3 in 10 solid minutes).

This type of productivity is almost impossible to duplicate on the road in the B1G, but if we can get similar production in the RAC off the bench, things can be interesting.

I'm probably most impressed with Hayes tonight, he was moving better and not willing to be stationary. He found spots to launch, which puts pressure on the defense.....and he was more dialed in on defense...probably his most complete game on both ends in 15 minutes. He has to run hard, game in and game out and hope the opponent can't locate him in transition.

 

[RUPete]

Bench productivity tonight was elite level basketball.

Lathan 3-4....6 PTS, 4 Assists (shhh, he doesn't pass is what I heard)....another zero turnover game.

PJ Hayes 2-6 (2-5 from 3), 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist, no turnovers

Derkack 2-4 (0-1 from 3), attacking all game, earned 8 FTs (made 5), 3 Turnovers (1 was just a turnover he can't make but he's learning)...robbed of 2 charges he absorbed and got called fouls on.

Acuff.....timely 3s off the bench and some important minutes down the stretch without any hiccups (2-4 from 3 in 10 solid minutes).

This type of productivity is almost impossible to duplicate on the road in the B1G, but if we can get similar production in the RAC off the bench, things can be interesting.

I'm probably most impressed with Hayes tonight, he was moving better and not willing to be stationary. He found spots to launch, which puts pressure on the defense.....and he was more dialed in on defense...probably his most complete game on both ends in 15 minutes. He has to run hard, game in and game out and hope the opponent can't locate him in transition.

Good points. As for Hayes, he was definitely moving more but I also noticed Dylan encouraging him or instructing him to do so.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

NjH. Still didnt have an answer for pSU wing. Dercack a few inches short

Hicks 6’8’’

Thought we would see Grant

2 straight games tall wings got us

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

NjH. Still didnt have an answer for pSU wing. Dercack a few inches short

We did what we had to do, which was JMike and others attacking Ace Baldwin on defense and making him earn everything on offense.....forced him into a 3-14 shooting night and made others take shots (Zach Hicks was given too much airspace).

Derkack is asked to do WAY too much by the staff, but he just rolls with it and doesn't blink.....

go downhill and attack off the dribble.....drive baseline to draw contact... bring the ball up on occasion and try and initiate offense at the point....take charges.....and make an occasional 3, if left open.

I think he would be more effective if he wasn't asked to trail or guard Zach Hicks (PSU) or Devin Royal (Ohio State), but if he gets stops and can draw contact and get FTs, he adds so much value.

 

[bac2therac]

NjH. Still didnt have an answer for pSU wing. Dercack a few inches short

Hicks 6’8’’

Thought we would see Grant

2 straight games tall wings got us

really dont know what your infatuation with Grant is, why are you setting yourself up

 

[bac2therac]

Bench productivity tonight was elite level basketball.

Lathan 3-4....6 PTS, 4 Assists (shhh, he doesn't pass is what I heard)....another zero turnover game.

PJ Hayes 2-6 (2-5 from 3), 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist, no turnovers

Derkack 2-4 (0-1 from 3), attacking all game, earned 8 FTs (made 5), 3 Turnovers (1 was just a turnover he can't make but he's learning)...robbed of 2 charges he absorbed and got called fouls on.

Acuff.....timely 3s off the bench and some important minutes down the stretch without any hiccups (2-4 from 3 in 10 solid minutes).

This type of productivity is almost impossible to duplicate on the road in the B1G, but if we can get similar production in the RAC off the bench, things can be interesting.

I'm probably most impressed with Hayes tonight, he was moving better and not willing to be stationary. He found spots to launch, which puts pressure on the defense.....and he was more dialed in on defense...probably his most complete game on both ends in 15 minutes. He has to run hard, game in and game out and hope the opponent can't locate him in transition.

at some point these guys have to step up. I have no doubt that Pike won this game post Ohio State talk and practices and challenging these guys

The big question is this sustainable on the road.. i dont know...a key factor is getting Dylan going early and then giving the bench a shot to contribute. RU actually built the double digit lead on Acuff/Hayes/Lathan

 

[seansherm]

Bench productivity tonight was elite level basketball.

Lathan 3-4....6 PTS, 4 Assists (shhh, he doesn't pass is what I heard)....another zero turnover game.

PJ Hayes 2-6 (2-5 from 3), 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist, no turnovers

Derkack 2-4 (0-1 from 3), attacking all game, earned 8 FTs (made 5), 3 Turnovers (1 was just a turnover he can't make but he's learning)...robbed of 2 charges he absorbed and got called fouls on.

Acuff.....timely 3s off the bench and some important minutes down the stretch without any hiccups (2-4 from 3 in 10 solid minutes).

This type of productivity is almost impossible to duplicate on the road in the B1G, but if we can get similar production in the RAC off the bench, things can be interesting.

I'm probably most impressed with Hayes tonight, he was moving better and not willing to be stationary. He found spots to launch, which puts pressure on the defense.....and he was more dialed in on defense...probably his most complete game on both ends in 15 minutes. He has to run hard, game in and game out and hope the opponent can't locate him in transition.

Lathan's best game, must've got made EO was the center w assists last time out. Hayes contributed beside the shooting, which he must do.

 

[higgins3]

Things are matchup dependent, but if I was Pike, until Martini proved differently in practice, I would keep the rotation as it was last night.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

really dont know what your infatuation with Grant is, why are you setting yourself up

I think he is 4 star and we have no one the roster that can guard a tall wing. I also had an infatuation with Mag, way before he was getting starters minutes.

I also trust Pike, but I realize he doesn't boot people from rotation quickly.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Things are matchup dependent, but if I was Pike, until Martini proved differently in practice, I would keep the rotation as it was last night.

He went 5 less for most of the 2nd half vs ND and hasnt done that except for a few minutes since. Unless Martini really does poorly in practice and loses confidence in his shot he will be back against certain opponents.

Also I know he is a 5th year guy, but this has to be a wake up call that he has to give everything on defense and rebounding to see the court.

 

[RUJMM78]

Things are matchup dependent, but if I was Pike, until Martini proved differently in practice, I would keep the rotation as it was last night.

Its hard to explain the captain of the Rutgers basketball team doesn't play one minute in this home game .I doubt his family were happy with the lack of playing time.Martini destroyed Cliff in last seasons Princeton game.

This was a great win against a quality opponent that will win some league road games.In a 80-76 game Rutgers almost gave the game away with turnovers and missed foul shots.Its a learning experience for the team and coaching staff.The key for future wins is getting other players to score when Bailey and Harper are on the bench resting.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

at some point these guys have to step up. I have no doubt that Pike won this game post Ohio State talk and practices and challenging these guys

The big question is this sustainable on the road.. i dont know...a key factor is getting Dylan going early and then giving the bench a shot to contribute. RU actually built the double digit lead on Acuff/Hayes/Lathan

It is unfortunate that it took this long.

 

[needmorecowbell]

NjH. Still didnt have an answer for pSU wing. Dercack a few inches short

Hicks 6’8’’

Thought we would see Grant

2 straight games tall wings got us

The best defense on Hicks was speed. PSU just set screen after screen up top to free him up for a 3. In the second half JWill was guarding him well and then got caught ball watching 2-3 times and Hicks made him pay. Grant would have struggled in that situation.

 

[LeapinLou]

Derkack 2-4 (0-1 from 3), attacking all game, earned 8 FTs (made 5), 3 Turnovers (1 was just a turnover he can't make but he's learning)...robbed of 2 charges he absorbed and got called fouls on.

I haven't read many of the posts yet but that 2nd "block" on Derkack almost cost us the game. It was clearly a charge. Instead of us having the ball with an 8 point lead, they got free throws. It contributed mightily to the wheels coming off for a few minutes.

 

[bac2therac]

I think he is 4 star and we have no one the roster that can guard a tall wing. I also had an infatuation with Mag, way before he was getting starters minutes.

I also trust Pike, but I realize he doesn't boot people from rotation quickly.

was GG a 4 star. I like what I saw last night, it may not always be that way where PJ and the gang are stepping up but we have no idea if Grant is able to guard anyone. Just a small data point of minutes which have been pretty non descript and 0-8

that being said I would be surprised if Grant does not see minutes vs SHU

 

[bac2therac]

It is unfortunate that it took this long.

and will it be consistent..not sure but at least the competition lessens over the next 3

 

[zappaa]

Pike made an extremely important coaching move last night.
I’m sure it was difficult, but obviously Pike and staff watched enough film and determined Mancini can’t compete in the B1G.
Unless he was hurt, I’m sure that was a very difficult thing to explain to the young man.
Imagine Mancini attempting to vie for the rebounds Ace pulled down…. Not happening

 

[higgins3]

Its hard to explain the captain of the Rutgers basketball team doesn't play one minute in this home game .I doubt his family were happy with the lack of playing time.Martini destroyed Cliff in last seasons Princeton game.

This was a great win against a quality opponent that will win some league road games.In a 80-76 game Rutgers almost gave the game away with turnovers and missed foul shots.Its a learning experience for the team and coaching staff.The key for future wins is getting other players to score when Bailey and Harper are on the bench resting.

This is the top level of college basketball competition. These are the best of the best. You play the amount you earn.

Cliff on the grand scheme of college basketball was an average player. I am not surprised Martini won the matchup.

You can still be a captain and not be the best player, or top player on the team. He will get time going forward given matchups, but for Pikiell to go where most thought the team could, he has to shorten the rotation. We are many games in.

 

[LeapinLou]

Pike made an extremely important coaching move last night.
I’m sure it was difficult, but obviously Pike and staff watched enough film and determined Mancini can’t compete in the B1G.
Unless he was hurt, I’m sure that was a very difficult thing to explain to the young man.
Imagine Mancini attempting to vie for the rebounds Ace pulled down…. Not happening

Pike said that the reason Martini didn't play was because of match ups. He's not hurt. That said, I think it's premature to say he's benched and will have limited minutes the rest of the season. I think there will be games aside from Princeton and Columbia where he will be a useful piece. But the bottom line is this team needs to up its defensive game. And that means more Ace on the glass and JMike on the star guard.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

was GG a 4 star. I like what I saw last night, it may not always be that way where PJ and the gang are stepping up but we have no idea if Grant is able to guard anyone. Just a small data point of minutes which have been pretty non descript and 0-8

that being said I would be surprised if Grant does not see minutes vs SHU

I hear you with the rankings and all that...obviously I am hoping and I don't know if he is the man. Obviously not enough data and PT to see and the minutes he has received haven't been good (forgetting the offensive side).

I am going to make an educated guess that he is actually a decent perimeter shooter. If he isn't he is just an overly confident guy for no reason. What else would explain him shotting every chance he got.

 

[goru7]

Things are matchup dependent, but if I was Pike, until Martini proved differently in practice, I would keep the rotation as it was last night.

Martini did not play because their 4’s and sub 5’s were very fast and athletic. This was not the game for him. There will be others down the road where they play a more traditional 4 , like Kurtz of Purdue., and others. Penn State was too fast and athletic for Zack.

 

[needmorecowbell]

at some point these guys have to step up. I have no doubt that Pike won this game post Ohio State talk and practices and challenging these guys

The big question is this sustainable on the road.. i dont know...a key factor is getting Dylan going early and then giving the bench a shot to contribute. RU actually built the double digit lead on Acuff/Hayes/Lathan

This nails it. Can Pike get maximum effort and focus from the team as a whole and get bench scoring from a few key players. We need shooters on the floor. Hayes and Acuff got wide open 3’s when they were on the floor. That’s the recipe for wins. I would love to see more pick n pop from Dylan and Ace plus 1-2 shooters in the opposite corner/wing. That’s is hard to guard.

 

[Mholinko]

Its hard to explain the captain of the Rutgers basketball team doesn't play one minute in this home game .I doubt his family were happy with the lack of playing time.Martini destroyed Cliff in last seasons Princeton game.

This was a great win against a quality opponent that will win some league road games.In a 80-76 game Rutgers almost gave the game away with turnovers and missed foul shots.Its a learning experience for the team and coaching staff.The key for future wins is getting other players to score when Bailey and Harper are on the bench resting.

Everyone is too hung up on him killing Cliff

THEY killed a bad Rutgers team collectively

Martini averaged 8 and 5 in the Ivy League it was a huge ask to expect the same of him and in some minds more of him in big 10

He can still be a leader and captain with a reduced role and I expect he’ll play these next 3 games

 

[Rutgers25]

Everyone is too hung up on him killing Cliff

THEY killed a bad Rutgers team collectively

Martini averaged 8 and 5 in the Ivy League it was a huge ask to expect the same of him and in some minds more of him in big 10

He can still be a leader and captain with a reduced role and I expect he’ll play these next 3 games

I’m looking at the stars from the game. Zach has 10pts and 2 boards. Cliff had 12 and 7. Obviously, stats don’t always tell the whole story but I don’t see anything resembling Zach owning Cliff.

 

[biazza38]

I’m looking at the stars from the game. Zach has 10pts and 2 boards. Cliff had 12 and 7. Obviously, stats don’t always tell the whole story but I don’t see anything resembling Zach owning Cliff.

Pretty much this. I didn’t get to see that game but I just looked up the box score and saw the same thing. I’m going to assume Princeton just backdoored us to death in that game. Allocco had 21, so maybe some of the Martini hopefuls here are just misremembering

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I think if the question is about matchups, it wasn't an indicator on Martini.....it was Martini or Hayes and Hayes vs a smaller and guard oriented lineup (with JMike assigned to Ace Baldwin) made the most sense.

If a team has a smaller lineup (like PSU) and JMike can handle the opposing assignment of the PG, then we can make this subtle lineup adjustment.

JMike PG
JWill or Derkack CG or Hayes
Dylan Harper SF/ Wing or Hayes
Ace Bailey SF/PF
Ogbole or Sommerville

In any situation, placing Dylan Harper in the RHJ role (wing, corner 3s) can happen because Dylan Harper is actually 6'7 with long arms. I actually like him better in this role for the majority of the season going forward, because he has the ability to rebound and generate his own fast break or advance the ball himself.

12 rebounds from him as a wing SF, creates a lot of problems for opponents. The Pro Scouts can ultimate decide if he is a PG (like Cade Cunningham was at OK State) or if he is more of a hybrid, do it all type of player.

Dylan Harper or Dylan Grant or Martini is an easy decision. IF JWill and JMike can contain their assignment on the perimeter.

I am not sure I want Dylan Harper chasing down a wing all game on defense, but there's literally nothing Harper cannot do on a basketball court. Bears watching if last night was just a one game adjustment or not.

To simplify things, just rank the players in order of talent, skill, speed, quickness, explosive plays, shooting, passing etc....in most cases this is how I rank the players and are they capable of playing multiple positions on the court.

1A or 1B (Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper).
3 Lathan Sommerville
4A 4B JWill, Derkack
6 Tyson Acuff
7 PJ Hayes
8 JMike
9A-B or C Ogbole/Martini/Grant
TBD Dortch

Right now, Derkack is being asked to do pretty much everything (like Dylan Harper) and he has to improve his decision making on offense. If he does, RU launches into a different level.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Lathan isn't versatile in terms of who he guards and what he can do on the floor. Sorry.

He can do things at the 5 position that quite frankly we have never seen here, but does them good as a 5. He can't guard most people on the floor and his offensive skill set as a 3 or a 2020s 4 isn't nearly at a level he would need to be.

He did take a charge last night so I'll say he reminds me a bit of Scottie Pippen.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Pike made an extremely important coaching move last night.
I’m sure it was difficult, but obviously Pike and staff watched enough film and determined Mancini can’t compete in the B1G.
Unless he was hurt, I’m sure that was a very difficult thing to explain to the young man.
Imagine Mancini attempting to vie for the rebounds Ace pulled down…. Not happening

I don’t think u need to worry about seeing Mancini the rest of the year . . .

 

[seansherm]

I’m looking at the stars from the game. Zach has 10pts and 2 boards. Cliff had 12 and 7. Obviously, stats don’t always tell the whole story but I don’t see anything resembling Zach owning Cliff.

That's because it didn't happen. Not only the above, but Wool folk was 5-6 from the floor w more rebounds than Martini and Palm pretty much matched Martin's numbers. Guard play was the issue in that game.

 

[BillyC80]

Pike made an extremely important coaching move last night.
I’m sure it was difficult, but obviously Pike and staff watched enough film and determined Mancini can’t compete in the B1G.
Unless he was hurt, I’m sure that was a very difficult thing to explain to the young man.
Imagine Mancini attempting to vie for the rebounds Ace pulled down…. Not happening

Henry Mancini? That guy had no hoop skills whatsoever

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am worried Pike is going to put in The Pink Panther instead of Martini.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Mancini

 

[FIJI'83]

NjH. Still didnt have an answer for pSU wing. Dercack a few inches short

Hicks 6’8’’

Thought we would see Grant

2 straight games tall wings got us

PSU's Hicks (#24) is a deadly 3 point shooter. I believe he leads the B10 in 3 point shooting efficiency at 50.8%. He was 6/10 from 3 last night which is an insane 60% efficiency. And those 3s were for the most part contested.

 

[zappaa]

I am worried Pike is going to put in The Pink Panther instead of Martini.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Mancini

Yup
My bad, i deserve the beat down

 

[zappaa]

Henry Mancini? That guy had no hoop skills whatsoever

I’m an idiot

 

[bethlehemfan]

I don’t think u need to worry about seeing Mancini the rest of the year . . .

I think we’ll see him again but I liked the move last night. He would have had a touch time staying in front of those guys.l and rebounding.

 

[BillyC80]

I’m an idiot

Maybe, but you’re OUR idiot, Zap! No worries, we’ve all been there. Plus it was good for a few yuks.

 

[Degaz-RU]

JMike got 5 minutes the other night but 19 last night because the matchup dictated it.

Martini will play again when the matchup is right... probably this Saturday against a SHU team that badly struggles to score.

 

[zappaa]

Maybe, but you’re OUR idiot, Zap! No worries, we’ve all been there. Plus it was good for a few yuks.

Yuking after wins = Easy to do

 

[BillyC80]

Yuking after wins = Easy to do

True dat.

 

[NBKnight]

Henry Mancini? That guy had no hoop skills whatsoever

I thought he was talking about Boom Boom Mancini, his biggest issues are he is 5’5” and 63 years old.