I know there is a Ron Harper thread already, but let me give props to Pike for Harper and MCConnell. A lot of people on here have harped on Pike’s misses in the recruiting game. While we all get the frustration when it comes to not landing a guy like Alvarado or giving a schollie to someone who was not talented enough, there seemed to be a few on this board who continue to bring up the misses. Great job by coach being way early in the game on Harper. Instead of going all in on guys like Naz Reid and Quinerly just because they were in our back yard, coach found a guy who was not evaluated much. Looks like he was months ahead of everyone else. Also, great job having a plan B to Corey Sanders and Strickland. It’s very tough to land a guy this late in the period if you’re a team like RU. Pike and co have done a really good job finding guys like Geno, Geo, and Harper who are not 5 star guys, but have good senior seasons and attract attention late. Pike is so so close to landing some big name players. It’s very clear we’re going to miss on a guy or two, but dammit this staff is getting into everyone’s house and might get the job done.
Props to Pike
- Thread starter biazza38
- Start date
Couldn't have said it better myself. Pike and crew have done a good job of finding the type of player that, with good coaching and development, will allow us to (in a year or two?) make just enough noise for RU to become less of a risk for the kids with blue blood options who won't give us a serious look now.
We'd all love for RU to jump the Grand Canyon with one great leap, but very few programs in our situation, that aren't highly suspect with regard to recruiting, can do that. Nope. RU will have to scale down one side, cross the canyon floor and climb up the other side. These are the type of kids, climbers, that Pike seems to be closing. It's what RU needs most at the moment... high character, hard working climbers who buy in and don't quit.
I happened to cross paths with Duke and Thiam in New Brunswick Saturday night. We had a great convo about how hard they're working in the offseason, the big wins this year and how excited they are for next season. They really like Pike and, yes, the belief in his vision and process is real. They loved the B1G tourney support and excitement at MSG, and we all really got animated when talking about the Seton Hall win. They loved it for all the same reasons we did. These guys really carried themselves like good dudes. It was a really cool encounter. Keep bringing in the good kids, Pike!
Coach and the entire staff all work so hard. They are finding the guys who in some cases are somewhat in the background. They never stop grinding and they have a plan. I have been a fan since 1971 which is 47 years. We have not had a staff work as hard as these guys have. I firmly believe that they will get the job done.
Yeah, I just don't see Pike shooting himself in the foot the way some previous coaches here have. Another key factor is that no previous coach has had the combination of league affiliation, competent and visionary athletic administration, facilities and funding that Pike has/will have.
This is a very good class
If some how Hyatt reclassified and you get three four star recruits (and a very underrated carter) ...that’s a major haul
If some how Hyatt reclassified and you get three four star recruits (and a very underrated carter) ...that’s a major haul
Simply put Pike & Co. have come in here and done exactly what he said he was gonna do, draft his kind of guy that fits his vision. He did it at Stony brook with success and will do it here at RU. It wont be overnight but recognizing talent like Harper before others and getting guys like Geo & Eugene are the reason this program is going to succeed.
Guys with chips on their shoulder who come to work with that lunch box grind mentality. His pitch to Caleb is just different than the normal and just by listening to him in press conferences you can see why guys want to play for him.
#InPikeWeTrust
Guys with chips on their shoulder who come to work with that lunch box grind mentality. His pitch to Caleb is just different than the normal and just by listening to him in press conferences you can see why guys want to play for him.
#InPikeWeTrust
Obviously some of these guys will take time to develop, but I think next year with no Corey and no Freeman (great memories of both) we're finally going to see a team that looks/plays the way Pike intends. I'm excited. Still may take a few years for the wins to come, but at least We'll get to see it start to take more definite shape.
Agree with the OP. If I’m honest, I would have to say that I was disappointed when Pike signed Harper...strictly because he had no stars. I don’t know my recruiting (for either B-ball or Football) so I rely on stars...like 90% of fans. So the fact that he was bumped to #132 and fours stars really confirmed my love for Pike.