RAPID REACTION - New Haven

[Degaz-RU]

1. Cant really take much from this game, as New Haven was overmatched. Rutgers got the job done with solid defense and okay offense. I don’t think the advanced stats will love the efficiency, but they hit shots and crashed the boards.

2. Co—MVPs go to Rasheed Jones (14 pts) and JMike (13 pts) who supplied efficient offense all night. Jones 4-5 from deep. JMike also set the tone early with 3 steals.

3. I like how BKnight force fed the freshmen. Miteo was the primary backup C, Garavaglia got a ton of run at the 3 and really showed his basketball IQ and defense. And Imari Wooten played as a fifth guard in place of Kaden Powers (who was sick this week).

4. Gurdak solid despite foul trouble. 12-4-3.

5. Glad to see New Haven play zone about half the night. Good practice for our zone offense, and they got more comfortable as the night wore on.

6. 9-23 from 3-pt range, but just 12-18 from the foul line.

 

[Scarlet Beach]

Getting the freshman time is going to pay off. Maybe a cupcake game but it's still experience playing college basketball. And tape for them to hopefully learn from.

 

[RUChet]

Good to get all guys
In the game

 

[Bob Chaewsky_rivals]

Getting the freshman time is going to pay off. Maybe a cupcake game but it's still experience playing college basketball. And tape for them to hopefully learn from.

Tape is OK, but drill baby drill.

 

[seansherm]

Tough to gleam much as NH was not good and not big, but some positives.
Jones looked like what we hoped. JMike played well. Pleasantly surprised by Diego court awareness, was solid on the defensive end. Still worry about back up bigs come tough foe time, but Miteo can at least move. Smart to play through Gurdak and the paint when our guards aren't the greatest at initiating offense.

 

[PhillyRU]

From the analytics side, we covered the spread and moved up three spots in KenPom — seems like we're all good from that aspect.

Offense was stagnant at times, and it seems like our focus wavered a bit. Really good to see Jones excel in a spot-up shooting role, he'll be a much-needed piece if he can combine that with plus positional length and defense.

Defense was generally pretty good, I thought. New Haven made an outsized amount of rather tough shots and still only scored 54 points. I also think the team will look more fluid once the rotation inevitably tightens.

 

[Degaz-RU]

From the analytics side, we covered the spread and moved up three spots in KenPom — seems like we're all good from that aspect.

Offense was stagnant at times, and it seems like our focus wavered a bit. Really good to see Jones excel in a spot-up shooting role, he'll be a much-needed piece if he can combine that with plus positional length and defense.

Defense was generally pretty good, I thought. New Haven made an outsized amount of rather tough shots and still only scored 54 points. I also think the team will look more fluid once the rotation inevitably tightens.

Yeah, I do think that part of our disjointed-ness on offense was playing so many guys, especially freshmen.

 

[RutgHoops]

Gurdak will be 2nd or 3rd team All-B1G.

 

[seels2662]

This is a New Haven team that outscored Syracuse in the second half. Very promising.

 

[PhillyRU]

It was also very similar to last season's Rider opener, and New Haven will probably be just as bad. That's not meant as a pessimistic slight at this year's team, but rather to echo others who say it's hard to take much from playing New Haven.

 

[goru7]

Clearly cannot take much against New Haven but a few things I am pretty sure of.
Rasheed Jones will be our best overall player. He can shoot from 2 , from 3 , all very efficiently , plays great defense , can rebound. He should get a ton of minutes.
JMike actually made 2 layups and hit a great 3 in transition.
Francis still shoots too much. He scored 14 on 14,shots. Jones scored 14 shooting 5-6. He is a scorer but he has other options this year.

Gurdak gives us an efficient low post player with moves. He is crafty around the tin. He is just not a rim protector. If we have droughts , he will break the draught plus he shoots fouls real well .

Syndor only played 5 minutes but you could see the athleticism and potential and why people were thinking he would be our starting 4. We haven’t had such an athletic 4 that can shoot , can drive and handle. I can see him crashing the glass for lots of offensive rebounds. Hope that ankle injury is behind him.

Diego was very good defensively , sliding his feet and anticipating where the offensive player was going. Very hesitant to just let it go from 3 but he appears to have a high IQ.

We might have 3 foul shooters shooting 80% this year Francis in the high 80’s and Gurdak and JMike in the low 80’s.

Looking forward to seeing how this team comes together.

 

[GM]

I’m happy we were able to adjust very quickly to them switching to a zone. I feel like in the past it’s been far too common an occurrence a zone messes us up for a few possessions, causes us to burn a timeout, etc. so nice we didn’t let it get to that.

 

[goru7]

I’m happy we were able to adjust very quickly to them switching to a zone. I feel like in the past it’s been far too common an occurrence a zone messes us up for a few possessions, causes us to burn a timeout, etc. so nice we didn’t let it get to that.

Yeah attacking the zone. Got the ball to the middle then beautiful spray outs for 3. Best we have looked attacking zone in years. Hope it continues.

 

[Atlasxal]

Clearly cannot take much against New Haven but a few things I am pretty sure of.
Rasheed Jones will be our best overall player. He can shoot from 2 , from 3 , all very efficiently , plays great defense , can rebound. He should get a ton of minutes.
JMike actually made 2 layups and hit a great 3 in transition.
Francis still shoots too much. He scored 14 on 14,shots. Jones scored 14 shooting 5-6. He is a scorer but he has other options this year.

Gurdak gives us an efficient low post player with moves. He is crafty around the tin. He is just not a rim protector. If we have droughts , he will break the draught plus he shoots fouls real well .

Syndor only played 5 minutes but you could see the athleticism and potential and why people were thinking he would be our starting 4. We haven’t had such an athletic 4 that can shoot , can drive and handle. I can see him crashing the glass for lots of offensive rebounds. Hope that ankle injury is behind him.

Diego was very good defensively , sliding his feet and anticipating where the offensive player was going. Very hesitant to just let it go from 3 but he appears to have a high IQ.

We might have 3 foul shooters shooting 80% this year Francis in the high 80’s and Gurdak and JMike in the low 80’s.

Looking forward to seeing how this team comes together.

Good analysis as always.
Richie has indicated that Sydnor will not be 100% until later this month or early December.

 

[goru7]

Good analysis as always.
Richie has indicated that Sydnor will not be 100% until later this month or early December.

Thanks. Syndor looked healthy tonight at least did not look like the ankle affected him. Very excited for his potential this year. Jones , Smith and Syndor hopefully become the most impactful portal hauls we have had.

 

[PhillyRU]

With Snydor, he also didn’t play all of last season, so his most recent regular season game before this was March 2025. A longer on-ramp makes sense.

 

[fatsam98]

Could be my imagination but we felt more disciplined... In terms of taking good shots, kicking it out, making the extra pass, etc.

And from a game management perspective as well... the subs seemed more..purposeful? And he called that one timeout quicker than Pike would have.

I like that he got them all into a game like this (minus a sick Powers). It's a long season and need to maintain good team chemistry. Judging by locker room celebrations seems like Knight is well liked.

It's only New Haven but I walked away fairly encouraged. Don't think I'll be banging my head against the wall as much this season.

 

[rob kight]

Thanks. Syndor looked healthy tonight at least did not look like the ankle affected him. Very excited for his potential this year. Jones , Smith and Syndor hopefully become the most impactful portal hauls we have had.

And Gurdek

 

[GM]

Could be my imagination but we felt more disciplined... In terms of taking good shots, kicking it out, making the extra pass, etc.

And from a game management perspective as well... the subs seemed more..purposeful? And he called that one timeout quicker than Pike would have.

I like that he got them all into a game like this (minus a sick Powers). It's a long season and need to maintain good team chemistry. Judging by locker room celebrations seems like Knight is well liked.

It's only New Haven but I walked away fairly encouraged. Don't think I'll be banging my head against the wall as much this season.

Having an actual C (maybe even a full rotation) provides a level of stability we just did not have last few years.

 

[BillyC80]

Could be my imagination but we felt more disciplined... In terms of taking good shots, kicking it out, making the extra pass, etc.

And from a game management perspective as well... the subs seemed more..purposeful? And he called that one timeout quicker than Pike would have.

I like that he got them all into a game like this (minus a sick Powers). It's a long season and need to maintain good team chemistry. Judging by locker room celebrations seems like Knight is well liked.

It's only New Haven but I walked away fairly encouraged. Don't think I'll be banging my head against the wall as much this season.

This. Smart move by Knight to play everyone, with 11 guys getting 9 or more minutes and Sydnor getting a good 5-minute run toward his recovery.

Some will say it was only New Haven, but these games count, and we’ve lost to teams like that in the past. Knight trusted his bench with good results.

Also for us fans, it was good to see the potential of guys like Miteo and Garavaglia, and even Ware. Putting those guys on the floor for extended minutes now will pay dividends later.

 

[RUfan1977]

Gurdak will be 2nd or 3rd team All-B1G.

Gurdak will be a quality Big Ten Center. Watching some of the other Big Ten teams, I’m really impressed by some of the centers. If Gurdak can hit 3s and block shots I would agree, but even without that he’s really good, just not all Big Ten level. You have to remember there are 18 teams in the Big Ten and most teams are loaded with talented players.

 

[Redrich66]

Knight looking like a very capable HC. Hope we keep him when Pikell returns.

 

[RUfan1977]

Clearly cannot take much against New Haven but a few things I am pretty sure of.
Rasheed Jones will be our best overall player. He can shoot from 2 , from 3 , all very efficiently , plays great defense , can rebound. He should get a ton of minutes.
JMike actually made 2 layups and hit a great 3 in transition.
Francis still shoots too much. He scored 14 on 14,shots. Jones scored 14 shooting 5-6. He is a scorer but he has other options this year.

Gurdak gives us an efficient low post player with moves. He is crafty around the tin. He is just not a rim protector. If we have droughts , he will break the draught plus he shoots fouls real well .

Syndor only played 5 minutes but you could see the athleticism and potential and why people were thinking he would be our starting 4. We haven’t had such an athletic 4 that can shoot , can drive and handle. I can see him crashing the glass for lots of offensive rebounds. Hope that ankle injury is behind him.

Diego was very good defensively , sliding his feet and anticipating where the offensive player was going. Very hesitant to just let it go from 3 but he appears to have a high IQ.

We might have 3 foul shooters shooting 80% this year Francis in the high 80’s and Gurdak and JMike in the low 80’s.

Looking forward to seeing how this team comes together.

Going by this game alone I would agree that Jones and JMike are our two best players. That being said, I think that was the best I’ve ever seen JMike play. I hope that’s the JMike we will see this season. As for Jones, I think he is a good player who had a really good game. I doubt we will see him go 4 of 5 from 3 every game. If he did he would be beyond an elite shooter. I like the starting 5, but hope a healthy Sydnor pushes Buchanan to a bench role and I hope Jones and JMike continue to shine so that you lose nothing when they come in. Only issue is that backup center is a work in progress. Thankfully starting center is no longer a work in progress.

 

[Loyal-Son]

Have to worry Gurdak gets in foul trouble. Picking up 3 fouls in this game is not encouraging there. If he can stay in the game, he will be huge asset to offense.

It looks like the next two guys can play decent defense and rebound, but they need to develop quite a bit offensively.

 

[goru7]

Going by this game alone I would agree that Jones and JMike are our two best players. That being said, I think that was the best I’ve ever seen JMike play. I hope that’s the JMike we will see this season. As for Jones, I think he is a good player who had a really good game. I doubt we will see him go 4 of 5 from 3 every game. If he did he would be beyond an elite shooter. I like the starting 5, but hope a healthy Sydnor pushes Buchanan to a bench role and I hope Jones and JMike continue to shine so that you lose nothing when they come in. Only issue is that backup center is a work in progress. Thankfully starting center is no longer a work in progress.

I am not just looking at Jones 4-5 game from 3. He has been efficient in general in the 2 exhibitions. He can guard the other team’s top guard. He can pass , handle and rebound. He takes good shots and is not afraid to take the big shot .My point is he will be our best all around player and I do not think it will be close .

 

[RC80]

First opportunity to see the new players; totally agree with assessments - And encouraged by how Jones looks; believe his reputation was as a scorer at CC; And congrats to the staff on recruiting Miteo. Not sure how soon he will be able contribute against better competition - but hopefully he can provide 10 min or so- cause don't know how much we're going to get out of Ware & Buca. But can't play Gurdak 30 min every game - Refs will see to that. Nice attendance - maybe 6,500 or so (box score says 8,000 - so sell out streak continues).

 

[RUDiddy777]

Tough to gleam much as NH was not good and not big, but some positives.
Jones looked like what we hoped. JMike played well. Pleasantly surprised by Diego court awareness, was solid on the defensive end. Still worry about back up bigs come tough foe time, but Miteo can at least move. Smart to play through Gurdak and the paint when our guards aren't the greatest at initiating offense.

Diego had really active hands, very disruptive.

 

[RUDiddy777]

Knight looking like a very capable HC. Hope we keep him when Pikell returns.

To be honest, I doubt we will if the team performs really well. I think he’s been long overdue for an HC spot.

 

[bac2therac]

First opportunity to see the new players; totally agree with assessments - And encouraged by how Jones looks; believe his reputation was as a scorer at CC; And congrats to the staff on recruiting Miteo. Not sure how soon he will be able contribute against better competition - but hopefully he can provide 10 min or so- cause don't know how much we're going to get out of Ware & Buca. But can't play Gurdak 30 min every game - Refs will see to that. Nice attendance - maybe 6,500 or so (box score says 8,000 - so sell out streak continues).

Yeah around 6300-6600 seems right

Not sure why they do that bs 8k..come on Keli

 

[RAC93]

I am not just looking at Jones 4-5 game from 3. He has been efficient in general in the 2 exhibitions. He can guard the other team’s top guard. He can pass , handle and rebound. He takes good shots and is not afraid to take the big shot .My point is he will be our best all around player and I do not think it will be close .

He needs to get more playing time, move Jones into the starting lineup and bump up those minutes. He played 19 minutes, everyone got minutes last night so minutes played was a little off compared to future games. Tariq led team with 24 minutes, Jones should be up there with Tariq and Gurdak as our highest minutes guys.

 

[Zebnatto1!]

Like others, I saw reasons to be optimistic. I think we have B1G talent, and (based upon 'Nova, SJU, and last night), I think we have a good shot at being in the middle third of the conference.

TF is TF, and I mean that as a compliment.
Looks like JMike has taken a step up.
Still not convinced, re: Lino.
Gurdak at the C is a HUGE improvement.
I'm convinced that Smith and Jones are the real deal.
Praying that Sydnor is healthy!
Every every other one of the kids who showed yesterday look like they can play.:
Mervedi, Diego, and Devonte stood out to me.

If we can't shock the world, maybe we can at least surprise a skeptical fan base!

 

[RUfan1977]

I am not just looking at Jones 4-5 game from 3. He has been efficient in general in the 2 exhibitions. He can guard the other team’s top guard. He can pass , handle and rebound. He takes good shots and is not afraid to take the big shot .My point is he will be our best all around player and I do not think it will be close .

You might be right, but things may change when he faces bigger more athletic players in yhe Big Ten and then change again as coaches game plan against him if he is as good as you think. Right now I think he is a good player who should see a lot of playing time and is a player the other team leaves open from 3 at their peril.

 

[satnom]

Agree with most on this thread. I’ll just add that Gervontae Ware looks like a different player than last season. Height, length, strength and movement. Almost unrecognizable. Might be a P4 level player after all. At least in stature.

GO RU

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Snyder completes us. We need him 100% to think threading the needle

It’s been a while since we had a team when the guys on the bench being so into the game ….we have good team chemistry brewing ….which has been lacking in recent years ….

 

[fatsam98]

Snyder completes us. We need him 100% to think threading the needle

It’s been a while since we had a team when the guys on the bench being so into the game ….we have good team chemistry brewing ….which has been lacking in recent years ….

Jones and JMike were acting as extra coaches from the bench as well. Was great to see. We've really missed that kind of maturity and leadership the last few seasons

 

[RutgHoops]

Gurdak will be a quality Big Ten Center. Watching some of the other Big Ten teams, I’m really impressed by some of the centers. If Gurdak can hit 3s and block shots I would agree, but even without that he’s really good, just not all Big Ten level. You have to remember there are 18 teams in the Big Ten and most teams are loaded with talented players.

I think he's really good. Our best non-top five NBA pick since RHj. I could certainly turn out to be wrong, but Ive been super impressed. Our ceiling is much higher than I initially thought.

 

[Scarlet Beach]

Snyder completes us. We need him 100% to think threading the needle

It’s been a while since we had a team when the guys on the bench being so into the game ….we have good team chemistry brewing ….which has been lacking in recent years ….

Even with all the transfer/new players, they seemed like a team more than has been the case over the last couple of years or so. Maybe Coach Pike's cancer fight has something to do with that but the general chemistry was clear in game 1.

 

[rucoe89]

Must win opener and they did what was needed and got players floor time.

 

[FAT MOON]

Have to worry Gurdak gets in foul trouble. Picking up 3 fouls in this game is not encouraging there. If he can stay in the game, he will be huge asset to offense.

It looks like the next two guys can play decent defense and rebound, but they need to develop quite a bit offensively.

imo the second and third fouls were both pretty ticky tack...and i thought he played smart after getting his third just walling up and allowing two layups instead of contesting and picking up his fourth. very high iq player...

sydnor will be the key to this team. after that first take/lefty finish i was drooling...but he looked pretty lost after that (i'm sure just rusty and ice cold coming into the game so late). but his body and length look legit and if we can get him next to our gurdak i think we have a chance to make some noise this season for sure. gurdak and buch up front with our smaller guard lineup is a recipe to get dominated on the glass...which we can't afford

 

[Simce91]

sydnor will be the key to this team. after that first take/lefty finish i was drooling...but he looked pretty lost after that (i'm sure just rusty and ice cold coming into the game so late). but his body and length look legit and if we can get him next to our gurdak i think we have a chance to make some noise this season for sure. gurdak and buch up front with our smaller guard lineup is a recipe to get dominated on the glass...which we can't afford

Agree on Syndor being the key to how far RU can go this year

In the games against NJIT and Bryant I wouldnt mind seeing Gurdak and Miteo on the floor at the same time to see if that could be an effective pairing as the year goes forward

That could open the possibilities of Jones playing the 3 with Francis and either JMike or Lino at the point