How many superlatives can we shower Rutgers with after their performance in the first two games. If you thought the Columbia win was impressive, then how about tonight for an encore and then some. RU had a 9 minute stretch vs Columbia where they were outscored 16-4 in an otherwise smothering performance against an overmatched opponent. Their play tonight vs Sacred Heart was scintillating and basically flawless. This one hit all the checkmarks. My biggest is takeway is the eagerness and effusiveness in trying get a win against a weak opponent and keeping focused on their task with no visible letdown. These early season games have been difficult at times for this program. I said last game I thought last years team was sort of stale and didnt have the taste buds for these non conference games. Its a stark contrast to what looks like a really hungry playing with such exuberance and zest. And make no mistake this isnt just a few players, this is the entire TEAM. Everyone seems locked in and loaded. Does it mean we are winning the Biog 10? No but its showing a glimpse into the character and identity of the team. Bumps in the road will come and RU is probably two games away from facing any real adversity but they are showing all the right signs
Options, options, options. How many options this year compared to last. What I was looking for at the beginning of the game was a breakout game from either Hyatt or Mag. Both are starters with Caleb out, one will get the starting job. They both have different skill sets but neither one has ever been counted on to be nothing more than role players in the previous season. Their challenge this year is to take the step up and become main cogs in the spinning wheel. Hyatt in particular was a bit frustrating last year. We would see some good things but followed up by the usual turnovers or bad decision making on offense. Well tonight Aundre stepped up as a man. 19 points on 5-7 shooting in just 20 minutes, 7-7 at the line and 2-3 from 3. We can overlook the 3 turnovers. Hyatt was in control tonight and he was confident on both ends of the court. This was a perfect time for him to flaunt his game and prove he can fill some of the void left by Ron Harper Jr. He does not have to be NBA Ron. He just needs to assert himself and get his. Hyatt could be a matchup problem for most teams but he isnt even going to be a first or 2nd scoring option.
Cam Spencer what else can we say about King Cam. Another game another flurry of action where he was money on both ends. 15 of his 18 came in the first half, 6-10 shooting, 3=6 from 3-3 at the line, 3 more steals and whopping 6 assists and no turnovers.... but get this...tied with Cliff for team high rebounds at 7. An incredible stat line. Its only been 2 games but it seems like Cam has been her for a few years. His vision, court awareness and quiet confidence is off the charts. Not even sure when if ever Rutgers had a player like him...perhaps Dadika??
Lets just say I am glad that Cliff finally got to flaunt his moves as this game wore on. Cliff was relative quiet vs Columbia and I was okay with that because that game wasnt about him. Tonight, Cliff was double and denied early and RU went elsewhere and Cliffs teammates stepped up. Then it was time to get Cliff involved. He ended up with 17 points on 8-13 fg and I liked he once again knocked down a side jumper. Yes Sacred Heart didnt have the size to stop him but its still important for Cliff to feel comfortable being one of the go to guys and I believe Cliff will be more heavily guarded than he was last season.
What is truly impressive is that all 3 players above look in sync and thats mainly because of what Paul is bringing to the table concentrating more on distributing the ball right now. Paul's shot isnt really falling right now, just 1-6 but his value right now is running this team. Paul had 6 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds and not having Geo on the court with him at the same time is going to buoy his effectiveness, Paul banged up and shoulder and all was still not afraid to put his body on the line.
Mag was solid in the first half, more quiet in the 2nd
We need to talk about Derek Simpson. It is clear that Pikiell sees him as a NOW player, not the future. 27 minutes tonight and Derek was much more in control and effective . .5-10 fg with a really nice 3 and dunk and some nice assists, could you ask for a better game from a freshmen especially one who didnt come in with all the hype and rankings like Jaden Jones last year. Simpson looks quick and comfortable. I am really anticipating to see how his game stacks up when we getting into play vs Miami and in the Big 10. So much potential here and so much quickness that we are not used to seeing at RU
Woofolk may be further down the depth charge but I love he is getting meaningful minutes right now and look very solid in that time. Reiber with yet another Threeiber but I do see the writing on the wall with his role on the team. Oskar looks buried at the bottom. Chol really not ready at this point. Miller got 14 minutes and had a nice drive to the hoop but its likely Simpson is way ahead of him for minutes going forward.
Everything from the boxscore looks outstanding.....52% fg shooting, a sick 19-22 at the free throw line, 19 assists and only 10 turnovers while forcing Sacred Heart into a whopping 25 miscues.
Lets be clear, Columbia was awful and Sacred Heart while picked 2nd in the NEC is not very good either. I have seen alot of basketball. This Rutgers teams looks impressive and thats without Caleb McConnell. I have not seen a Rutgers team this quick running the floor in transition and with such impressive ball movement since maybe the 1991 team. Naturally its great to be optimistic but just how good this team is will not be answered until a quiz against Temple and a test at Miami. What will happen when that first sign of adversity hits. Who will step up? Who will crumble? Or will the ebullience and zest remain effusive and define the Rutgers zeitgeist of 2022-2023
