“Grant”-ed. It’s time to make the move.

[RUChoppin]

People advocating a switch to zone... You realize that's not a flip of a switch thing, right? Zones have to be practiced like any other defense if they don't want to be shredded. Boeheim didn't just show freshmen a PowerPoint on defense at the start of each season.

 

[RutgersChow]

Start the kid and give him a run against Columbia. Gain experience . Next year is not a given in today’s world of portal. We need him.

Pikes report on Dylan Grant
“He’s an athlete, a rebounder, an inside-out scorer… defender of all 5 positions “

There’s no choice. He can’t be any worse than Martini. Just focus on rebounding and Defense. Period.

Start him at the 4.
Harper
Williams
Ace
Grant
Big E

I'll question Pike's offense, his defense, and his never developing a flow by constant substitutions and playing so many guys. I will not question his not playing someone. He sees Grant everyday in practice and knows whether or not he'll help us and when.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

OK so we how have fans in denial, because they want to be right....they want to hate on Pike, which is fine, it is a sports message boards

I will say that we redshirted Myles Johnson when we had Candido Sa, Shaq Doorson and others and Myles was BETTER than both players by a LOT....but redshirting Johnson, even off his injury in HS, was not a bad idea, because his strength was rebounding and we already had rebounding covered

What we didn't have was a big man who could handle the ball (not as a dribble drive) , but a big man who had very soft hands and could pass the ball.

The fans calling Grant and Dortxh worse than Antonio Chol....LMAO

Here is the LOW bar.....since Kennesaw State

98 minutes of play from Martini.....do you recall ANY defensive pkays.....is there a blocked shot.....ONE assist....3 MASSIVE turnovers AND SIX rebounds.

WALK ON Luke Nathan, Antonio Chol, Derek Simpson, Jalen Miller Gavin Griffiths OR Aiden Terry could get SIX rebounds if they played 98 minutes of basketball......They also ALL would play similar bad defense or much better defense depending on who the player is.

No one is saying Dylan Grant or Bryce Dortch to be 12 PPG and 7 Rebounds immediately. BUT we are talking about reducing the rebounding deficit by 4 5 ot 6 rebounds per game....RIGHT now, reducing a team from getting 19 offensive rebounds to 15 or 13, means 2 more wins, at a minimum.

Right now Martini is averaging less than ONE rebound PER GAME, less than ONE assist, NO Blocked shots......only a RU fan would say a player at 6'9 and 195 lbs, who is actually mobile, is worse than ZERO productivity.....ZERO Defense......LMAO

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas......!!! 🤣🤣🤣

 

[rume]

I've been in the anger stage wirh R Hoops since losing to ND in Dayton in 2022. I just keep getting an

If only coach would have put Grant in, we would have won state.......

 

[Shelby65]

Two nba players getting paid by a sugar daddy for a one year stop are noy going to be forced to play Pikiell defense

Try again. You didn’t understand Shelby’s question on your first try.

 

[SBP]

Grant is likely another recruiting whiff, lets not sugarcoat this

Likely? He hasn’t had a chance. That’s why I say let’s give him a run against Columbia.

 

[SBP]

OK so we how have fans in denial, because they want to be right....they want to hate on Pike, which is fine, it is a sports message boards

I will say that we redshirted Myles Johnson when we had Candido Sa, Shaq Doorson and others and Myles was BETTER than both players by a LOT....but redshirting Johnson, even off his injury in HS, was not a bad idea, because his strength was rebounding and we already had rebounding covered

What we didn't have was a big man who could handle the ball (not as a dribble drive) , but a big man who had very soft hands and could pass the ball.

The fans calling Grant and Dortxh worse than Antonio Chol....LMAO

Here is the LOW bar.....since Kennesaw State

98 minutes of play from Martini.....do you recall ANY defensive pkays.....is there a blocked shot.....ONE assist....3 MASSIVE turnovers AND SIX rebounds.

WALK ON Luke Nathan, Antonio Chol, Derek Simpson, Jalen Miller Gavin Griffiths OR Aiden Terry could get SIX rebounds if they played 98 minutes of basketball......They also ALL would play similar bad defense or much better defense depending on who the player is.

No one is saying Dylan Grant or Bryce Dortch to be 12 PPG and 7 Rebounds immediately. BUT we are talking about reducing the rebounding deficit by 4 5 ot 6 rebounds per game....RIGHT now, reducing a team from getting 19 offensive rebounds to 15 or 13, means 2 more wins, at a minimum.

Right now Martini is averaging less than ONE rebound PER GAME, less than ONE assist, NO Blocked shots......only a RU fan would say a player at 6'9 and 195 lbs, who is actually mobile, is worse than ZERO productivity.....ZERO Defense......LMAO

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas......!!! 🤣🤣🤣

My point exactly. He’s not there to score but be “quick off his feet” and go get some boards. Set great screens . Hell, Wolf would be better at this point! Merry Christmas

 

[Joey Bags]

Likely? He hasn’t had a chance. That’s why I say let’s give him a run against Columbia.

If we give him a run against columbia and it doesn’t work out, we lose. Their NET is virtually the same as ours and better than Princeton. Why was he not getting runs against worse teams earlier in the season?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I will be surprised if he doesn't get 10+ minutes vs Columbia. It would be a real bad sign if he didn't play.

I know we have quite a few disappointments so far this season, but this has to be a pivotal moment where Pike has to realize this isn't working. I'd be stunned if Grant can't offer more than Martini on the defensive end.

 

[SBP]

If we give him a run against columbia and it doesn’t work out, we lose. Their NET is virtually the same as ours and better than Princeton. Why was he not getting runs against worse teams earlier in the season?

No, we won’t lose. That’s ridiculous. He’s a piece of the puzzle. But if you don’t try you’ll never know.

 

[SBP]

I will be surprised if he doesn't get 10+ minutes vs Columbia. It would be a real bad sign if he didn't play.

I know we have quite a few disappointments so far this season, but this has to be a pivotal moment where Pike has to realize this isn't working. I'd be stunned if Grant can't offer more than Martini on the defensive end.

Exactly

 

[bac2therac]

I will be surprised if he doesn't get 10+ minutes vs Columbia. It would be a real bad sign if he didn't play.

I know we have quite a few disappointments so far this season, but this has to be a pivotal moment where Pike has to realize this isn't working. I'd be stunned if Grant can't offer more than Martini on the defensive end.

well its likely this game is life and death so not sure that happens. RU struggled to put St Peters and Monmouth and Merrimack away. The one true blowout was game one vs Wagner. What a sad existence

 

[bac2therac]

No, we won’t lose. That’s ridiculous. He’s a piece of the puzzle. But if you don’t try you’ll never know.

piece of the puzzle for what...next year? good luck

 

[bac2therac]

My point exactly. He’s not there to score but be “quick off his feet” and go get some boards. Set great screens . Hell, Wolf would be better at this point! Merry Christmas

really then why when he was inserted into the lineup in his brief appearances he started to jack up shots including 3s

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

well its likely this game is life and death so not sure that happens. RU struggled to put St Peters and Monmouth and Merrimack away. The one true blowout was game one vs Wagner. What a sad existence

I see that too

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

really then why when he was inserted into the lineup in his brief appearances he started to jack up shots including 3s

I am sure he thought because he can make them

 

[bac2therac]

I am sure he thought because he can make them

i believe he took a few shots in a key stretch in Vegas...unconscionable

 

[winfield102]

i believe he took a few shots in a key stretch in Vegas...unconscionable

Uncoached imo.

Why wouldn't he after watching teammates take shots they shouldn't be?

Pike thought Grant was going in for defense. Grant thought he was going in for offense.

 

[winfield102]

No, we won’t lose. That’s ridiculous. He’s a piece of the puzzle. But if you don’t try you’ll never know.

How is the possibility of losing ridiculous? It's like your brain is blocking out our play this year. :)

I'd guess that we're more likely to lose than win by 12. I don't know what the spread is.

I think we'll all be looking closely at this game to see if we're doing anything differently on defense or offense.

We all have different opinions on what has to change, but I think we all agree that something has to change for us to go dancing in March.

 

[bac2therac]

Uncoached imo.

Why wouldn't he after watching teammates take shots they shouldn't be?

Pike thought Grant was going in for defense. Grant thought he was going in for offense.

Yup..the lack of defined roles on a team screaming for defined roles is a staggering indictment of Pikes control over his players.

Thats why we see Lathan, Grant, and Davis try to get theirs in bad spots

 

[SBP]

really then why when he was inserted into the lineup in his brief appearances he started to jack up shots including 3s

And maybe then you coach the kid and tell him what his role is, like most coaches would.

 

[winfield102]

And maybe then you coach the kid and tell him what his role is, like most coaches would.

That's the problem. While common place, it doesn't appear to being done here. It's not just one player, it's numerous players. That's why I have us "out".

I believe Pike has said in the past that offense was the reward for playing defense, basically that he gave the players a lot of leeway when it comes to shooting.

 

[Shelby65]

That's the problem. While common place, it doesn't appear to being done here. It's not just one player, it's numerous players. That's why I have us "out".

I believe Pike has said in the past that offense was the reward for playing defense, basically that he gave the players a lot of leeway when it comes to shooting.

No one is coming here to play D. That’s not the game and I’m sure that’s not the recruiting pitch.

Cliff blasted missiles off the backboard that would have landed outside if not for the plexiglas barrier, and Pike didnt do a thing about it. He let Simpson embarrass himself and is doing the same two years in a row with Davis.

Rutgers doesn’t sell itself unlike some other programs. It doesn’t sell championships. So instead Pike has to be a players coach who mostly lets them do as they please and hopes they win more than they lose.

It’s ISO street ball.

 

[bac2therac]

And maybe then you coach the kid and tell him what his role is, like most coaches would.

Im not being paid $5-6 million

 

[SBP]

Im not being paid $5-6 million

I didn’t mean you specifically I meant Pike

 

[Scangg]

?? He's a freshman. We have no idea what he'll be.

He's not just a freshman. He's a freshman who sat out his senior year of HS. It's understandable if it takes him some time

The time is now against Columbia. Martini is not a B1G athlete and he's not making enough 3's to overcome his terrible defense and rebounding

Princeton immediately got switches of Martini on Lee repeatedly and it was hopeless

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Yup..the lack of defined roles on a team screaming for defined roles is a staggering indictment of Pikes control over his players.

Thats why we see Lathan, Grant, and Davis try to get theirs in bad spots

You don't yet have a sample size to say Grant's shots were bad. Open or lightly contested 3s are automatic takes for perimeter shooters. I can't say for sure all of Grant's attempts fit that bill.

 

[SBP]

He's not just a freshman. He's a freshman who sat out his senior year of HS. It's understandable if it takes him some time

The time is now against Columbia. Martini is not a B1G athlete and he's not making enough 3's to overcome his terrible defense and rebounding

Princeton immediately got switches of Martini on Lee repeatedly and it was hopeless

Exactly. If he can’t play substantial minutes, if not start, then maybe he’s not the player we think or saving his red shirt, which in todays “win now” situation in college, is pointless.

 

[BillyC80]

He's not just a freshman. He's a freshman who sat out his senior year of HS. It's understandable if it takes him some time

The time is now against Columbia. Martini is not a B1G athlete and he's not making enough 3's to overcome his terrible defense and rebounding

Princeton immediately got switches of Martini on Lee repeatedly and it was hopeless

If I were Grant, I’d work my ass off in practice, defending and rebounding like a maniac. Then I’d go to Pike and say, “Coach, let me show you what I can do in a real game. Start me at the 4-spot against Columbia, and I won’t let you down.”

Showing that kind of bravado after walking the talk in practice can only help make his case. Even if he doesn’t start, his work ethic and confidence will likely get him 7-8 minutes.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

If I were Grant, I’d work my ass off in practice, defending and rebounding like a maniac. Then I’d go to Pike and say, “Coach, let me show you what I can do in a real game. Start me at the 4-spot against Columbia, and I won’t let you down.”

Showing that kind of bravado after walking the talk in practice can only help make his case. Even if he doesn’t start, his work ethic and confidence will likely get him 7-8 minutes.

I trust all Grant needs to do is what you say MINUS the asking to start. The guys pushing back on Grant playing are right in that if he was showing more he would be playing. Pike gave Martini a DNP in a game so it isn't like he carved out minutes.

I do think Pike has a tough time trusting certain players.

 

[BillyC80]

I trust all Grant needs to do is what you say MINUS the asking to start. The guys pushing back on Grant playing are right in that if he was showing more he would be playing. Pike gave Martini a DNP in a game so it isn't like he carved out minutes.

I do think Pike has a tough time trusting certain players.

If Grant’s gonna go to Pike and ask for PT, he may as well ask to start. We have no other productive 4 and it would allow Ace to start at the 3, while JMike sits. So we’d be starting three guys 6’8 or above, plus Dylan at 6’6 and JWill at 6’4. All of whom must look to rebound.

 

[winfield102]

If Grant’s gonna go to Pike and ask for PT, he may as well ask to start. We have no other productive 4 and it would allow Ace to start at the 3, while JMike sits. So we’d be starting three guys 6’8 or above, plus Dylan at 6’6 and JWill at 6’4. All of whom must look to rebound.

There is no need to ask to play or start.

The point is that the team is absolutely desperate for a player with Grant's size to be able to defend and rebound. Pike preaches defense. If Pike thought Grant could help defensively, he'd be inserted into the game. In this area, I'll trust Pike. Keep in mind, Pike put Caleb and Eugene on the court for a little bit when they couldn't even dribble the basketball.

The 1st part of your other post is right, Grant should be busting his ass in practice. I hope the staff is proactively telling him what he needs to do in order to see the court.

Something seems off because there is definitely opportunity for playing time on this squad.

 

[Ridge 22]

Yeah. We are Grant away from a final four run. Good thing you guys have the pulse on this situation. Nevermind the fact he's the only guy yet to see the floor, so he therefore must be the solution. Irrelevant details to the contrary (always the case). Ignore the facts until you can't any longer. No matter. Than you just move the goal posts. It never mattered to begin with!!! Next level thinking going on here. Love to see it!!!

 

[winfield102]

I personally get a kick out of the poster calling for Grant to start also being the same poster who started the in or out thread (with him saying "in").

You don't make a Hail Mary request if you think we're making the tournament. You could make a case for filing this request under desperate measures.

Now if the prayers are answered and Grant becomes a defensive stopper, that would make things interesting. It currently is a missing piece.

 

[raven12]

#freegrant

 

[mugrat86]

its amazing to see...Pike maybe struggling but he isnt a complete idiot...Grant was tried and our fans gushed over being able to get a simple rebound..such high standards as he jacked up 3s as soon as he touched the ball...oh and 1-8 fg. If Grant was competant he would be playing more with Acuff a complete recruiting miss injury or not and Dortsch must be D3 level bad

it all goes back to recruiting and Pike HAS NOT been a good recruiter and the two stars were hand delivered to him

Just curious why you think they were hand delivered to Pike?

 

[bac2therac]

Just curious why you think they were hand delivered to Pike?

Because its not Rutgers paying them. Sure Pike was a trusted coach who is tight with the Harper family but the situation of the package deal fit at Rutgers moreso than other schools

 

[Shelby65]

Because it’s not Rutgers paying them. Sure Pike was a trusted coach who is tight with the Harper family but the situation of the package deal fit at Rutgers moreso than other schools

is RU paying any NIL yet ? When did/does that start ?

 

[SBP]

Yeah. We are Grant away from a final four run. Good thing you guys have the pulse on this situation. Nevermind the fact he's the only guy yet to see the floor, so he therefore must be the solution. Irrelevant details to the contrary (always the case). Ignore the facts until you can't any longer. No matter. Than you just move the goal posts. It never mattered to begin with!!! Next level thinking going on here. Love to see it!!!

He’s not the only guy yet to see the floor He has played. You’re a very observant fan I see. And no one said Final Four. You’re trying too hard.

 

[SBP]

I personally get a kick out of the poster calling for Grant to start also being the same poster who started the in or out thread (with him saying "in").

You don't make a Hail Mary request if you think we're making the tournament. You could make a case for filing this request under desperate measures.

Now if the prayers are answered and Grant becomes a defensive stopper, that would make things interesting. It currently is a missing piece.

It’s not a Hail Mary to get the lineup settled. Grant can contribute more than Martini. I’m still In, by the way