2005-06 was our last season .500 or better

[RUJMM78]

I like Pike as a coach a lot and as a man and a head coach he is much more mature than some of his self destructive predecessors. Hopefully these traits will result in a more stable program and roster where players will be able to stay and develop. But I have to admit I’m still a little worried about recruiting. He hasn’t really made a big splash like Bannon, Hill, and Rice did early and we still have too many roster spots and scholarships being given to guys who are either not productive or are going to need a lot of time to develop. Given our history, facilities, etc I’m not saying he necessarily SHOULD be doing better recruiting but it’s not a given that we are on a path in year 4 or 5 that we’re a tournament contender.

Rutgers fans are always in the wishful thinking mode with coaching changes but rarely have been satisfied .Pikiell has the demeanor and background to know what is required for success in a power conference.First and foremost is recruiting higher level talent which is readily found within a 200 mile area from Piscataway.Identifying is easy but closing the deal has been difficult at Rutgers.

 

[goru7]

Rice had many close road games against ranked teams where RU led or was within 2 possessions..Geogetown, Cincy, Notre Dame, Villanova. We forget because of what happened but his 2nd year really was showing very promising signs...I would put it equal to Pike..also that team was young as a slew of freshmen. His third year stalled as did recruiting

You are probably right. However, I do not remember Rice's game plans taking away what the other team does well, which Pike and this staff seem to do. Give Pike a few days of film and he is one of the bests and making sure our defense does its job. Although the restart of the Big 10 schedule is murder with Purdue and Michigan State on the road, I think we can match up well with Purdue and will be intrigued withPike having 5 days of prep.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Rice was able to take a team lacking lateral quickness and adapt and have a philosophy of constant changing that had a look of a match up zone.

What he did in his 1st year was amazing.

How Pikiell changed the defensive culture in 1 year was equally amazing.