Concerns

[bac2therac]

Today for me was disappointing, after a promising 11-2 non conference starts where all of us were happy, we were all eager to see how that might translate into conference play. Alot of expectations were put on this team that the quick start meant possibly meant that RU might be able to truly and compete and win up to 6 and maybe more Big 10 games. Unfortunately after seeing today, Wisconsin and seeing RU's play and stats against Miami and Seton Hall, it looks like RU has struggled against every team with a pulse. Not only were the shooting percentages frightening but they were outrebounded in 3 of those games and only out rebounded PSU by 1 and were beaten on the offensive boards in all 4. To me thats concerning as we are starting to get a sample size here

Miami L 73-61 FG 23-63 36.5%, 3pt FG 3-16 18.8% outrebounded 44-30....I believe Miami went on a 17-0 run in this game in the 2nd half that put it away

Seton Hall L 72-61 FG 18-50 36%, 3pt FG 3-10 30% outrebounded 48-36, 18 TOs, Seton Hall 21-8 run to close the game in last 7 minutes that clinched the game

Wisconsin L 72-52 FG 19-62 30.6%, 3pt FG 7-18 38.9%, outrebounded 44-35 15 TOs, Wisconsin went on 25-10 run over the course of about 10 minutes from the end of the first half to start of second half that put the game out of reach

Penn State L 60-47 FG 18-63% 28.6%, 3pt FG 3-20 15%. won rebound battle 43-42. 17 TOs, Penn State went on 14-0 in just 3 minutes in the 2nd half put the game away


most troubling is the play of Freeman in all 4 games and also Johnson as well

Freeman

Miami: 4-12 fg 4 rebounds, 11 points
Seton Hall: 1-4fg, 11 rebounds, 7 points
Wisconsin: 3-8fg, 3 rebounds, 9 points
PSU: 2-4 fg, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Johnson

Miami: 2-9 fg 4 points
Seton Hall: 5-14 fg, 16 points
Wisconsin: 4-14 fg, 11 points
Penn State: 1-8 fg, 2 points


To me the things I thought were worrisome in the Miami game with Freeman is rearing its ugly head game after game., He is undersized and just not physical enough to have much success. He can do well against the cupcakes but against better competition he has struggled. Ditto for Johnson who pulled a total no show today. The only reason why I single these guys out, is that if they do not produce, RU has no chance of being competitive or even winning a Big 10 game this year. I realized that 3 of the 4 teams that RU has lost to are likely NCAA participants but Penn State clearly is not.

The weak OOC schedule was just that and it looks like RU is getting exposed. You cant get around that right now. Pike is moving the program forward but we all need to slow down. This program has a 3-35 record all time in the Big 10, its now lost 33 of its last 34 Big 10 games, its not easy to move up in this league. PSU has been trying to do it for years. Today they proved they are still ahead of RU, Nebby who many thought were the worst Big 10 school has now knocked off two probable NCAA teams on the road. Its going to be tough to win games when every other schools have more talent.

Ultimately while RU beat every cupcake on the schedule and Pike and team deserve tons of credit for that in changing some of the losing culture, it is apparent this team just does not have the horses and just does not have the offense to be able to legimately compete night and out in this league. Its just a limited team. The younger guys do not appear ready to contribute in a signficant way to make a difference in a game. Yes its a bit premature to right them off, but I dont see this issues changing, the team seems to be what it is. When they work hard, which I dont think they did tonight, they can play it close and yes there will be an upset or two along the way but right now I am less enthusiastic of this team winning more than 4 Big 10 games this year.

 

[Mr Magoo]

Good analysis. Freeman's performance against quality teams has not surprised me. Johnson's has.

 

[AshCatchEm]

Freeman is bad

 

[G- RUnit]

Freeman was non existent but this was the first game where really poor shooting finally caught up to us. Williams 5-17 really hurt us. Nigel 1-8 and Corey at 3-10 were not much better.

It's not only the missed shots but they were badly missed shots. Yikes!

 

[RU MAN]

Today for me was disappointing, after a promising 11-2 non conference starts where all of us were happy, we were all eager to see how that might translate into conference play. Alot of expectations were put on this team that the quick start meant possibly meant that RU might be able to truly and compete and win up to 6 and maybe more Big 10 games. Unfortunately after seeing today, Wisconsin and seeing RU's play and stats against Miami and Seton Hall, it looks like RU has struggled against every team with a pulse. Not only were the shooting percentages frightening but they were outrebounded in 3 of those games and only out rebounded PSU by 1 and were beaten on the offensive boards in all 4. To me thats concerning as we are starting to get a sample size here

Miami L 73-61 FG 23-63 36.5%, 3pt FG 3-16 18.8% outrebounded 44-30....I believe Miami went on a 17-0 run in this game in the 2nd half that put it away

Seton Hall L 72-61 FG 18-50 36%, 3pt FG 3-10 30% outrebounded 48-36, 18 TOs, Seton Hall 21-8 run to close the game in last 7 minutes that clinched the game

Wisconsin L 72-52 FG 19-62 30.6%, 3pt FG 7-18 38.9%, outrebounded 44-35 15 TOs, Wisconsin went on 25-10 run over the course of about 10 minutes from the end of the first half to start of second half that put the game out of reach

Penn State L 60-47 FG 18-63% 28.6%, 3pt FG 3-20 15%. won rebound battle 43-42. 17 TOs, Penn State went on 14-0 in just 3 minutes in the 2nd half put the game away


most troubling is the play of Freeman in all 4 games and also Johnson as well

Freeman

Miami: 4-12 fg 4 rebounds, 11 points
Seton Hall: 1-4fg, 11 rebounds, 7 points
Wisconsin: 3-8fg, 3 rebounds, 9 points
PSU: 2-4 fg, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Johnson

Miami: 2-9 fg 4 points
Seton Hall: 5-14 fg, 16 points
Wisconsin: 4-14 fg, 11 points
Penn State: 1-8 fg, 2 points


To me the things I thought were worrisome in the Miami game with Freeman is rearing its ugly head game after game., He is undersized and just not physical enough to have much success. He can do well against the cupcakes but against better competition he has struggled. Ditto for Johnson who pulled a total no show today. The only reason why I single these guys out, is that if they do not produce, RU has no chance of being competitive or even winning a Big 10 game this year. I realized that 3 of the 4 teams that RU has lost to are likely NCAA participants but Penn State clearly is not.

The weak OOC schedule was just that and it looks like RU is getting exposed. You cant get around that right now. Pike is moving the program forward but we all need to slow down. This program has a 3-35 record all time in the Big 10, its now lost 33 of its last 34 Big 10 games, its not easy to move up in this league. PSU has been trying to do it for years. Today they proved they are still ahead of RU, Nebby who many thought were the worst Big 10 school has now knocked off two probable NCAA teams on the road. Its going to be tough to win games when every other schools have more talent.

Ultimately while RU beat every cupcake on the schedule and Pike and team deserve tons of credit for that in changing some of the losing culture, it is apparent this team just does not have the horses and just does not have the offense to be able to legimately compete night and out in this league. Its just a limited team. The younger guys do not appear ready to contribute in a signficant way to make a difference in a game. Yes its a bit premature to right them off, but I dont see this issues changing, the team seems to be what it is. When they work hard, which I dont think they did tonight, they can play it close and yes there will be an upset or two along the way but right now I am less enthusiastic of this team winning more than 4 Big 10 games this year.

I Freeman and Johnson continue to do their disappearing act and CJ continues to play finesse ball instead of going up and dunking instead of close in layups, this team will not be able to compete and win. Mike Williams was really off today, and we see that when he can't hit from outside, this team goes into an extended funk and doesn't know what to do. It's obvious that Freeman is a tweener. He's not really a three or a four. And he's not 6'6". To those who attend the games, is he more like 6'4", because he doesn't really have an advantage underneath and when he tries to drive, he gets out of control. We really need him to step up his game. And Nigel needs to become a more dependable scorer. He completely disappeared today. Corey was out of control and the NBA is a pipe dream if he doesn't learn how to shoot the ball better from the outside.

Our freshmen today looked like freshmen who are not really to contribute. I hope that changes and fast especially Thiam and Omoruyi. I'm a bit concerned by their lack of contribution out there on the offensive side.

I never looked at this PSU as a "must win." But with that said, there was absolutely no reason whatsoever to lay such a big egg at home with a good size crowd. I love the effort, but we need to find scorers on this team and real fast if we hope to get 5 or 6 wins in B1G play.

 

[bac2therac]

its not even that RU didnt win today, its that they didnt COMPETE...Game was over at 47-29 and it was goodnight Irene with 10 minutes, Sleepwalking in the first half is not competing. Put it this way, PSU scored only 2 points in the first 7 minutes and that was free throws and then scored just 8 points in another 8 minute stretch in the 2nd half after they built their lead and STILL won easily by double digits...no competitiveness today against the perceived bottom team in the Big 10 was not a good sign at all...NO EXCUSE for that...and it falls on the players and the coaches too

 

[Plum Street]

Wow why bother with such a long post? Talent on this team is BIG stink level. We all knew this despite the solid start .
Why is anyone surprised or has "concerns" we are 0-2 in the league?

 

[ColonelRutgers]

its not even that RU didnt win today, its that they didnt COMPETE...Game was over at 47-29 and it was goodnight Irene with 10 minutes, Sleepwalking in the first half is not competing. Put it this way, PSU scored only 2 points in the first 7 minutes and that was free throws and then scored just 8 points in another 8 minute stretch in the 2nd half after they built their lead and STILL won easily by double digits...no competitiveness today against the perceived bottom team in the Big 10 was not a good sign at all...NO EXCUSE for that...and it falls on the players and the coaches too

Penn State shot 27% in the first half and we were sleepwalking? Sorry, don't buy it. We are bad offensive team and we played worse than that today. We have no players on offense that scare a defense. Everytime a team loses, fans want to blame the team's effort. Effort and sleepwalking are not our problem. Offensive talent is.

 

[bac2therac]

I didnt see the effort and hard work and focus that RU showed earlier at the RAC....it resulted in numerous turnovers which led to PSU points at key times. Taking 20 3 pointers is bad basketball it has nothing to do with making them, this team should not be making decision that poor to shoot that many....thats were it was lazy and unfocused and not smart

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I don't think it is as quite as bad as it appears to be.....we only have two truly creative players in Sanders and Nigel, but the pieces that are freshman like Thiam and Eugene are where the roster needs to see improvement.....Eugene is yet not showing himself as a shooter, but he has passing skills this team needs.....

I would probably consider playing Eugene more minutes than Freeman as the season goes along, just to allow the offense to run through him and get him used to touching the basketball more than he is now.....he's the best passer on the team and he's bigger and taller and more adept with the ball with Freeman....if teams sag off Freeman and he doesn't take and make that elbow/free throw line shot available, then I'd feel better with Eugene dribbling and passing vs Freeman.

I also don't think one game takes away the thoughts that this team can win a few conference games.....if Nigel Johnson doesn't score, then yeah, RU is not competitive, but my guess will be he'll have about 8 to 9 very solid games and a couple of other clunkers like today mixed in.....his pattern of play mirrors what his soph season at KState looked like.....some 4 to 5 point games and a couple of big games with 15 to 16 Point outings...

Pikiell probably needs to stick with starting Eugene each half to buy minutes and rest for Mike Williams, once Sanders goes back to the starting lineup....I think we have been a little off with Sanders missing the first 10 minutes vs Wisconsin and the rotations are not as ideal with Mike starting vs Corey....

Holding Penn State to 60, when they had 5 dunks, is as much as you can ask for....the defensive efficiency is pretty high right now and it's still the best formula to win games.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

I didnt see the effort and hard work and focus that RU showed earlier at the RAC....it resulted in numerous turnovers which led to PSU points at key times. Taking 20 3 pointers is bad basketball it has nothing to do with making them, this team should not be making decision that poor to shoot that many....thats were it was lazy and unfocused and not smart

We're a bad three point shooting team and shouldn't be jacking them up like that but if you're a guard, what would you do? Is force feeding it to Freeman who can't score smart? None of the small forwards have produced anything on offense this season. Somebody has to shoot. I don't like Mike Williams's chances of driving into trees. It's not focus. It's talent and shooting ability.

 

[greenknight]

Johnson is almost a clone of Saunders plays out of control. One thing I cannot stand is someone that stands at top of key And has to dribble between legs & behind back...for no reason at all. Worry about making a good crisp pass. If your going to dribe like that do it with a purpose

 

[RUJMM78]

Rutgers was successful in masking the offensive woes for the most part during the easy out of conference schedule.In league completion there is no place to hide and Rutgers offense is exposed as a squad with few scoring threats.In too many instances Rutgers had only 1-2 likely scoring threats on the court which made Penn State's defense seem better than it really was.

 

[greenknight]

It also bad news that your 7 ft center has a better outside shot than you 2 point guards

 

[rufeelinit]

We just looked so offensively challenged today that I had no confidence we had the fire power to make a comeback after the terrible second half start. I knew we were blowing a major opportunity early by not building a bigger lead when PSU was stuck in single digits for so long. While I sometimes think Pike does need to shorten the rotation a bit, I am not sure how much it matters offensively. There are many five person units out there where I wonder who other than one or two players might possibly score. Other teams are going to sit in a 2-3 zone like PSU did and dare us to beat them with outside shots. We turned the ball over way too much and did not win loose ball battles enough. Our bigs just do not have the ability to go up strong. Gettys is the only one with offensive moves and that is not a good sign. Freeman got beat too many times on defense. He gave up the baseline several times and I was not sure if he expected help but PSU would beat us with passes against the rotation anyway.

Overall a bad performance against a team that looks like it maybe building something. The difference was that PSU eventually started knocking down shots.

 

[Degaz-RU]

Today for me was disappointing, after a promising 11-2 non conference starts where all of us were happy, we were all eager to see how that might translate into conference play. Alot of expectations were put on this team that the quick start meant possibly meant that RU might be able to truly and compete and win up to 6 and maybe more Big 10 games. Unfortunately after seeing today, Wisconsin and seeing RU's play and stats against Miami and Seton Hall, it looks like RU has struggled against every team with a pulse. Not only were the shooting percentages frightening but they were outrebounded in 3 of those games and only out rebounded PSU by 1 and were beaten on the offensive boards in all 4. To me thats concerning as we are starting to get a sample size here

Miami L 73-61 FG 23-63 36.5%, 3pt FG 3-16 18.8% outrebounded 44-30....I believe Miami went on a 17-0 run in this game in the 2nd half that put it away

Seton Hall L 72-61 FG 18-50 36%, 3pt FG 3-10 30% outrebounded 48-36, 18 TOs, Seton Hall 21-8 run to close the game in last 7 minutes that clinched the game

Wisconsin L 72-52 FG 19-62 30.6%, 3pt FG 7-18 38.9%, outrebounded 44-35 15 TOs, Wisconsin went on 25-10 run over the course of about 10 minutes from the end of the first half to start of second half that put the game out of reach

Penn State L 60-47 FG 18-63% 28.6%, 3pt FG 3-20 15%. won rebound battle 43-42. 17 TOs, Penn State went on 14-0 in just 3 minutes in the 2nd half put the game away


most troubling is the play of Freeman in all 4 games and also Johnson as well

Freeman

Miami: 4-12 fg 4 rebounds, 11 points
Seton Hall: 1-4fg, 11 rebounds, 7 points
Wisconsin: 3-8fg, 3 rebounds, 9 points
PSU: 2-4 fg, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Johnson

Miami: 2-9 fg 4 points
Seton Hall: 5-14 fg, 16 points
Wisconsin: 4-14 fg, 11 points
Penn State: 1-8 fg, 2 points


To me the things I thought were worrisome in the Miami game with Freeman is rearing its ugly head game after game., He is undersized and just not physical enough to have much success. He can do well against the cupcakes but against better competition he has struggled. Ditto for Johnson who pulled a total no show today. The only reason why I single these guys out, is that if they do not produce, RU has no chance of being competitive or even winning a Big 10 game this year. I realized that 3 of the 4 teams that RU has lost to are likely NCAA participants but Penn State clearly is not.

The weak OOC schedule was just that and it looks like RU is getting exposed. You cant get around that right now. Pike is moving the program forward but we all need to slow down. This program has a 3-35 record all time in the Big 10, its now lost 33 of its last 34 Big 10 games, its not easy to move up in this league. PSU has been trying to do it for years. Today they proved they are still ahead of RU, Nebby who many thought were the worst Big 10 school has now knocked off two probable NCAA teams on the road. Its going to be tough to win games when every other schools have more talent.

Ultimately while RU beat every cupcake on the schedule and Pike and team deserve tons of credit for that in changing some of the losing culture, it is apparent this team just does not have the horses and just does not have the offense to be able to legimately compete night and out in this league. Its just a limited team. The younger guys do not appear ready to contribute in a signficant way to make a difference in a game. Yes its a bit premature to right them off, but I dont see this issues changing, the team seems to be what it is. When they work hard, which I dont think they did tonight, they can play it close and yes there will be an upset or two along the way but right now I am less enthusiastic of this team winning more than 4 Big 10 games this year.

Bac nails it.

 

[Jim_from_RU]

Gonna take Pike a few recruiting classes to turn this ship around. Can't have unrealistic expectations with this team. Patience, unfortunately, is required.

 

[greenknight]

We just looked so offensively challenged today that I had no confidence we had the fire power to make a comeback after the terrible second half start. I knew we were blowing a major opportunity early by not building a bigger lead when PSU was stuck in single digits for so long. While I sometimes think Pike does need to shorten the rotation a bit, I am not sure how much it matters offensively. There are many five person units out there where I wonder who other than one or two players might possibly score. Other teams are going to sit in a 2-3 zone like PSU did and dare us to beat them with outside shots. We turned the ball over way too much and did not win loose ball battles enough. Our bigs just do not have the ability to go up strong. Gettys is the only one with offensive moves and that is not a good sign. Freeman got beat too many times on defense. He gave up the baseline several times and I was not sure if he expected help but PSU would beat us with passes against the rotation anyway.

Overall a bad performance against a team that looks like it maybe building something. The difference was that PSU eventually started knocking down shots.

It's not just today we have been offensively challenged in all 15 games people just choose not to see what's plain to see

 

[MusicFreaks]

The effort is there. The offense, unfortunately, is not. Needs time to develop shooters. Seems like a dumb statement, but look at most Mid majors. They have 'em. RU needs them. Will take time. Just needs some time.

 

[RU MAN]

All I know is I hope Gio Baker is the real deal as many "experts" have stated. If so, we need him here yesterday. As for going forward Pikiell may have to use Freeman differently, because he seems overpowered in the paint. I wonder if we'll start to see CJ and Doorson together on the floor and then go with three guards more often? I also wonder if we can get more open looks for Thiam as he has been missing of late, because of his illness? We need more scoring from him and Sa especially when two of our guards are not creating and scoring and our other guard, a three point shooter makes 3 of 13 from three point land.

 

[RUJMM78]

All fans should be concerned about the teams performance today.My concern ,however,is the reaction of recruits who are desperately needed on the offensive side of the ball.The competition for top tier recruits is intense and losing games like today at home doesn't help the cause.

 

[seels2662]

Still have faith in this team to turn it around. If not patience in an understatement. Because of multiple factors this season is probably our best chance at a.500 record for the next five seasons including this one.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

Saw the game on TV. I agree with most of the comments in the thread and want to add that it seemed that maturity was lacking. A couple of players got frustrated with their teammates. The team laid an egg today, but they've had good stretches during the season and I'm hopeful that today will be a valuable learning experience for them and that the team remains optimistic.

 

[jonS]

Today for me was disappointing, after a promising 11-2 non conference starts where all of us were happy, we were all eager to see how that might translate into conference play. Alot of expectations were put on this team that the quick start meant possibly meant that RU might be able to truly and compete and win up to 6 and maybe more Big 10 games. Unfortunately after seeing today, Wisconsin and seeing RU's play and stats against Miami and Seton Hall, it looks like RU has struggled against every team with a pulse. Not only were the shooting percentages frightening but they were outrebounded in 3 of those games and only out rebounded PSU by 1 and were beaten on the offensive boards in all 4. To me thats concerning as we are starting to get a sample size here

Miami L 73-61 FG 23-63 36.5%, 3pt FG 3-16 18.8% outrebounded 44-30....I believe Miami went on a 17-0 run in this game in the 2nd half that put it away

Seton Hall L 72-61 FG 18-50 36%, 3pt FG 3-10 30% outrebounded 48-36, 18 TOs, Seton Hall 21-8 run to close the game in last 7 minutes that clinched the game

Wisconsin L 72-52 FG 19-62 30.6%, 3pt FG 7-18 38.9%, outrebounded 44-35 15 TOs, Wisconsin went on 25-10 run over the course of about 10 minutes from the end of the first half to start of second half that put the game out of reach

Penn State L 60-47 FG 18-63% 28.6%, 3pt FG 3-20 15%. won rebound battle 43-42. 17 TOs, Penn State went on 14-0 in just 3 minutes in the 2nd half put the game away


most troubling is the play of Freeman in all 4 games and also Johnson as well

Freeman

Miami: 4-12 fg 4 rebounds, 11 points
Seton Hall: 1-4fg, 11 rebounds, 7 points
Wisconsin: 3-8fg, 3 rebounds, 9 points
PSU: 2-4 fg, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Johnson

Miami: 2-9 fg 4 points
Seton Hall: 5-14 fg, 16 points
Wisconsin: 4-14 fg, 11 points
Penn State: 1-8 fg, 2 points


To me the things I thought were worrisome in the Miami game with Freeman is rearing its ugly head game after game., He is undersized and just not physical enough to have much success. He can do well against the cupcakes but against better competition he has struggled. Ditto for Johnson who pulled a total no show today. The only reason why I single these guys out, is that if they do not produce, RU has no chance of being competitive or even winning a Big 10 game this year. I realized that 3 of the 4 teams that RU has lost to are likely NCAA participants but Penn State clearly is not.

The weak OOC schedule was just that and it looks like RU is getting exposed. You cant get around that right now. Pike is moving the program forward but we all need to slow down. This program has a 3-35 record all time in the Big 10, its now lost 33 of its last 34 Big 10 games, its not easy to move up in this league. PSU has been trying to do it for years. Today they proved they are still ahead of RU, Nebby who many thought were the worst Big 10 school has now knocked off two probable NCAA teams on the road. Its going to be tough to win games when every other schools have more talent.

Ultimately while RU beat every cupcake on the schedule and Pike and team deserve tons of credit for that in changing some of the losing culture, it is apparent this team just does not have the horses and just does not have the offense to be able to legimately compete night and out in this league. Its just a limited team. The younger guys do not appear ready to contribute in a signficant way to make a difference in a game. Yes its a bit premature to right them off, but I dont see this issues changing, the team seems to be what it is. When they work hard, which I dont think they did tonight, they can play it close and yes there will be an upset or two along the way but right now I am less enthusiastic of this team winning more than 4 Big 10 games this year.

I agree with much of your analysis but I believe what's really hurt Rutgers is that there is just no threat from outside . Sanders ( and Johnson as well) just doesn't take any pull up jumpers from 10-15ft and if he did , and made them, it would begin to open the low post for Freeman and others. PSU just packed the paint and gave Rutgers the outside shot and Rutgers just couldn't hit anything. Until Sanders, Johnson and williams to a lesser degree demonstrate some ability to make two's ( forget three's) this will be every team's defense against Rutgers. At times it seemed like PSU had 4 guys around the basket for rebounds which obviously reduced opportunities for offensive rebounds..

 

[higgins3]

I don't think it is as quite as bad as it appears to be.....we only have two truly creative players in Sanders and Nigel, but the pieces that are freshman like Thiam and Eugene are where the roster needs to see improvement.....Eugene is yet not showing himself as a shooter, but he has passing skills this team needs.....

I would probably consider playing Eugene more minutes than Freeman as the season goes along, just to allow the offense to run through him and get him used to touching the basketball more than he is now.....he's the best passer on the team and he's bigger and taller and more adept with the ball with Freeman....if teams sag off Freeman and he doesn't take and make that elbow/free throw line shot available, then I'd feel better with Eugene dribbling and passing vs Freeman.

I also don't think one game takes away the thoughts that this team can win a few conference games.....if Nigel Johnson doesn't score, then yeah, RU is not competitive, but my guess will be he'll have about 8 to 9 very solid games and a couple of other clunkers like today mixed in.....his pattern of play mirrors what his soph season at KState looked like.....some 4 to 5 point games and a couple of big games with 15 to 16 Point outings...


Pikiell probably needs to stick with starting Eugene each half to buy minutes and rest for Mike Williams, once Sanders goes back to the starting lineup....I think we have been a little off with Sanders missing the first 10 minutes vs Wisconsin and the rotations are not as ideal with Mike starting vs Corey....

Holding Penn State to 60, when they had 5 dunks, is as much as you can ask for....the defensive efficiency is pretty high right now and it's still the best formula to win games.

Do you mean Eugene take Laurents minutes?I could see that. Way to early to write off Freeman, even if we have seen him struggle this season against such opponents.

Seeing Freeman at less than 20 minutes would be crazy.

 

[higgins3]

I agree with much of your analysis but I believe what's really hurt Rutgers is that there is just no threat from outside . Sanders ( and Johnson as well) just doesn't take any pull up jumpers from 10-15ft and if he did , and made them, it would begin to open the low post for Freeman and others. PSU just packed the paint and gave Rutgers the outside shot and Rutgers just couldn't hit anything. Until Sanders, Johnson and williams to a lesser degree demonstrate some ability to make two's ( forget three's) this will be every team's defense against Rutgers. At times it seemed like PSU had 4 guys around the basket for rebounds which obviously reduced opportunities for offensive rebounds..

As mentioned to nausom, Sanders is struggling. He does not have a active 3 pt shot, does not have a jumper, and has a wild drive. What is almost more obvious is his apparent lack of confidence to shoot ANYTHING.

 

[RU-ROCS]

We play 10 guys. Why can't we press more against teams like PSU, who didn't have great ball handlers, to try and generate some offense?

 

[Scarlet Shack]

The only concern is Half Court offense

We are playing plenty good enough on the boards and defense to win

But the game is called BASKETball and we just are doing that enough

 

[Fzacsattac]

Today for me was disappointing, after a promising 11-2 non conference starts where all of us were happy, we were all eager to see how that might translate into conference play. Alot of expectations were put on this team that the quick start meant possibly meant that RU might be able to truly and compete and win up to 6 and maybe more Big 10 games. Unfortunately after seeing today, Wisconsin and seeing RU's play and stats against Miami and Seton Hall, it looks like RU has struggled against every team with a pulse. Not only were the shooting percentages frightening but they were outrebounded in 3 of those games and only out rebounded PSU by 1 and were beaten on the offensive boards in all 4. To me thats concerning as we are starting to get a sample size here

Miami L 73-61 FG 23-63 36.5%, 3pt FG 3-16 18.8% outrebounded 44-30....I believe Miami went on a 17-0 run in this game in the 2nd half that put it away

Seton Hall L 72-61 FG 18-50 36%, 3pt FG 3-10 30% outrebounded 48-36, 18 TOs, Seton Hall 21-8 run to close the game in last 7 minutes that clinched the game

Wisconsin L 72-52 FG 19-62 30.6%, 3pt FG 7-18 38.9%, outrebounded 44-35 15 TOs, Wisconsin went on 25-10 run over the course of about 10 minutes from the end of the first half to start of second half that put the game out of reach

Penn State L 60-47 FG 18-63% 28.6%, 3pt FG 3-20 15%. won rebound battle 43-42. 17 TOs, Penn State went on 14-0 in just 3 minutes in the 2nd half put the game away


most troubling is the play of Freeman in all 4 games and also Johnson as well

Freeman

Miami: 4-12 fg 4 rebounds, 11 points
Seton Hall: 1-4fg, 11 rebounds, 7 points
Wisconsin: 3-8fg, 3 rebounds, 9 points
PSU: 2-4 fg, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Johnson

Miami: 2-9 fg 4 points
Seton Hall: 5-14 fg, 16 points
Wisconsin: 4-14 fg, 11 points
Penn State: 1-8 fg, 2 points


To me the things I thought were worrisome in the Miami game with Freeman is rearing its ugly head game after game., He is undersized and just not physical enough to have much success. He can do well against the cupcakes but against better competition he has struggled. Ditto for Johnson who pulled a total no show today. The only reason why I single these guys out, is that if they do not produce, RU has no chance of being competitive or even winning a Big 10 game this year. I realized that 3 of the 4 teams that RU has lost to are likely NCAA participants but Penn State clearly is not.

The weak OOC schedule was just that and it looks like RU is getting exposed. You cant get around that right now. Pike is moving the program forward but we all need to slow down. This program has a 3-35 record all time in the Big 10, its now lost 33 of its last 34 Big 10 games, its not easy to move up in this league. PSU has been trying to do it for years. Today they proved they are still ahead of RU, Nebby who many thought were the worst Big 10 school has now knocked off two probable NCAA teams on the road. Its going to be tough to win games when every other schools have more talent.

Ultimately while RU beat every cupcake on the schedule and Pike and team deserve tons of credit for that in changing some of the losing culture, it is apparent this team just does not have the horses and just does not have the offense to be able to legimately compete night and out in this league. Its just a limited team. The younger guys do not appear ready to contribute in a signficant way to make a difference in a game. Yes its a bit premature to right them off, but I dont see this issues changing, the team seems to be what it is. When they work hard, which I dont think they did tonight, they can play it close and yes there will be an upset or two along the way but right now I am less enthusiastic of this team winning more than 4 Big 10 games this year.

When you load up on a lot of cupcakes you get full quickly. Other teams coming in know our record is a fluke because of who we played and now it is being exposed.

Stop putting high expectations on this team and you won't be disappointed. 1-3 Big Ten wins is an improvement. That's al you can ask at this point.

 

[goru7]

Bac, you have clearly stated how our shooting is killing us. But the biggest concern is the ridiculous amount of turnovers. Coach said it in the post game. I have mentioned it as something that has to stop over the last 5 games especially the continued unforced ones. It has cost us chances to bring games that we are not shooting well, to the wire.. How do we fix these turnovers? One way is to spread the floor better. The last 3 games against Seton Hall, Wisconsin, and PennState , they have played us man to man, but our sets are too tight. Corey and Nigel should be given more room to create without the bigs coming up for the screen roll. Both of them have to stop leaving their feet and keep their dribble alive, instead of throwing it to no one. The guards also have to do a better job when the ball goes to the wing to quickly dump down to either CJor Deshawn or Candido or Shaquille, which they did earlier in the year, but seem to be too content to try ball reversal on the perimeter, which they can do secondarily, after trying to feed the bigs. Teams have scouted us and are overplaying the swing pass. We have to go back door more.

Also, if Coach is going to insist on bringing CJ or Sa either high at the foul line or pick roll, then we have to execute pick roll and give the ball to the big, or CJ has to do a better job on the high low. Deshawn had his man pinned 2-3 times and CJ missed it and the guards missed him another time or so, causing him to get frustrated. If the big is getting doubled they have to dish it out and play inside out more. What seems to be happening is that the guards are not getting the ball to the bigs on the block , so when they finally get it , they are always going to the hole because they don't think they will ever get it back. We have to repost more and play inside out.

Yeah the problem continues to be shooting not just 3's, but layups, 5-10 footers, everything. However, today is especially frustrating because once again the other team hit 7 and we hit 3, a 12 point difference . Having Nigel and Issa each go 0-3 really hurt. Our defense for the most part remains strong and looks to be here for the rest of the year. Yes , our guys have to get in the gym, with no school for the next 15 days and shoot and extra hundred every day. Our guys lack confidence, Issa, Corey, and even Mike has to get it in rhythm, When he shoots off the dribble his shooting is at a much lower % than when he is set. If he hits 3 more today , the game goes to the wire. I have stated previously that we need to hit 6 threes a game to compete for wins in this conference . Coach has to find a way to get Issa, Laurent, Nigel and Corey open shots in their sets and the players have to let it go.

 

[willisneverrana43]

Gonna take Pike a few recruiting classes to turn this ship around. Can't have unrealistic expectations with this team. Patience, unfortunately, is required.

Yup

 

[knights1212]

This game was one of the most disappointing RU games I have ever attended since 1971. The team had a great crowd supporting them today and the team never responded. This was a game we needed and we dropped a large egg.

 

[RU_DIO]

Freeman better develop a 15 footer. He can't score in the B1G consistently without one. Sanders better lock himself in the gym and shoot every day.

I wonder if we should go back to our original lineup with Thiam and Laurent starting and have Williams, Johnson, Eugene etc... giving us a spark off the bench. Thiam has stopped producing since coming off the bench, Eugene hasn't done much since starting and Laurent is just lost right now in the rotation. We desperately need these guys to develop mid range games because we really have no one who can shoot.

 

[LotusAggressor]

All I know is I hope Gio Baker is the real deal as many "experts" have stated. If so, we need him here yesterday. As for going forward Pikiell may have to use Freeman differently, because he seems overpowered in the paint. I wonder if we'll start to see CJ and Doorson together on the floor and then go with three guards more often? I also wonder if we can get more open looks for Thiam as he has been missing of late, because of his illness? We need more scoring from him and Sa especially when two of our guards are not creating and scoring and our other guard, a three point shooter makes 3 of 13 from three point land.

Most teams that play 3 guards have at least 2 that can shoot.

 

[goru7]

Freeman better develop a 15 footer. He can't score in the B1G consistently without one. Sanders better lock himself in the gym and shoot every day.

I wonder if we should go back to our original lineup with Thiam and Laurent starting and have Williams, Johnson, Eugene etc... giving us a spark off the bench. Thiam has stopped producing since coming off the bench, Eugene hasn't done much since starting and Laurent is just lost right now in the rotation. We desperately need these guys to develop mid range games because we really have no one who can shoot.

So nice to finally agree with something you post. Since the starting lineup has changed our chemistry has gotten worse, acknowledging that the competition has ramped up. I agree go back to Issa and Laurent and get something out of them. We are getting next to nothing out of our forward spot..Both Issa and Jonathon have to try to score , we need their offense badly. Eugene was also providing a spark off the bench and nothing last 3 games he has been inserted into starting lineup.

 

[scarletrat]

The only thing lazy and uninspired are these type of self loathing comments.
Yeah, disappointing we lost.
But none of this should really be a surprise. If it is, that's on you.
We are better than last year, but better defense can only take you so far.
It's about laying a foundation, a culture, with some results.
Maybe it can look like Rice's first year. Maybe.

 

[mikefla]

I still have faith in this team & the coach
:smiley::(:smiley:

I can imagine ALL the above feel WORSE than any of us feel
:scream::(:(:(:scream:
We laid an egg........................we USED to lay them even in the OOC
:weary::thumbsdown::weary::thumbsdown::weary:

Its gonna take coach P more than 1/2 a season to re-created Rutgers basketball...

 

[jonS]

As mentioned to nausom, Sanders is struggling. He does not have a active 3 pt shot, does not have a jumper, and has a wild drive. What is almost more obvious is his apparent lack of confidence to shoot ANYTHING.

But the only way to regain confidence and get out of a slump is to shoot. And keep shooting. If I were Pikiell I'd tell Sanders to take mid-range jumpers whenever he has the chance. BTW--it was good to see that Sanders had little problem with his ankle...

 

[RUJMM78]

Rutgers offensive woes start and ends with recruiting better players which is easier said then done.The B1G isn't a conference for floundering programs to make a quick move upward in rankings.The reality of the situation is that Rutgers still is a bottom tier B1G team with a shooting weakness that can't be overcome even by better coaching as seen on defense.Comments by fans on improving the offense sound good but in reality are not likely to work because the players lack the skillset to score regardless of how many shots they take during practice.

History has shown that the Rutgers mens basketball program rarely had two reliable scoring threats on the court at the same time and sometimes only one.It was hard to win in the Big East and the B1G is iust more of the same match up problems..Overcoming the recruiting nightmare will be Coach Pikiell's biggest challenge and will determine his success or failure in the future.The coaching staff is in place and now the hard work of recruiting must show dramatic improvement within the next 2 years.

 

[Joey Bacala]

Johnson is almost a clone of Saunders plays out of control. One thing I cannot stand is someone that stands at top of key And has to dribble between legs & behind back...for no reason at all. Worry about making a good crisp pass. If your going to dribe like that do it with a purpose

Agree - Johnson is totally out of control, trying to do too much. I don't get Freeman at all, agree with much of what has been said here about him, he has no identity as a ball player, is he a 3, 4, 2. I don't see the skills for some roles, not enough size for others, classic tweener. What might be the most disturbing about Freeman is that I see him arguing with his teammates a lot, and I don't want a chemistry problem on a team like this, where these guys have to be all in on the same page to have a chance in B1G games.