He is the G Force. He has the G Factor. He makes the G Shot. Some of those shots last night were approaching the G Spot. His name is Gavin Griffiths. Just toss the Princeton game. Gavin rode pine through much of the Princeton game as he looked a bit lost. Not the most opportune game even for a talented freshmen to make his collegiate debut. Gavin rode pine through much of the Princeton game as he looked a bit lost. Pike kept him there even as RU desperately needed scoring late. Maybe somebody we find out why. Last night Gavin was everything and then some. Some hyped players can come in and it takes a bit to show their stuff, some seemingly show only bits and pieces, some never do at all. Its quite a good feeling when you see a star with all the tools, the vision, the iq, the confidence burgeon right in front of your eyes. Mark this down in the book, a 4 minute span where Gavin scored 12 points will go down as the official arrival of Gavin Griffiths and when he ingratiated himself to the Rutgers faithful which had them genuflexing in appreciating. A couple of sweet looking 3s, two dunks, and making the suddenly ever elusive free throws for RU, Gavin responsible for RU's best sustained stretch of basketball this season where they took a 15 point lead and increased it to 60-32 on a 19-6 run that left the Terriers headed bac 2 the dog pound.
Gavin finished 9-15 fg 3-7 from 3, 4-4 at the line, 4 boards (3 of them offensive) finishing with a team leading 25 points in a team leading 27 minutes of play. Not sure of any records but has to be one of the best freshmen debuts at the RAC in Rutgers history. And on a night where earlier we sadly bowed our heads to the memory of Phil Sellers, one starts to wonder about the new era for Rutgers basketball that has just begun and will rapidly evolve with the editions of Ace and fingers crossed Dylan Harper. Yet there is a still a bridge year to play this season. Where exactly Rutgers is at now and what is their ceiling is a hard task to answer right now.
Princeton is a good team. The loss was disappointing at least for me not because we lost but we looked a mess. I cannot say last night quelled any fears and answered my questions but its a step forward in what looks to be a challenging process for Coach Pikiell this season. A win is always good. A feel good win by 24 when you are not sweating it out is great First things first, Boston U was terribly overmatched physcially. This was not Princeton. It did not have to be. These string of non conference RAC games are here to build confidence and sort things out. The starting lineup of Cliff, Wolf, Williams, Fernandes, and Hyatt was an interesting combo. Bigger lineup with the offense running through Hyatt struggled mightily early. RU could not make shots and could not get out of their own way and 9 minutes into the game only had 13 minutes to show for it. Wolf played solid ball and Hyatt was certainly active albeit streaky. RU committed 7 turnovers, guard play was non existent and RU failed in any feeble attempt to establish Cliff. Not the start one would want. However it was going back to Pikeill's basics...defense that held sway for Rutgers until the 2nd half. RU would limit Boston to just 3 points over the final 9 minutes of the first half finishing on a 14-3 and RU headed into the locking room with breathing room at 30-22.
Start of the 2nd half was all about Hyatt. He is streaky. We all know his ups and downs but he delivered in a decisive stretch that basically ended any Boston hopes that this would be a game. Hyatt finished with 17 points on 6-11 fg, 3-7 from 3 and 4 boards. A big bounceback after a not so good performance at Princeton. We can all hope Hyatt gets more consistent. Boston U isnt top tier but its good to at least see Hyatt focus and step up and show some take charge leadership on a team that is desperately searching for an identity. That is the biggest problem I have seen in the first two games. Lack of indentity and just what purpose on offense. There was improvement for sure from the Princeton game. Yet guard play remains a massive weak spot thus far. The 3 smaller guards, Noah, Derek and J Mike went a combined 1-8 fg with just 5 points. They have been total non factors on the offensive end and its only 2 games but what the heck happened to Derek Simpson. It seems like he lost his entire confidence he had gained from the end of last season. His role is massively different with a different team and he has not settled into a flow. Noah came touted as being able to bring experience but has yet to show anything in the first two games. J Mike is just in his second game so not going to judge him too harshly. He shows signs of promise albeit that 3-8 free throw shooting has to get better. Derek did have 5 assists last night so there is a glimmer of hope but I am really worried about getting the ball to the right people..namely Cliff. Not one player has shown the ability to get Rutgers supposed elite center the ball. That has to change quickly
Lets talk about Cliff. I thought his Princeton effort was just okay and he simply did not make himself an impact player in that game nor did his teammates try to. Last night, Cliff was basically invisible. Cliff was getting banged around by the Boston U bigs and that is unacceptable. His teammates couldnt get him touches at all. Cliff needs to work big time on his positioning or its going to be an easy defend this year. Cliff would get banged up and did go to the lockerroom before half so in fairness he was fighting that too. When he came back in besides a nice basket, he seemed tentative and slow on defense showing the signs of being a bit hurt so perhaps should have just stayed on the bench. 21 minutes, 1-3 fg, 5 points, 5 boards, 3 turnovers....RU doesnt need Cliff points or blocks to beat Boston U but they will need him to beat Georgetown and other tougher non conference opponents. Pike needs to get Cliff to elevate his game and get some hunger in the paint or its going to be a tough season.
Beyond the postives of Gavin and Hyatt last night, the most noticable improvement is coming from Woofolk. Followed up that Princeton performance with another solid one showing some good moves and is looking extremely comfortable on the court and adapting to a faster pace of the game. Just 14 minutes likely banged up too, Wolf grabbed 8 boards and had 4 points and a steal. Whether putting him and Cliff on the court at the same time is a long term solution, I do not know but I do know that Wolf deserves as many minutes as Pike can find for him because his potential is just being tapped and on a team where others are sort of sputtering, Wolf has earned his minutes.
Oskar is playing his role. 19 minutes, 5 boards, 4 points and looking more comfortable out there. Definitely a pleasant surprise for me thus far. Austin Williams ditto as a role player...all you can ask for but with the other 3 guards struggling he might be asked for more going forward.
Chol sighting as he got signficant minutes getting his feet wet and did pretty well. Had that awesome dunk as well. 13 minutes, 5 points. Again every team needs role players and he looked comfortable out there with good pace.
Always nice to win. Hard to complain after a 69-45 win. Concern for me is still a disjointed offense and the slow starts. Gavin and Hyatt went 15-26 fg. The rest of the team was just 8-26. Gavin and Hyatt 6-14 from 3. The rest of the team was just 1-11. Gavin and Hyatt 6-6 free throws. The rest of the team 10-24. Not sustainable vs tougher teams coming up and Bryant/Georgetown will certainly be tougher tests. Its just game two and Gavin emerged so take that into consideration. Its important in game 3 to get a Derek or Noah untracked. I do not envy Coach Pike's challenge this year. Not going to be like any other he has faced at RU but the one thing we know he will scrap and claw to solve it and this team eventually will scrap and claw to keep getting better.
One note on the crowd...excellent showing...I see they listed as sellout..wtf...no....but still a great showing for first night with so many games coming. But boo to Rutgers for charging $30 for parking and also didnt like how they are trying to force the fans all out one way and shutting the doors to allow people to walk to the main concourse in front...but why
Gavin finished 9-15 fg 3-7 from 3, 4-4 at the line, 4 boards (3 of them offensive) finishing with a team leading 25 points in a team leading 27 minutes of play. Not sure of any records but has to be one of the best freshmen debuts at the RAC in Rutgers history. And on a night where earlier we sadly bowed our heads to the memory of Phil Sellers, one starts to wonder about the new era for Rutgers basketball that has just begun and will rapidly evolve with the editions of Ace and fingers crossed Dylan Harper. Yet there is a still a bridge year to play this season. Where exactly Rutgers is at now and what is their ceiling is a hard task to answer right now.
Princeton is a good team. The loss was disappointing at least for me not because we lost but we looked a mess. I cannot say last night quelled any fears and answered my questions but its a step forward in what looks to be a challenging process for Coach Pikiell this season. A win is always good. A feel good win by 24 when you are not sweating it out is great First things first, Boston U was terribly overmatched physcially. This was not Princeton. It did not have to be. These string of non conference RAC games are here to build confidence and sort things out. The starting lineup of Cliff, Wolf, Williams, Fernandes, and Hyatt was an interesting combo. Bigger lineup with the offense running through Hyatt struggled mightily early. RU could not make shots and could not get out of their own way and 9 minutes into the game only had 13 minutes to show for it. Wolf played solid ball and Hyatt was certainly active albeit streaky. RU committed 7 turnovers, guard play was non existent and RU failed in any feeble attempt to establish Cliff. Not the start one would want. However it was going back to Pikeill's basics...defense that held sway for Rutgers until the 2nd half. RU would limit Boston to just 3 points over the final 9 minutes of the first half finishing on a 14-3 and RU headed into the locking room with breathing room at 30-22.
Start of the 2nd half was all about Hyatt. He is streaky. We all know his ups and downs but he delivered in a decisive stretch that basically ended any Boston hopes that this would be a game. Hyatt finished with 17 points on 6-11 fg, 3-7 from 3 and 4 boards. A big bounceback after a not so good performance at Princeton. We can all hope Hyatt gets more consistent. Boston U isnt top tier but its good to at least see Hyatt focus and step up and show some take charge leadership on a team that is desperately searching for an identity. That is the biggest problem I have seen in the first two games. Lack of indentity and just what purpose on offense. There was improvement for sure from the Princeton game. Yet guard play remains a massive weak spot thus far. The 3 smaller guards, Noah, Derek and J Mike went a combined 1-8 fg with just 5 points. They have been total non factors on the offensive end and its only 2 games but what the heck happened to Derek Simpson. It seems like he lost his entire confidence he had gained from the end of last season. His role is massively different with a different team and he has not settled into a flow. Noah came touted as being able to bring experience but has yet to show anything in the first two games. J Mike is just in his second game so not going to judge him too harshly. He shows signs of promise albeit that 3-8 free throw shooting has to get better. Derek did have 5 assists last night so there is a glimmer of hope but I am really worried about getting the ball to the right people..namely Cliff. Not one player has shown the ability to get Rutgers supposed elite center the ball. That has to change quickly
Lets talk about Cliff. I thought his Princeton effort was just okay and he simply did not make himself an impact player in that game nor did his teammates try to. Last night, Cliff was basically invisible. Cliff was getting banged around by the Boston U bigs and that is unacceptable. His teammates couldnt get him touches at all. Cliff needs to work big time on his positioning or its going to be an easy defend this year. Cliff would get banged up and did go to the lockerroom before half so in fairness he was fighting that too. When he came back in besides a nice basket, he seemed tentative and slow on defense showing the signs of being a bit hurt so perhaps should have just stayed on the bench. 21 minutes, 1-3 fg, 5 points, 5 boards, 3 turnovers....RU doesnt need Cliff points or blocks to beat Boston U but they will need him to beat Georgetown and other tougher non conference opponents. Pike needs to get Cliff to elevate his game and get some hunger in the paint or its going to be a tough season.
Beyond the postives of Gavin and Hyatt last night, the most noticable improvement is coming from Woofolk. Followed up that Princeton performance with another solid one showing some good moves and is looking extremely comfortable on the court and adapting to a faster pace of the game. Just 14 minutes likely banged up too, Wolf grabbed 8 boards and had 4 points and a steal. Whether putting him and Cliff on the court at the same time is a long term solution, I do not know but I do know that Wolf deserves as many minutes as Pike can find for him because his potential is just being tapped and on a team where others are sort of sputtering, Wolf has earned his minutes.
Oskar is playing his role. 19 minutes, 5 boards, 4 points and looking more comfortable out there. Definitely a pleasant surprise for me thus far. Austin Williams ditto as a role player...all you can ask for but with the other 3 guards struggling he might be asked for more going forward.
Chol sighting as he got signficant minutes getting his feet wet and did pretty well. Had that awesome dunk as well. 13 minutes, 5 points. Again every team needs role players and he looked comfortable out there with good pace.
Always nice to win. Hard to complain after a 69-45 win. Concern for me is still a disjointed offense and the slow starts. Gavin and Hyatt went 15-26 fg. The rest of the team was just 8-26. Gavin and Hyatt 6-14 from 3. The rest of the team was just 1-11. Gavin and Hyatt 6-6 free throws. The rest of the team 10-24. Not sustainable vs tougher teams coming up and Bryant/Georgetown will certainly be tougher tests. Its just game two and Gavin emerged so take that into consideration. Its important in game 3 to get a Derek or Noah untracked. I do not envy Coach Pike's challenge this year. Not going to be like any other he has faced at RU but the one thing we know he will scrap and claw to solve it and this team eventually will scrap and claw to keep getting better.
One note on the crowd...excellent showing...I see they listed as sellout..wtf...no....but still a great showing for first night with so many games coming. But boo to Rutgers for charging $30 for parking and also didnt like how they are trying to force the fans all out one way and shutting the doors to allow people to walk to the main concourse in front...but why
