I for one have been critical of Jordan lately,but

[higgins3]

You have got to give this guy some props for holding this team together and getting them to compete despite the circumstances. He is a positive coach. Seton hall has a lot better players than Rutgers, but if Kevin Willard was the head coach of Rutgers right now, we would spiral out of control.

I feel confident Hobbs gives Jordan one more year. Why?Because he knows stability is important to the program. If Jordan is fired, this team that has some potential might disassemble. Freeman, Laurent, Johnson, Sanders, Williams-you cannot say these kids don't have potential. Would I like to see Williams pass more?Yes. Laurent is a player that knows how to create his space even when the ball is not in his hands.If Hobbs fired Jordan after this season, that would be the wrong move. Give him one more year, healthier kids, and let the program stay together.

The last thing we need is players to transfer. Right now I am confident the majority of the roster stays. They are fighting together, and that means the locker room is still in good spirits. Sanders wants to play with Johnson. Sanders sees the potential of Laurent, who could easily be a 10 and 10 player next year.He knows Williams will fight for him, and Williams is very close to Foreman. Freeman is done transferring, along with Johnson. The big is here for these guys, but they must step up to the plate.

Add in Dailey, who might be a perimeter, smart player, and you have space for Laurent to operate. He is our best finisher on the team, arguably. Not sure what to expect for Thiam first year, but he is a dedicated on ball defender. Dailey has the size to get to the paint.

A big key for Jordan right now is making sure his strength and conditioning staff can get this team right. Freeman must be watched with a close eye. I think Eddie is going to get one more chance to get it done. The big is here for these guys, but they must step up to the plate.

 

[RutgersJoe]

Yeah I sort of agree - definitely not confident EJ is the right guy for the job here, but sending the team into turmoil by firing him could be even worse long term. Besides, it's not like we have a long list of top candidates waiting to step in and take over.

 

[RU82]

Sanders, Laurent, and Freeman are three solid pieces. As bad as this season has been, I don't think this teams future is as bleak as its present so long as we can produce better defense in the paint.

 

[RutgersYay]

What? Even more turmoil? What is worse than a 6 win season? If you fire Eddie and get the right guy in here, maybe he can actually convince some potential transfers to stay. Plus you get a heavyset on building. Next year is year four. What's the ceiling? Five big ten wins? Is that enough?

 

[RU at the shore]

Agree that EJ has done a commendable job holding the team together under some very trying circumstances. That is one mark of a good coach and leader.

Also agree that our best short term bet for success is continuity at the top and with the players.

I am hoping EJ gets another year with a healthy roster of returning players.

Don't think it would hurt if he could fill out the class with a graduate transfer or 2 to provide some depth.

 

[Section114]

Agree that EJ has done a commendable job holding the team together under some very trying circumstances. That is one mark of a good coach and leader.

Also agree that our best short term bet for success is continuity at the top and with the players.

I am hoping EJ gets another year with a healthy roster of returning players.

Don't think it would hurt if he could fill out the class with a graduate transfer or 2 to provide some depth.

WELL SAID SHORE!

 

[Upstream]

I think Eddie has done a good job, given the circumstances.

But he is due for a retention bonus in June and he only has 2 seasons left on this contract after this season concludes. So Rutgers is really at a point where they have to decide if they are going to extend Jordan or not. If not, then there is not really a point in keeping him for next season.

I really wanted Eddie to succeed. He is a Rutgers icon. And he has represented the university well. But the W-L record does not indicate a successful tenure on the court.

I don't see Eddie getting extended, so I don't know how Rutgers can keep Eddie as head BB coach. He would be giving his replacement a much better starting point than Eddie found when he got here.

And since I like Eddie so much, I really hope that Rutgers can find another role for him in the athletic department (assuming he is willing to accept a non-coaching role).

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I think Eddie has done a good job, given the circumstances.

But he is due for a retention bonus in June and he only has 2 seasons left on this contract after this season concludes. So Rutgers is really at a point where they have to decide if they are going to extend Jordan or not. If not, then there is not really a point in keeping him for next season.

I really wanted Eddie to succeed. He is a Rutgers icon. And he has represented the university well. But the W-L record does not indicate a successful tenure on the court.

I don't see Eddie getting extended, so I don't know how Rutgers can keep Eddie as head BB coach. He would be giving his replacement a much better starting point than Eddie found when he got here.

And since I like Eddie so much, I really hope that Rutgers can find another role for him in the athletic department (assuming he is willing to accept a non-coaching role).

Upstream....do you think an extension is absolutely needed after year 3 or is that an after year 4 decision?

 

[bac2therac]

Upstream touches upon a subject that most if not all of the Eddie supporters keep ignoring

so say he comes back with no extension which is tough to do but lets just say that happens...well then he goes 14-17...now are we extending Eddie for 2-3 more years because at that point you have to so you better be sure he is the right guy because that's 3-4 more years of contract you have him for

if he comes back next year with a two year extension despite an atrocious win loss mark you risk losing some of the remaining fanbase but beyond that you have him now on the hook for 4 YEARS...so be prepared with that.

of course the team is going to be improved next year..they are likely head to 6 or 7 wins this year...is 11-20 really improvement..are they extending the contract with that record. What is the end game here. Personally I feel the earliest that this team could make the NCAA is year 6 of Eddie which is Sanders senior and I doubt he stays there but assume he does, the only other players currently on this team that will be here is Laurent and Doorson the rest would be all guys that he is brining it...talk about taking a flyer on a coaches recruitiment

I know people see improvement and yes there is improvement but the bar has been set so low that it seems like anything is being grasped to. Sanders is superb but he is not scoring 39 points a night. Some unbridled optimism that all these players will exceed expecations in the next year and lets note that injured players have a habit of nagging injuries. We have 3 guys coming off of injury and odds are at least one will be hampered by it.

It is tough to move from the bottom of this leagu. Minnesota is competitive too but they are 0-10. Northwestern has shown flashes yet they are 3-7. Penn State is 2-8 and has been trying for years. You don't move from 1-17 to 7-11 in the Big 10 you just don't.

 

[Double46RU]

You have got to give this guy some props for holding this team together and getting them to compete despite the circumstances. He is a positive coach. Seton hall has a lot better players than Rutgers, but if Kevin Willard was the head coach of Rutgers right now, we would spiral out of control.

I feel confident Hobbs gives Jordan one more year. Why?Because he knows stability is important to the program. If Jordan is fired, this team that has some potential might disassemble. Freeman, Laurent, Johnson, Sanders, Williams-you cannot say these kids don't have potential. Would I like to see Williams pass more?Yes. Laurent is a player that knows how to create his space even when the ball is not in his hands.If Hobbs fired Jordan after this season, that would be the wrong move. Give him one more year, healthier kids, and let the program stay together.

The last thing we need is players to transfer. Right now I am confident the majority of the roster stays. They are fighting together, and that means the locker room is still in good spirits. Sanders wants to play with Johnson. Sanders sees the potential of Laurent, who could easily be a 10 and 10 player next year.He knows Williams will fight for him, and Williams is very close to Foreman. Freeman is done transferring, along with Johnson. The big is here for these guys, but they must step up to the plate.

Add in Dailey, who might be a perimeter, smart player, and you have space for Laurent to operate. He is our best finisher on the team, arguably. Not sure what to expect for Thiam first year, but he is a dedicated on ball defender. Dailey has the size to get to the paint.

A big key for Jordan right now is making sure his strength and conditioning staff can get this team right. Freeman must be watched with a close eye. I think Eddie is going to get one more chance to get it done. The big is here for these guys, but they must step up to the plate.

He has held the game together for 26 straight conferences loses, that is impressive.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am going to hide this comment in this post.....

We have to be VERY careful of expecting too much or overvaluing Freeman as a player. I am not certain that the success he had when healthy translates to success in B1G play. He is not long. He also was not a strong defender.

Sanders is the real deal. The rest from the class is still a work in progress in my eyes.

 

[Knightmoves]

He has held the game together for 26 straight conferences loses, that is impressive.

Continuity with Eddie is a bad thing for us. Only at RU would a 6 win season convince fans to ask for another helping of whoopass next year.

For Eddie it's over, kaput, finished, done with and out IMO. Pat Hobbs can make no other choice then to jettison this sinking ship and start with a clean slate in the offseason. Just the thought of a possible extension for this coaching staff gives me stomach cramps.

 

[wonchobody]

I'm starting to think he'll be back. The extension issue looms, but we only have one available schollie for 2017. I understand that we still have to recruit for 2018 & 2019, but since immediate concern would be for 2017, I think admins might take this into account, and re-assess next year. They may figure that recruiting can't be hurt too bad next year with only one spot to fill.

 

[B1GNJHoops]

Nate Pierre-Louis, David Beatty, Bourama Sidine and Jose Alvardo went to the Seton Hall game last night over Rutgers.

We haven't had a local visitor in a very long time and I can't blame them. However, that says lot about where recruits think we're heading under Jordan.

 

[Upstream]

Upstream....do you think an extension is absolutely needed after year 3 or is that an after year 4 decision?

It's not an "after" so many years decision. It is a "before" contract expiration decision.

Right now Jordan's contract expires at the end of the 2017-18 season. Today Jordan is recruiting players to enter Rutgers in Fall 2016. Without a contract extension Jordan will be gone at the end of their sophomore year.

It is even worse for the class that Jordan will recruit next. The guys who will sign in this fall's early signing period will only get to play for Jordan their freshman year. Without an extension, Jordan is gone at the end of their freshman year.

Bob Mulcahy believed that basketball coaches needed to have 4 years remaining on their contracts, so that they could tell recruits that they would be there through their senior year. But that means Mulcahy was consistently extending coaches and then firing them at high buyouts the following year. (Yeah, stupid crises were invented, free-throw-gate, snowstorm-gate, baseball-gate, to try to reduce the buyouts. But those only served to continue to tarnish the reputation of the program, and only nominally reduced the buyouts.) The pattern of kicking the can down the road, rather than make realistic coaching retention decisions, wasted a ton of money, wasted a lot of time, and hurt the perception of the program.

I'd much rather that Hobbs take a responsible management approach. If he believes that Jordan is the right head coach to get Rutgers to the next level, then extend his contract and keep him here for a few more years. If he believes that Jordan is not the right head coach to get Rutgers to the next level, then find the right head coach and bring him in now.

I don't think there is anything gained by kicking the can down the road.

 

[bac2therac]

I am going to hide this comment in this post.....

We have to be VERY careful of expecting too much or overvaluing Freeman as a player. I am not certain that the success he had when healthy translates to success in B1G play. He is not long. He also was not a strong defender.

Sanders is the real deal. The rest from the class is still a work in progress in my eyes.

bingo...Freeman is a solid enough player but he isn't a savior type player. We saw some limitations with him earlier this year. Its not like RU was gangbusters out in Vegas with a healthy lineup.

You are right Sanders is the real deal, however can he excel against the top 6 in this league, not sure our supporting cast is good enough for him to shine like he did last night

Laurent is a very pleasant surprise but I feel that so far coaches have not picked up on him in the scouting report and his ability to drive to the hoop or being under the basket, I think going forward expect teams to prepare more for him.

 

[bac2therac]

I'm starting to think he'll be back. The extension issue looms, but we only have one available schollie for 2017. I understand that we still have to recruit for 2018 & 2019, but since immediate concern would be for 2017, I think admins might take this into account, and re-assess next year. They may figure that recruiting can't be hurt too bad next year with only one spot to fill.

there is always roster turnover. I would be shocked if there is only 1 available scholarship in 2017

 

[KnightDC]

Also need to consider that this team is really set up to peak in 17-18 assuming everyone stays. Assuming Freeman comes back 100% and stays 2 years (assuming this year is a med redshirt) Then everyone but Lewis and Daniels are back next year (16-17). In 16-17 there will be no seniors. I think Eddie deserves that barring a complete disaster next year. So then if he gets a 2 year extension at the end of this season most likely looking at a manageable 2 year buyout if he has to go after 5 years.

 

[ScarletRunner]

I'm starting to think he'll be back. The extension issue looms, but we only have one available schollie for 2017. I understand that we still have to recruit for 2018 & 2019, but since immediate concern would be for 2017, I think admins might take this into account, and re-assess next year. They may figure that recruiting can't be hurt too bad next year with only one spot to fill.

This makes a lot of sense, particularly considering the way the scholarships play out.

I'm fine giving Jordan one more year with a full roster and a very clear outcome-based target... Miss it and he's toast. But he's got to do it without contract security - Extending him at this point would potentially be the most irresponsible contract ever given by an institute with a history of some doozies.

 

[wonchobody]

there is always roster turnover. I would be shocked if there is only 1 available scholarship in 2017

How shocking would it be if this becomes the first year that there is no attrition?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

You are right Sanders is the real deal, however can he excel against the top 6 in this league

I want the sanders we had in the 1st 34 minutes......
21 points 10 assists on 8-16 shooting 1-5 from 3

last 21 minutes......
18 points 2 assists on 6-17 shooting 1-6 from 3

 

[RUsojo]

Upstream touches upon a subject that most if not all of the Eddie supporters keep ignoring

so say he comes back with no extension which is tough to do but lets just say that happens...well then he goes 14-17...now are we extending Eddie for 2-3 more years because at that point you have to so you better be sure he is the right guy because that's 3-4 more years of contract you have him for

if he comes back next year with a two year extension despite an atrocious win loss mark you risk losing some of the remaining fanbase but beyond that you have him now on the hook for 4 YEARS...so be prepared with that.

of course the team is going to be improved next year..they are likely head to 6 or 7 wins this year...is 11-20 really improvement..are they extending the contract with that record. What is the end game here. Personally I feel the earliest that this team could make the NCAA is year 6 of Eddie which is Sanders senior and I doubt he stays there but assume he does, the only other players currently on this team that will be here is Laurent and Doorson the rest would be all guys that he is brining it...talk about taking a flyer on a coaches recruitiment

I know people see improvement and yes there is improvement but the bar has been set so low that it seems like anything is being grasped to. Sanders is superb but he is not scoring 39 points a night. Some unbridled optimism that all these players will exceed expecations in the next year and lets note that injured players have a habit of nagging injuries. We have 3 guys coming off of injury and odds are at least one will be hampered by it.

It is tough to move from the bottom of this leagu. Minnesota is competitive too but they are 0-10. Northwestern has shown flashes yet they are 3-7. Penn State is 2-8 and has been trying for years. You don't move from 1-17 to 7-11 in the Big 10 you just don't.

It is tough to move from the bottom of the league. Why do you think firing Eddie early drastically improves chances of climbing out? Other than the anyone else is better logic?

Regarding an extension, a contract can be negotiated which doesn't leave Rutgers "on the hook" for too much "dead money" if Eddie were to fail. After getting paid 4 years, and Eddie being a loyal son, I'm positive that can be worked out because such preliminary discussions have been had (note: not necessarily ongoing).

 

[ru8081]

Great job by the team and the staff especially Corey. Eddie has to show competitiveness against the lower third of the conference. This is a step in the right direction.

 

[Local Shill]

I enjoyed seeing the team's effort last night as much as anyone but shouldn't being competitive at home against a 2-7 team also ravaged by injuries be a minimum expectation? That should be the floor not the ceiling.

Ed has to find a way to squeeze a couple wins out of the team before the curtain closes on this season in Indianapolis next month.

 

[lester19]

I want the sanders we had in the 1st 34 minutes......
21 points 10 assists on 8-16 shooting 1-5 from 3

last 21 minutes......
18 points 2 assists on 6-17 shooting 1-6 from 3

Just maybe the Sanders of the last 21 minutes was exhausted from playing the first 34 minutes, as were the players around him. He may not have had as many assists because the guys were not moving as well as they had been earlier in the game. Sanders seemed to have it in mind to take this game on his back an win it. It may not have been the best decision, but how long has it been since we had a player who was actually capable of doing just that??

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

he stays, no extension unless he goes 500 or better next season. Period (my deal).

 

[ejgonz]

he stays, no extension unless he goes 500 or better next season. Period (my deal).

That's not how it works. For recruiting he will need to be extended. Hopefully Hobbs can delicately put in an easy out for us after next season and that's not used against us with recruits.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

That's not how it works. For recruiting he will need to be extended. Hopefully Hobbs can delicately put in an easy out for us after next season and that's not used against us with recruits.

Well if we can find a way to cover the cost associated with that move, great. Or work a plan that doesn't cost us huge cash if he doesn't work out, great. But personally if it is spend $ to lock him up or start all over yet again I'd rather bet 1 recruiting season for the chance to actually see if he is the right coach, than sign up for mega bucks buy out and lose the "recruits" to a new coach anyway.

 

[RU82]

I am going to hide this comment in this post.....

We have to be VERY careful of expecting too much or overvaluing Freeman as a player. I am not certain that the success he had when healthy translates to success in B1G play. He is not long. He also was not a strong defender.

Sanders is the real deal. The rest from the class is still a work in progress in my eyes.

Sanders is a work in progress too. But we haven't had a player as talented as him in forever, especially at the PG position.

Laurent is bouncy, plays strong for his size, and can finish around the basket. I find it easy to envision him being good enough to start for a lot of B1G teams eith a little maturation.

I agree about Freeman, but he's another guy who can be part of a winning team.

I just think these three guys are a solid nucleus for the next two years. And the fact that these players seem to like each other and continue to compete hard at this point says something about the broader health of the team and the program that shouldn't be dismissed as unimportant.

 

[higgins3]

He has held the game together for 26 straight conferences loses, that is impressive.

I wouldn't call it impressive because he is losing, but you have to give him credit for keeping the guys level headed and competing.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Sanders is a work in progress too. But we haven't had a player as talented as him in forever, especially at the PG position.

Laurent is bouncy, plays strong for his size, and can finish around the basket. I find it easy to envision him being good enough to start for a lot of B1G teams eith a little maturation.

I agree about Freeman, but he's another guy who can be part of a winning team.

I just think these three guys are a solid nucleus for the next two years. And the fact that these players seem to like each other and continue to compete hard at this point says something about the broader health of the team and the program that shouldn't be dismissed as unimportant.

excellent points (IMHO)

 

[higgins3]

Sanders, Laurent, and Freeman are three solid pieces. As bad as this season has been, I don't think this teams future is as bleak as its present so long as we can produce better defense in the paint.

For sure. I will even add Williams in there as he can score, and he does defend.

Like I said, main focus right now should be on the weight room and making sure Diallo, Doorson, and Freeman come back in good condition. This is Eddies show. He is in charge and he is responsible.

 

[higgins3]

excellent points (IMHO)

Sanders is a work in progress too. But we haven't had a player as talented as him in forever, especially at the PG position.

Laurent is bouncy, plays strong for his size, and can finish around the basket. I find it easy to envision him being good enough to start for a lot of B1G teams eith a little maturation.

I agree about Freeman, but he's another guy who can be part of a winning team.

I just think these three guys are a solid nucleus for the next two years. And the fact that these players seem to like each other and continue to compete hard at this point says something about the broader health of the team and the program that shouldn't be dismissed as unimportant.

Sanders is a crowd favorite, and for good reason. I hope he has unlimited success here. I really like what Laurent can do around the basket, his back door cuts, and his efficiency in getting his two point shots around the net.

 

[higgins3]

he stays, no extension unless he goes 500 or better next season. Period (my deal).

I would think that would be right.

 

[higgins3]

I want the sanders we had in the 1st 34 minutes......
21 points 10 assists on 8-16 shooting 1-5 from 3

last 21 minutes......
18 points 2 assists on 6-17 shooting 1-6 from 3

To be honest FIG, Sanders seems like one of the only ones that wants to shoot it in crunch time. There aren't many that want that spotlight, criticism, or responsibility. No one else seems to want a win as bad as Sanders does right now.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Sanders is a crowd favorite, and for good reason. I hope he has unlimited success here. I really like what Laurent can do around the basket, his back door cuts, and his efficiency in getting his two point shots around the net.

some players you can just see "it". We clearly need a few more of them. too many RU players hyped and not living up to expectation(in the past). Williams is arriving too. Need Freeman to be that guy too.

We know what we have in the 2 seniors and they are leaving. . The rest returning remain a big ? in my mind.

 

[higgins3]

bingo...Freeman is a solid enough player but he isn't a savior type player. We saw some limitations with him earlier this year. Its not like RU was gangbusters out in Vegas with a healthy lineup.

You are right Sanders is the real deal, however can he excel against the top 6 in this league, not sure our supporting cast is good enough for him to shine like he did last night

Laurent is a very pleasant surprise but I feel that so far coaches have not picked up on him in the scouting report and his ability to drive to the hoop or being under the basket, I think going forward expect teams to prepare more for him.

It is always a plus to have someone to have to cover. I am not touting Freeman as a savior. He does have a healthy touch around the basket and gets to his spots well.

 

[higgins3]

some players you can just see "it". We clearly need a few more of them. too many RU players hyped and not living up to expectation. Williams is arriving too. We know what we have in the 2 seniors. Need Freeman to be that guy too. The rest remain a big ? in my mind.

Absolutely. I have a little confidence that Sanders, Laurent, and Williams see it. I have not seen enough of Freeman. Foreman needs to keep working on his touch I guess. Do not forget about Nigel Johnson. I have very high expectations for him if he stays healthy. Him and Sanders are itching to play together. Both very fast, Johnson with a nice jumper.

 

[higgins3]

Nate Pierre-Louis, David Beatty, Bourama Sidine and Jose Alvardo went to the Seton Hall game last night over Rutgers.

We haven't had a local visitor in a very long time and I can't blame them. However, that says lot about where recruits think we're heading under Jordan.

Those guyys are not coming here. Seton Hall should not have a hard time recruiting against Rutgers. The hall is winning, Rutgers is not. Players want to win.

Still, I think the lad from Ohio will contribute a little with his IQ and shot. I think Thiam will be some kind of factor by his sophmore/junior year. Dailey, not sure what to expect. I like his ability to get to the paint, though.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Absolutely. I have a little confidence that Sanders, Laurent, and Williams see it. I have not seen enough of Freeman. Foreman needs to keep working on his touch I guess. Do not forget about Nigel Johnson. I have very high expectations for him if he stays healthy. Him and Sanders are itching to play together. Both very fast, Johnson with a nice jumper.

know little about NJ. And since I am a jaded ol Rutgers guy so I hold reservation until the eye test nowadays. Hope he is as good as folks say.