If we lose this game.....

[RUBand]

You not being negative?

Please. I laughed out loud.

Your post is an indication that you know nothing about basketball either.

Let's be rational for a moment. Chris is absolutely 100 percent right. We DID have the easiest nonconference schedule of any P5 team. We DID finish in last place -- by three games, no less -- in a conference not having its strongest season. Totally, 100 percent true.

But ...

We were so much more competitive. Rebounding -- which our previous coach did not consider important enough to work on in practice -- became the identity of this team, especially on the offensive boards. (Granted, a LOT of that had to do with a LOT of missed shots, but still ...) Last year we were embarrassed night in and night out. Sure, being more competitive is a baby step and means NOTHING if he can't recruit better talent, but it's such an obvious baby step that it has to be noted at the same time the record gets noted.

Oh, and I don't care what other coaches did. Much like deciding whether a major assistant or mid-major head guy is a better choice, there are plenty of examples of great coaches starting slowly (see Duke) and just as many of bad coaches starting well. So I take nothing from any of it except this: One season doesn't define a career. And 3-15 will not define this coach.

True. Fact is this team was immeasurably improved from last year, and given several "situations" that might not have gone our way (and could have very easily cost us a win or two), and atrocious foul shooting, season was amazing. Team improved throughout the year.
As far as foul shooting...so easy for fans to blame the staff, as if these guys, who played collegiate b ball, and have shown they can coach, don't know how to help w foul shooting.

 

[e5fdny]

I was caring about RU basketball in March.

We exceeded expectations.

When you put it in the simplest terms like this the answer becomes even more obvious.

 

[rutger80]

My expectations were exceeded to the point where I was generally pissed off when we lost.

3rd in the Country in offensive rebounding, 15th overall.
Points per game allowed from 80 to 67.

I'll take it.

 

[RuBird]

Coach can't shoot FTs but he can certainly keep the team motivated which he did all year long. Very interested in what he will be able to do when recruiting starts to turn our way.

 

[rubaseball78]

Number 1 accomplishment was bringing respect back to RU bball.

 

[knights1212]

chrisru99 sounds just like my brother in law who keeps saying "it is all about the w's". He keeps saying that "Pikiell has to go". I don't know what these guys expected. Pikiell was hired I think on March 21, 2016 when almost every good recruit was already locked up. He did land Thiam, Sa & Gettys who all made contributions. Our team has improved on defense & rebounding and by showing so much more effort and toughness. I realize that we need to improve our talent and that we especially need shooters but I cannot understand how some people cannot see the strides that our staff has made in our team. Many of us realized that this team would not become very good over night. It will take a few seasons but most of use recognize the improvements. Our previous staff was hardly seen by the high school coaches recruiting. They are now out recruiting every chance they get. I'm quite sure they will be watching the state final games today & tomorrow and many games going forth.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

I think we meet expectations In record But exceeded expectations on the overall competitiveness

Perfect description.

 

[shields]

Brother-in-law he has to go? Get off the meds. Buzz Williams who is a good coach won 11 games first year at Va Tech. Is your brother-in-law serious? Look at the Penn State coach who had his top recruiting class this year and has been there what 6 years.

 

[chrisru99]

chrisru99 sounds just like my brother in law who keeps saying "it is all about the w's". He keeps saying that "Pikiell has to go". I don't know what these guys expected. Pikiell was hired I think on March 21, 2016 when almost every good recruit was already locked up. He did land Thiam, Sa & Gettys who all made contributions. Our team has improved on defense & rebounding and by showing so much more effort and toughness. I realize that we need to improve our talent and that we especially need shooters but I cannot understand how some people cannot see the strides that our staff has made in our team. Many of us realized that this team would not become very good over night. It will take a few seasons but most of use recognize the improvements. Our previous staff was hardly seen by the high school coaches recruiting. They are now out recruiting every chance they get. I'm quite sure they will be watching the state final games today & tomorrow and many games going forth.

I never said coach Pike has to go but to get all bubbly because the team was not blown out in every game like last year is just hilarious. Congratulating the team for coming in last place is probably One of he reasons we haven't made the tournament in 25 years. Expectations continue to be low and that's laughable. What I have been saying for the longest is that Pike needs those facility upgrades more than anything because recruiting depends on it. Pike has mentioned the facilities so much that this point is obvious. Our team right now is not good it finished in last place. It shot free throws horribly and shot horribly. We started out 11-1 because we played the worst and easiest out of conference schedule ever made. To win Pike needs to recrui and to recruit Pike needs those facilities BUT to get those facilities we all know what needs to happen $$$$ and we are 30 million short and to this point only a little over 2000 people care enough about the basketball program to support it where it really counts. Not just singing its praises over a last place finish in a down Big Ten. To get those players we need to get it done we need facilities and God only knows when Pike Will get them if ever. Give to the Build Fund if you really want to make a difference anyone can just come here and give yet another opinion.

 

[bac2therac]

I never said coach Pike has to go but to get all bubbly because the team was not blown out in every game like last year is just hilarious. Congratulating the team for coming in last place is probably One of he reasons we haven't made the tournament in 25 years. Expectations continue to be low and that's laughable. What I have been saying for the longest is that Pike needs those facility upgrades more than anything because recruiting depends on it. Pike has mentioned the facilities so much that this point is obvious. Our team right now is not good it finished in last place. It shot free throws horribly and shot horribly. We started out 11-1 because we played the worst and easiest out of conference schedule ever made. To win Pike needs to recrui and to recruit Pike needs those facilities BUT to get those facilities we all know what needs to happen $$$$ and we are 30 million short and to this point only a little over 2000 people care enough about the basketball program to support it where it really counts. Not just singing its praises over a last place finish in a down Big Ten. To get those players we need to get it done we need facilities and God only knows when Pike Will get them if ever. Give to the Build Fund if you really want to make a difference anyone can just come here and give yet another opinion.

um hello..you do not go from 7 wins and god awful basketball to a NCAA tourney in one year. I think most people realize that the goal is not to be last place. Are you really serious here taking into account all the variables...you wanted this team to be in the NCAA this year or even 10th place...you do realize every other school came into the season with more talent. Pike's coaching got us some wins and virtually everybody but you sees the improvement. Its going to take time...like maybe until his 5th or 6th year to make the NCAA tourney. I do not know how old you are but apparently you do not know how things work and how a school has to progress..this isnt a typical rebuild job its virtually a build from scratch and its not done in a vacuum.

The facility is getting built whether you run around like a chicken saying its not

 

[RuBird]

I never said coach Pike has to go but to get all bubbly because the team was not blown out in every game like last year is just hilarious. Congratulating the team for coming in last place is probably One of he reasons we haven't made the tournament in 25 years. Expectations continue to be low and that's laughable. What I have been saying for the longest is that Pike needs those facility upgrades more than anything because recruiting depends on it. Pike has mentioned the facilities so much that this point is obvious. Our team right now is not good it finished in last place. It shot free throws horribly and shot horribly. We started out 11-1 because we played the worst and easiest out of conference schedule ever made. To win Pike needs to recrui and to recruit Pike needs those facilities BUT to get those facilities we all know what needs to happen $$$$ and we are 30 million short and to this point only a little over 2000 people care enough about the basketball program to support it where it really counts. Not just singing its praises over a last place finish in a down Big Ten. To get those players we need to get it done we need facilities and God only knows when Pike Will get them if ever. Give to the Build Fund if you really want to make a difference anyone can just come here and give yet another opinion.

Again you never answered the question but continue bash others. What were your realistic expectations for this year?

 

[chrisru99]

Again you never answered the question but continue bash others. What were your realistic expectations for this year?

Bash others? Your kidding right. If you want to see bashing of others that would be insulting others calling people idiots and miserable and the like. I have not bashed anyone and I answered your question

 

[RUonBrain]

chrisru99 sounds just like my brother in law who keeps saying "it is all about the w's". He keeps saying that "Pikiell has to go". I don't know what these guys expected. Pikiell was hired I think on March 21, 2016 when almost every good recruit was already locked up. He did land Thiam, Sa & Gettys who all made contributions. Our team has improved on defense & rebounding and by showing so much more effort and toughness. I realize that we need to improve our talent and that we especially need shooters but I cannot understand how some people cannot see the strides that our staff has made in our team. Many of us realized that this team would not become very good over night. It will take a few seasons but most of use recognize the improvements. Our previous staff was hardly seen by the high school coaches recruiting. They are now out recruiting every chance they get. I'm quite sure they will be watching the state final games today & tomorrow and many games going forth.

1212 - I feel sorry for you!
Too bad you can't choose your brother in law!

:smiley:

Also, thanks for the encouragement to attend the NW game.
Even though we lost, it was a lot of fun being at my 1st conference tournament ever.

 

[chrisru99]

um hello..you do not go from 7 wins and god awful basketball to a NCAA tourney in one year. I think most people realize that the goal is not to be last place. Are you really serious here taking into account all the variables...you wanted this team to be in the NCAA this year or even 10th place...you do realize every other school came into the season with more talent. Pike's coaching got us some wins and virtually everybody but you sees the improvement. Its going to take time...like maybe until his 5th or 6th year to make the NCAA tourney. I do not know how old you are but apparently you do not know how things work and how a school has to progress..this isnt a typical rebuild job its virtually a build from scratch and its not done in a vacuum.

The facility is getting built whether you run around like a chicken saying its not

Where did I say I expected NCAA tournament? You think it's just gonna get built without the money to build it? I live in reality and that reality is that we are 30 million short. Again many of us are getting giddy over a last place team who was not blown out as much as last year with a team with no injuries. I didn't bash anyone in my post by the way.

 

[RuBird]

Why don't we just ask them to shoot 100% from the free throw line. Then 1976 won't be our only undefeated season

Read your own post. We sound "silly touting small victories" just to name one of your treasures

 

[chrisru99]

Read your own post. We sound "silly touting small victories" just to name one of your treasures

Incredible of my whole post you pin point that. Yes I mean congrats to a team who finished last in the conference can't wait unti next year.

 

[RUonBrain]

Where did I say I expected NCAA tournament? You think it's just gonna get built without the money to build it? I live in reality and that reality is that we are 30 million short. Again many of us are getting giddy over a last place team who was not blown out as much as last year with a team with no injuries. I didn't bash anyone in my post by the way.

Chris, if you can't be positive about the trajectory Coach Pike seems to have us on, idk what to say to you.

This program has been mired in mediocrity (actual, ineptness) for not quite 26 years, but close. Program support from the university had been nearly non-existent. It is awfully difficult to dig out of such a hole, but for the 1st time in a long time, we have a competent and aligned athletic department, and people have hope and faith in what looks to be a damn good coaching staff.

Let the positivity flow - goodness knows we need it to change the perception of our program.

That is just as important as new facilities to help Coach Pike get this ship completely turned around.

Recruits aren't going to come to RU just because we have a shiny new practice facility if our coaching sucks, team plays with no heart and passion, fundamentals aren't stressed, fans don't attend games or support their team, and the "handlers" don't have faith in our coaches.

I'm all for encouraging people to donate to the B1G Build Fund (which I have been doing and donating myself).

But I suggest doing so in a more positive manner.
:victory:

 

[RuBird]

Incredible of my whole post you pin point that. Yes I mean congrats to a team who finished last in the conference can't wait unti next year.

Not pin pointing at all. Just showing you your own words. We had one B1G win last year. We added Gettys Sa and Thiam. Not sure what you expected to see this year. With what coach Pike had to work with the team far exceeded expectations. Not "putting lipstick on a pig"

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

Then we lose this game. If any recruits change their mind about us because of it let them go elsewhere.

 

[knights1212]

chrisru99, I will have you know that I am one of the 2,000 who have given to the Build Fund and I have pledged a lot over the 5 years. I kind of resent that shot that you took at me when you don't have any idea how long I have been a fan and that I have been a contributor to RU for ages.

RUonBrain, I'm glad you got to the game. As for my brother in law, he is an idiot who just likes to bust me to try and get me rattled. He claims he really cares about RU but he just always has to find something to criticize. It is almost impossible to sit next to him at a football game as all he does is scream if something goes wrong and he yells "bring back Frankie Burns".