Observations vs Depaul ...

[PhilaPhans]

* Anybody who's read how we're going balls to the wall, getting every rebound, diving for every loose ball ... probably has said to themselves, well, we say that every time we get a new coach. Well, this time it's true. We're destroying DePaul on the boards. We're doing the intangibles right. Where we're struggling is the easy, obvious stuff like dribbling without traveling (Laurent and others).

* Similarly, even with Corey and Nigel and company, it really seems like Pike is turning this team into a Purdue. Half court offense to take advantage of the size and rebounding. It'll be nice once Thiam and Laurent develop some more confidence in the deep ball, because Gettys finds these guys all the time.

* CJ Gettys is the best thing that's happened to this club in a while. He's freaking Todd MacCulloch out there. Exact same body. Exact same ability to pass, rebound, and take up space. He just doesn't have TMac's offensive game. While I've gotten used to a guy like Hamady taking up space in the middle and swatting shots, seeing Gettys out there can be fun. He's not a rim protector, and that could hurt us a little, but he has fan favorite written all over him. That being said, he's also not afraid to dive for the ball on the ground either. Just wish those little 2 foot shots starting with his back to the basket would start to fall.

* Freeman has not stopped going after the ball. If he doesn't have yet another double double after this game I'll be surprised. Junk Yard Dog out there.

* Mike Williams is playing quiet, but solid and is hitting shots. On the other hand, Nigel Johnson is making himself known, but just not hitting his shots. Doing lots of good stuff though.

* Corey Sanders really hasn't done too much yet other than some points, solid defense, and quick hands. I'll take it, but I'd love to see him take over the game a bit more getting these guys some open looks.

* After that opening 3, I haven't seen much out of Thiam. Also haven't seen anything out of Sa/Shaq/etc.

* We should probably be up by double digits. We're a lot better than DePaul right now. It's such a nice feeling after the last couple years, win or lose. After holding them scoreless for the first 5 minutes, most of DePaul's offense has been jacking up the three ball outside the flow of the offense. Scouting reports were 100% accurate. Garrett is their good player (who hasn't done anything). Everybody else is eh, even though they've got a couple guys with 7+ points. Beautiful defensive game plan so far for Pike. Absolutely no second chances being allowed. Did I just hear something about 28-8 edge in rebounding? Something like that at the very least.

 

[RU82]

Defense and rebounding.

What a novel concept.

 

[PhilaPhans]

SECOND HALF OBSERVATIONS

* CJ Gettys didn't play much in the 2nd. Dude definitely tires easily and isn't made for run and gun (on O or D).

* Corey came alive a bit, but I wish he'd fill the stat sheet more. Helped out scoring in the 2nd half.

* MVPs go to Mike Williams and DeShawn Freeman. Both on the verge of double doubles.

* Doorson is a fouling machine.

* Laurent played much more solid in the 2nd half. Lots of hustle plays.

* We're outrebounding them by 20.

* The game was never as close as the score ended. We were up a good 20+ for most of the 2nd half. It'd be nice to see them close it out better, but that's why you build up a lead like that. We definitely got too comfortable with the lead though.

* Rutgers wins 66-59 (slowed down and didn't take the free bucket on the break at the end).

* This team is severely lacking a 3&D (only because Thiam is still developing) and a scoring 2. Mike Williams is a good combo guard, and I love the way he's played this year, but give me that Eli Carter type that can just become unconscious and take over a game. Half of Williams' points tonight seemed to be effort points. And 1's off of offensive rebounds, and some threes.

* Also, despite the fact that we have three or four guys over 6'10, they don't play that much. CJ of course gets his spurts, Sa fills in, but we end up being small a lot with DeShawn manning the middle. Diallo and Doorson are legit there for 5 fouls at this point. I'm really hoping that up front is a big point of recruiting emphasis.

 

[RUChoppin]

* Also, despite the fact that we have three or four guys over 6'10, they don't play that much. CJ of course gets his spurts, Sa fills in, but we end up being small a lot with DeShawn manning the middle. Diallo and Doorson are legit there for 5 fouls at this point. I'm really hoping that up front is a big point of recruiting emphasis.

Doorson is still a fouling machine at this point. Diallo has seen the floor for 4 minutes so far this year through 3 games. IT's really been Gettys/Sa/Freeman down low.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Lots to like tonight, especially defensive effort, rebounding and FTs. That will be our recipe for success this year. Not faulting anyone's effort, but I wish every kid played with Williams' energy and heart. Love the way he plays.

 

[RU MAN]

* Anybody who's read how we're going balls to the wall, getting every rebound, diving for every loose ball ... probably has said to themselves, well, we say that every time we get a new coach. Well, this time it's true. We're destroying DePaul on the boards. We're doing the intangibles right. Where we're struggling is the easy, obvious stuff like dribbling without traveling (Laurent and others).

* Similarly, even with Corey and Nigel and company, it really seems like Pike is turning this team into a Purdue. Half court offense to take advantage of the size and rebounding. It'll be nice once Thiam and Laurent develop some more confidence in the deep ball, because Gettys finds these guys all the time.

* CJ Gettys is the best thing that's happened to this club in a while. He's freaking Todd MacCulloch out there. Exact same body. Exact same ability to pass, rebound, and take up space. He just doesn't have TMac's offensive game. While I've gotten used to a guy like Hamady taking up space in the middle and swatting shots, seeing Gettys out there can be fun. He's not a rim protector, and that could hurt us a little, but he has fan favorite written all over him. That being said, he's also not afraid to dive for the ball on the ground either. Just wish those little 2 foot shots starting with his back to the basket would start to fall.

* Freeman has not stopped going after the ball. If he doesn't have yet another double double after this game I'll be surprised. Junk Yard Dog out there.

* Mike Williams is playing quiet, but solid and is hitting shots. On the other hand, Nigel Johnson is making himself known, but just not hitting his shots. Doing lots of good stuff though.

* Corey Sanders really hasn't done too much yet other than some points, solid defense, and quick hands. I'll take it, but I'd love to see him take over the game a bit more getting these guys some open looks.

* After that opening 3, I haven't seen much out of Thiam. Also haven't seen anything out of Sa/Shaq/etc.

* We should probably be up by double digits. We're a lot better than DePaul right now. It's such a nice feeling after the last couple years, win or lose. After holding them scoreless for the first 5 minutes, most of DePaul's offense has been jacking up the three ball outside the flow of the offense. Scouting reports were 100% accurate. Garrett is their good player (who hasn't done anything). Everybody else is eh, even though they've got a couple guys with 7+ points. Beautiful defensive game plan so far for Pike. Absolutely no second chances being allowed. Did I just hear something about 28-8 edge in rebounding? Something like that at the very least.

Excellent post. We were up by 21 points with less than 4 minutes left before McCain I believe went off with two 3's and DePaul went on that 9-0 run. Still, we looked to be more of the aggressive team and deeper. I like where we're heading guys.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

PhilaPhans pretty much covers it perfectly. ..I am not just impressed with what I've seen but it takes a LOT of effort to play this hard on the defensive end and glass and win.

The best thing about the game is we have a legitimate staff that can see some gaps and grow the roles of each player....while Eugene played spot minutes last night, I can see why the staff wanted him...he looks strong and can add effort to keep the defensive pressure up while rebounding.

I think RU played as well as you can ask for being 3 games into a new staff and lots of new kids not used to playing this way.

 

[MadRU]

A +1 win. Excellent job by the staff and players.

When was the last time you heard a TV commentator say "Rutgers is just faster to the ball"?

 

[4theknights]

I always check assist v turnovers and tonight we only had 6 assists v 15 turnovers, numbers that would usually indicate a loss and yet we were up 22 in the 2h. We gave up 0 fast break points so focus was hustling back on D. A different guy stepping up each night. Rebounding is key again and as Clyde would say: "bounding and astounding" !!

 

[seels2662]

I saw some good things out of Doorson this game. He will be useful. He just need a few minutes here and there to get acclimated.

 

[LoyalSonOfRutgers]

I saw some good things out of Doorson this game. He will be useful. He just need a few minutes here and there to get acclimated.

I don't know about Doorson. He's very slow laterally, which is interesting since he gets up and down the floor quickly. Not quick afoot, which may be why he gets into foul trouble so fast.

 

[RUChoppin]

I saw some good things out of Doorson this game. He will be useful. He just need a few minutes here and there to get acclimated.

Doorson now has 7 fouls in 22 minutes of game time. Staff really needs to work on him playing defense without fouling.

 

[Upstream]

* The game was never as close as the score ended. We were up a good 20+ for most of the 2nd half. It'd be nice to see them close it out better, but that's why you build up a lead like that. We definitely got too comfortable with the lead though.

I was concerned that our inability to inbound gave them the opportunity to make the game closer. Certainly something the team will have to work on.

 

[SleepingGiantIsAwake]

I was concerned that our inability to inbound gave them the opportunity to make the game closer. Certainly something the team will have to work on.

Laurent has been very shaky throwing inbounds passes.

 

[Veiox]

Lots to like tonight, especially defensive effort, rebounding and FTs. That will be our recipe for success this year. Not faulting anyone's effort, but I wish every kid played with Williams' energy and heart. Love the way he plays.

I am a huge fan of Williams...hard working guy who gives it his all.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I always check assist v turnovers and tonight we only had 6 assists v 15 turnovers, numbers that would usually indicate a loss and yet we were up 22 in the 2h. We gave up 0 fast break points so focus was hustling back on D. A different guy stepping up each night. Rebounding is key again and as Clyde would say: "bounding and astounding" !!

Want to win on the road at Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn state, or Minnesota and half court offense has to improve.

 

[Randal7]

We moved the ball and made the right passes in this game. Did we make every open shot? No. but if we can improve that percentage we will really be a force to reckon with

And I agree on Gettys being an outstanding addition. He's a great passer

 

[4theknights]

Doorson now has 7 fouls in 22 minutes of game time. Staff really needs to work on him playing defense without fouling.

I think the biggest problem for Shaq is shaking the rust off. Its been forever since he last played, new weight, new coaching vision... I like the way coach is spotting him some minutes. He needs to be relevant when we begin BIG games.

 

[RutgHoops]

Want to win on the road at Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn state, or Minnesota and half court offense has to improve.

I get to trot out my tired mantra: hardest thing to find in college basketball is a kid who can put it in the hoop.

You can see we have spent much of our practice time working defense and rebounding (and rebounding and rebounding). We are a relentless team that is going to wear down some teams. Even in B1G play. Our offensive sets look clean we just don't have the look of a team that has played together much on the offensive side (because we haven't).

A lot of the offense seems to be looking to get guys into favorable one on one match ups (with the defender a 1/2 step behind off a screen or motion) and our guys just aren't talented enough on that end to capitalize. Not a knock just who we are (with just about every other non-Top 30 team). I think as time passes, with Corey and Nigel, we will become better at the drive and kick, but even that isn't ideal for us with our lack of shooters.

We are on a string together defensively. We are ferocious on the glass. Thats who we are. I'll take it.

 

[Dpgru]

Three more games agains weak opponents that give us a chance to get a little better then we get a reality test against Miami. Last year the Miami game would have been a disaster so we get a good indication of how or if we can compete with the big boys. With that being said, this team should only get better as the year goes on. This should be an exciting season for a change.

 

[megadrone]

We moved the ball and made the right passes in this game. Did we make every open shot? No. but if we can improve that percentage we will really be a force to reckon with

And I agree on Gettys being an outstanding addition. He's a great passer

And that is a great thing to see after last year's debacles when it looked like no one could pass (or rebound).

 

[Randal7]

BTW -- how the HELL did we get Nigel Johnson????? Kid is awesome.

 

[RU-ROCS]

I always check assist v turnovers and tonight we only had 6 assists v 15 turnovers, numbers that would usually indicate a loss and yet we were up 22 in the 2h. We gave up 0 fast break points so focus was hustling back on D. A different guy stepping up each night. Rebounding is key again and as Clyde would say: "bounding and astounding" !!

That stat is important but can be deceiving. RU's assist problem is in part a reflection of its shooting problem. There were some very nice passes last night that resulted in wide open shots clanking off the rim! We are one or two dead-eye shooters away from being a good team.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I get to trot out my tired mantra: hardest thing to find in college basketball is a kid who can put it in the hoop.

You can see we have spent much of our practice time working defense and rebounding (and rebounding and rebounding). We are a relentless team that is going to wear down some teams. Even in B1G play. Our offensive sets look clean we just don't have the look of a team that has played together much on the offensive side (because we haven't).

A lot of the offense seems to be looking to get guys into favorable one on one match ups (with the defender a 1/2 step behind off a screen or motion) and our guys just aren't talented enough on that end to capitalize. Not a knock just who we are (with just about every other non-Top 30 team). I think as time passes, with Corey and Nigel, we will become better at the drive and kick, but even that isn't ideal for us with our lack of shooters.

We are on a string together defensively. We are ferocious on the glass. Thats who we are. I'll take it.

100% and I said I would take it last year and I will gladly take it now. I see 60-50 losses in our future. Last night's game slugged down to 62 possessions which is real low, especially with the 30 seconds shot clock.

On some nights our ability to win will be based on Nigel and Corey knocking down contested perimeter shots or 1 on 1 drives to the hoop. At least if D and REB are constants (which they aren't in a 30 game season!) we have a chance.

 

[RUChoppin]

I think the biggest problem for Shaq is shaking the rust off. Its been forever since he last played, new weight, new coaching vision... I like the way coach is spotting him some minutes. He needs to be relevant when we begin BIG games.

Hopefully so. Really needs to work on body control, and especially using his arms on defense. Hoping he can get the foul rate down closer to 5 per 40 min (he was at 5.5/40 min in 2014-15).

 

[TMCB]

Rutgers also handled the intense crowd noise in that arena.......... lol omg looked like a scrimmage

 

[RU MAN]

I always check assist v turnovers and tonight we only had 6 assists v 15 turnovers, numbers that would usually indicate a loss and yet we were up 22 in the 2h. We gave up 0 fast break points so focus was hustling back on D. A different guy stepping up each night. Rebounding is key again and as Clyde would say: "bounding and astounding" !!

Good observation, but as you stated, when you can rebound and get second chances, you have a great chance of winning. I believe we doubled them up on rebounds, 46-27.

 

[PhilaPhans]

BTW -- how the HELL did we get Nigel Johnson????? Kid is awesome.

Honestly? The same way we got Myles Mack. Because he's 6'-ish. (Myles was way shorter, obviously.)

Hopefully in the future we can find 6'4+ Nigel Johnson's.

 

[soundcrib]

We moved the ball and made the right passes in this game. Did we make every open shot? No. but if we can improve that percentage we will really be a force to reckon with

And I agree on Gettys being an outstanding addition. He's a great passer

And he can make free throws.

 

[ScarletLongIsland]

BTW -- how the HELL did we get Nigel Johnson????? Kid is awesome.

Eddie coached Nigel in AAU