Pikes Build, How I see it forming

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

It’s clear that despite not continually saying “we came here with a plan” like another one of our coaches, pike clearly has a plan and we see it coming together before our eyes.

The 3 missing pieces to make this team take that next step to becoming a tourney team imo are,

1) A true strict point guard. Lets face it, while Geo is doing a great job at PG, hes a more natural 2 guard. Solution: Mulcahy coming in who is a natural long play-maker and already has a pretty solid build to him.

2) Lock-down defender: I think we have him on the roster already but hes just learning how to use his ability to his advantage, Montez Mathis. We have to keep in mind, recruits like Tez are so dominant in HS that they often dont feel the need to play lockdown D. We saw a different version of montez on D last night, we had seen glimpses of it before but hes a strong, agile, quick on-ball defender. He does get lost sometimes when the other team gets running in transition and fighting through screens off-ball but I have all the confidence in the world that Jay Young will work him and make him dominant.

3) Secondary GO-TO scorer other than Geo. We need a CONSISTENT sharp shooter who can also get to the rim to compliment Geo. He may already be on the roster in Ron Harper. Harper has a great handle, he was a sharp shooter in high school and I have to believe his shots are going to start falling. Hes not a 15% 3-point shooter. Maine, columbia and fordham, pike should give him the green light to go to work and hopefully shots start falling and hes confident for the beginning of the long big ten slate.

To add onto this, in the 2019 class, i’d target another big and probably after Duke transfers (pure speculation) id hit the grad transfer market and look for a sniper. If these things happen then next year could realistically be a year we are a legitimate bubble team and watch selection sunday with a hope!

 

[BOCA93]

Agreed and one thing I’d add to the last point is a big who is a legit scoring threat as opposed to nice role player. I honestly can’t remember the last time, if ever, we’ve had a player like Ward that you know will score or get fouled any time they get position.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

The one and the same thing for next year is tied to Mathis in the next 12 months....people will tie how they feel about next year to the next 3 months or so, but the reality is he will have a full spring, summer and fall to restock his tool belt, to go with the athleticism and ability off the bounce.

While Harper has played well, I agree he is 1A vs #1....I think his shooting will jump up and we'll see his numbers go up next year as well......If there is a way to get Harper to get shots beyond the 3, and get him moving off the dribble, pull up/pass, then we start to really become more fluid.....Thiam hasn't shown he's willing to go off the bounce and raise up over his defender OR create the space to shoot over defenders. My guess is Harper is more guard-like and probably a better option to "pop" than anyone between December and March.

I don't think we are going to wait for next year to get Geo off the ball, we have 3 capable guards that need to get used to handling the ball, and running the offense. We need to expand what we are doing to allow teams to not easily scout and defend us. That started with McConnell and others handling the ball....it just comes down to reps and confidence....the more we get Geo down to 29-30 minutes, the better we become on both ends of the court.

I am going to avoid placing the entire emphasis on Mulcahy, because my confidence in the recruits we've landed across the board has been higher than maybe people want to buy into right now and then as soon as a half dozen games pass, we have written off or decided quickly that certain kids aren't going to contribute.....then 48 hours later, all appears to be well with the world again.....

Mulcahy will get an opportunity, but it's a very long path of not only playing well but contributing on both ends from a HS level jumping to the B1G. He does bring to the table a different element that could be deemed Gio like with his playmaking, but he has 9 months to improve his ability to shoot from 17 to 20 feet out, before I see his impact become immediate and allows him to take advantage of his passing......teams are going to scout and play off him, which should open up room for him to shoot next year. I will probably get to a couple of his games this year, to see where his overall game is, but he will have time to develop before being thrown into the fire. With 4 to 5 quality guards on the roster, he can take his time and work through developing his role before asking him to run an offense from Day 1.

The last recruiting spot.....hmm......LOL It can go in 3 different directions and help the roster next year. I would probably hedge against taking another B1G in 2019 vs 2020 (Zona or Omoyuri would be terrific for 2020)....Let Doucoure, Carter and Myles get another year under their belt. If the B1G schedule this year dictates we have to have 4 bigs over 20+ league games, then we may have to go there again....My guess is best available wing/hybrid forward would make sense.

The rest is up to fans and students quite honestly.....we will have 3500 to 4000 at Prudential Center, should have 1K or so at Fordham and need to fill the remaining 9 B1G home games with solid (not necessarily sold out games). Enough to make teams understand they'll have to play well to win.

 

[Degaz-RU]

Kyk, I think the sniper/scorer you’re looking for is already on the roster - Jacob Young. He will be a HUGE addition next year, maybe even more so than Mulcahy.

 

[RickB113]

It’s clear that despite not continually saying “we came here with a plan” like another one of our coaches, pike clearly has a plan and we see it coming together before our eyes.

The 3 missing pieces to make this team take that next step to becoming a tourney team imo are,

1) A true strict point guard. Lets face it, while Geo is doing a great job at PG, hes a more natural 2 guard. Solution: Mulcahy coming in who is a natural long play-maker and already has a pretty solid build to him.

2) Lock-down defender: I think we have him on the roster already but hes just learning how to use his ability to his advantage, Montez Mathis. We have to keep in mind, recruits like Tez are so dominant in HS that they often dont feel the need to play lockdown D. We saw a different version of montez on D last night, we had seen glimpses of it before but hes a strong, agile, quick on-ball defender. He does get lost sometimes when the other team gets running in transition and fighting through screens off-ball but I have all the confidence in the world that Jay Young will work him and make him dominant.

3) Secondary GO-TO scorer other than Geo. We need a CONSISTENT sharp shooter who can also get to the rim to compliment Geo. He may already be on the roster in Ron Harper. Harper has a great handle, he was a sharp shooter in high school and I have to believe his shots are going to start falling. Hes not a 15% 3-point shooter. Maine, columbia and fordham, pike should give him the green light to go to work and hopefully shots start falling and hes confident for the beginning of the long big ten slate.

To add onto this, in the 2019 class, i’d target another big and probably after Duke transfers (pure speculation) id hit the grad transfer market and look for a sniper. If these things happen then next year could realistically be a year we are a legitimate bubble team and watch selection sunday with a hope!

I agree with everything you said except on Duke. It would be awful if he transfers. He will be very solid the next two years.

 

[Scangg]

Why would Duke transfer with all those Shaq minutes opening up next season?

 

[RU-ROCS]

After last night, I totally agree that Mathis can be an elite defender. Pike has been saying that since pre-season camp. You can’t teach Mathis’s great, controlled lateral quickness. When the game slows down for him on offense he should be a great contributor on both sides of the court.

 

[higgins3]

Why would Duke transfer with all those Shaq minutes opening up next season?

Bulk minutes will go to Omoruyi and Myles Johnson, right?

 

[bac2therac]

not sure what to think of Doucoure anymore

 

[knight82]

Agreed and one thing I’d add to the last point is a big who is a legit scoring threat as opposed to nice role player. I honestly can’t remember the last time, if ever, we’ve had a player like Ward that you know will score or get fouled any time they get position.

His name was James Bailey

 

[knights1212]

We also had Roy Hinson and Brent Dabbs who were very good centers who could score. It has been a long time since we had a center who could be a double digit scorer.

 

[higgins3]

If I am to be honest, next years team is ABSOLUTELY the team that gets to the tournament. Pikiell knows it, and anything fan that looks forward knows it must happen as well.

Last year of EO, a player that does not come around often. Another year of progress from him. He becomes unstoppable when his dribble gets tight.

Another year of progress for Baker, who is already getting NBA scout attention. Kyk, I know none of us would disagree, but Baker has done a phenomenal job, and what he is doing now is what GM's and scouts want at the next level. The time of the pass first point is not seen all too often. He is doing very well.

Pikiell is not going to have this type of team for at least two more years. The roster right now is full of special talent.

There is going to be overload at a lot of positions, so it will be important for Pikiell to continue to stress together culture, and making history at Rutgers. Some opportunities only come once and a while. Building a tournament team is hard.

This roster has it. Next year is the year.

 

[SirScarlet]

The one and the same thing for next year is tied to Mathis in the next 12 months....people will tie how they feel about next year to the next 3 months or so, but the reality is he will have a full spring, summer and fall to restock his tool belt, to go with the athleticism and ability off the bounce.

While Harper has played well, I agree he is 1A vs #1....I think his shooting will jump up and we'll see his numbers go up next year as well......If there is a way to get Harper to get shots beyond the 3, and get him moving off the dribble, pull up/pass, then we start to really become more fluid.....Thiam hasn't shown he's willing to go off the bounce and raise up over his defender OR create the space to shoot over defenders. My guess is Harper is more guard-like and probably a better option to "pop" than anyone between December and March.

I don't think we are going to wait for next year to get Geo off the ball, we have 3 capable guards that need to get used to handling the ball, and running the offense. We need to expand what we are doing to allow teams to not easily scout and defend us. That started with McConnell and others handling the ball....it just comes down to reps and confidence....the more we get Geo down to 29-30 minutes, the better we become on both ends of the court.

I am going to avoid placing the entire emphasis on Mulcahy, because my confidence in the recruits we've landed across the board has been higher than maybe people want to buy into right now and then as soon as a half dozen games pass, we have written off or decided quickly that certain kids aren't going to contribute.....then 48 hours later, all appears to be well with the world again.....

Mulcahy will get an opportunity, but it's a very long path of not only playing well but contributing on both ends from a HS level jumping to the B1G. He does bring to the table a different element that could be deemed Gio like with his playmaking, but he has 9 months to improve his ability to shoot from 17 to 20 feet out, before I see his impact become immediate and allows him to take advantage of his passing......teams are going to scout and play off him, which should open up room for him to shoot next year. I will probably get to a couple of his games this year, to see where his overall game is, but he will have time to develop before being thrown into the fire. With 4 to 5 quality guards on the roster, he can take his time and work through developing his role before asking him to run an offense from Day 1.

The last recruiting spot.....hmm......LOL It can go in 3 different directions and help the roster next year. I would probably hedge against taking another B1G in 2019 vs 2020 (Zona or Omoyuri would be terrific for 2020)....Let Doucoure, Carter and Myles get another year under their belt. If the B1G schedule this year dictates we have to have 4 bigs over 20+ league games, then we may have to go there again....My guess is best available wing/hybrid forward would make sense.

The rest is up to fans and students quite honestly.....we will have 3500 to 4000 at Prudential Center, should have 1K or so at Fordham and need to fill the remaining 9 B1G home games with solid (not necessarily sold out games). Enough to make teams understand they'll have to play well to win.

Hawk - I agree with everything you said... good post.

The one part I don't agree with is I believe that we are going to go after a big with this last roster spot. It just seems to fit into how he's laid out the kids we have. With doorsen leaving and with what we have seen from Mamadou and with how stacked we are going to be at the shooting guard and small forward position next year), i think he needs to get another legit big man otherwise we're going to be in trouble next year and beyond.

 

[winfield102]

We need someone that can penetrate and distribute. We just don't have that now. Breaking down the defense creates so many good looks and so many close looks. Young next year?

Thiam was basically dribbling from the top staright to the wing with no thought of trying to go towards the basket. Against Wisconsin and Iowa, kiss and Thiam have to at least attempt to go towards the hoop. Geo would be hitting 50%+ of 3's if he got Thiam's looks.

 

[zebnatto]

The best thing about MM, IMO, is that Pike believes in him enough to let him play through his mistakes.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Kyk, I think the sniper/scorer you’re looking for is already on the roster - Jacob Young. He will be a HUGE addition next year, maybe even more so than Mulcahy.

I hope so man. But im apart of an investment group in texas and there are tons of Texas alums and they dont speak too highly of him. In fact, they were thrilled he left texas. And it wasnt sour grapes, they just simply thought he was a bad player who was selfish and played out of control in his minutes

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Why would Duke transfer with all those Shaq minutes opening up next season?

Its pretty clear staff isnt too high on him and his jumpers from inside the 3 point arc that never go in must drive them nuts. I guess my question is, besides foul, what does he do well?

 

[kcg88]

I hope so man. But im apart of an investment group in texas and tons of Texas alums and they dont speak too highly of him. In fact, they were thrilled he left texas. And it wasnt sour grapes, they just simply thought he was a bad player who was selfish and played out of control in his minutes

Some guys need a transfer to change this mindset. James Palmer and Isaac Copeland on Nebraska were not good at Miami and Georgetown.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I think you guys need to realize that Harper is going to be the four after Eugene goes

The scoring from the two and three spots is going up. Mathis will get it....thiam is a wild card and young and Mulchay will score

To me....this is what we need to add with the last four ships in the class of 2020

-center
-high post power forward
-low post power forward/center
-small forward/shooting guard

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Some guys need a transfer to change this mindset. James Palmer and Isaac Copeland on Nebraska were not good at Miami and Georgetown.

Sure but theyre 6’6 and 6’9. Young is a small guard who really wasnt good at texas

 

[kcg88]

Sure but theyre 6’6 and 6’9. Young is a small guard who really wasnt good at texas

What does height matter? Palmer and Copeland were frontcourt players who weren't really good at their previous high-major spot.

He's not going to be a program savior but he should be a plus. High-level athlete, disastrous shooting numbers as a freshman but much better as a sophomore. 4-star coming from HS.

 

[KevH]

The best thing about MM, IMO, is that Pike believes in him enough to let him play through his mistakes.

Feels good to be able to trust a coach's judgement too, huh?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

People need to read twice what NJH says about Mulcahy

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

What does height matter? Palmer and Copeland were frontcourt players who weren't really good at their previous high-major spot.

Ask Miami

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

What does height matter? Palmer and Copeland were frontcourt players who weren't really good at their previous high-major spot.

He's not going to be a program savior but he should be a plus. High-level athlete, disastrous shooting numbers as a freshman but much better as a sophomore. 4-star coming from HS.

Length and height matters in the big ten imo. Big ten typically has bigger bulkier guards as opposed to smaller quicker guards

 

[higgins3]

If you can get 7 ppg and high defensive effort out of a freshman, you are winning.

I am not relying on Mulcahy to take this team far next year.

 

[kcg88]

Length and height matters in the big ten imo. Big ten typically has bigger bulkier guards as opposed to smaller quicker guards

Carsen Edwards is 6-1
D'Mitrik Trice is 6-0
Cassius Winston is 6-1
Jordan Bohannon is 6-1
CJ Jackson is 6-1
Anthony Cowan is 6-0
Trent Frazier is 6-1
Glynn Watson is 6-0

Young isn't a pure PG like some of these guys but still.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Carsen Edwards is 6-1
D'Mitrik Trice is 6-0
Cassius Winston is 6-1
Jordan Bohannon is 6-1
CJ Jackson is 6-1
Anthony Cowan is 6-0
Trent Frazier is 6-1
Glynn Watson is 6-0

Young isn't a pure PG like some of these guys but still.

Well thats kind of my point. Young isnt s PH at all, let alone a pure PG. look at some of the 2 guards in the league.

 

[Scangg]

Its pretty clear staff isnt too high on him and his jumpers from inside the 3 point arc that never go in must drive them nuts. I guess my question is, besides foul, what does he do well?

So you're assuming the staff is going to force him out and not that he wants to leave on his own? He would definitely see more minutes next year as Myles backup compared to this season as the Third option

 

[biazza38]

So you're assuming the staff is going to force him out and not that he wants to leave on his own? He would definitely see more minutes next year as Myles backup compared to this season as the Third option

He’s also assuming we’re going to magically find someone better. Which we won’t. People who don’t follow basketball don’t understand how difficult it is to find an effective big man

 

[JQRU91]

Thiam was basically dribbling from the top staright to the wing with no thought of trying to go towards the basket.

I noticed the same thing with Thiam. Looked a bit like the Weave from the Wenzel years on one play. I think the lights were just too bright for him against MSU at this stage. He probably wasn't comfortable enough to try and step up more though the team could have used it.

 

[kcg88]

I noticed the same thing with Thiam. Looked a bit like the Weave from the Wenzel years on one play. I think the lights were just too bright for him against MSU at this stage. He probably wasn't comfortable enough to try and step up more though the team could have used it.

Thiam is never going to be a get-to-the-rim guy. There's a reason very few 6'10" players are able to put it on the floor like that... simply being that high off the ground means the ball comes up higher on the dribble making it harder to quickly switch directions or create space.

It's why watching Giannis in the NBA breaks everybody's brain.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

So you're assuming the staff is going to force him out and not that he wants to leave on his own? He would definitely see more minutes next year as Myles backup compared to this season as the Third option

We go over this every year. Whens the last year we havent had at least 1 player transfer? Writing is on the wall, no?

 

[RUsince52]

His name was James Bailey

Bailey was like finding a 5* on your doorstep. He was a great defensive player when he arrived at RU and even became more dominant as a shot blocker. He could run the floor which was probably his best asset because of the fast pace we forced in games. But he also developed into a very good offensive threat for a half court set. He was the perfect fit for RU and an under the radar HS player. Might be one of our all time great recruiting successes.
Sure was fun to watch too.

 

[RUsince52]

Somehow the CS has to figure out a way for our post guys to get to the basket. Not to be dominant, but at least to draw fouls. It's tough to win conference games if we're always at a 10+ point deficit at the foul line. Right now other teams with size don't respect our ability to drive to the basket even if we get the ball inside.
We have size, but not scoring finesse at the moment.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Its pretty clear staff isnt too high on him and his jumpers from inside the 3 point arc that never go in must drive them nuts. I guess my question is, besides foul, what does he do well?

"It's my turn to shoot". I see that shit in my kids rec league. He did it twice against MSU. Pike had seen enough after the 2nd. The lights aren't on, and I'm starting to doubt if they ever will be.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

It’s clear that despite not continually saying “we came here with a plan” like another one of our coaches, pike clearly has a plan and we see it coming together before our eyes.

The 3 missing pieces to make this team take that next step to becoming a tourney team imo are,

1) A true strict point guard. Lets face it, while Geo is doing a great job at PG, hes a more natural 2 guard. Solution: Mulcahy coming in who is a natural long play-maker and already has a pretty solid build to him.

2) Lock-down defender: I think we have him on the roster already but hes just learning how to use his ability to his advantage, Montez Mathis. We have to keep in mind, recruits like Tez are so dominant in HS that they often dont feel the need to play lockdown D. We saw a different version of montez on D last night, we had seen glimpses of it before but hes a strong, agile, quick on-ball defender. He does get lost sometimes when the other team gets running in transition and fighting through screens off-ball but I have all the confidence in the world that Jay Young will work him and make him dominant.

3) Secondary GO-TO scorer other than Geo. We need a CONSISTENT sharp shooter who can also get to the rim to compliment Geo. He may already be on the roster in Ron Harper. Harper has a great handle, he was a sharp shooter in high school and I have to believe his shots are going to start falling. Hes not a 15% 3-point shooter. Maine, columbia and fordham, pike should give him the green light to go to work and hopefully shots start falling and hes confident for the beginning of the long big ten slate.

To add onto this, in the 2019 class, i’d target another big and probably after Duke transfers (pure speculation) id hit the grad transfer market and look for a sniper. If these things happen then next year could realistically be a year we are a legitimate bubble team and watch selection sunday with a hope!

1. I actually like Geo better at the 1.
2 & 3: You're correct in saying that they're already on the roster. Mathis and Harper are going to be a dynamic scoring duo, and solid defenders.

 

[RUJMM78]

Rutgers still lacks consistent scorers for two halves of a basketball game.The end result is great difficulty even scoring 60 points in a power conference game.The unexpected 7 points from McConnell is the main reason Rutgers scored 67 points against Michigan State.

 

[KnightTerrors]

Rutgers still lacks consistent scorers for two halves of a basketball game.The end result is great difficulty even scoring 60 points in a power conference game.The unexpected 7 points from McConnell is the main reason Rutgers scored 67 points against Michigan State.

This team goes as geo goes offensively. He had a quick six in the first five minutes and was shut down the rest of the game. We have a lot of very good complimentary scorers but only one guy right now who can go down and get you buckets when you absolutely need them.

 

[Scangg]

We go over this every year. Whens the last year we havent had at least 1 player transfer? Writing is on the wall, no?

If I'm Doucoure I see more PT next year with Shaq D gone unless he starts getting replaced by Carter in the rotation which is possible.

If you think the coaching staff forces him out it's a different situation than a player who wants to leave on his own. Doucoure does take bad shots and fouls too much but he is a big body and will have experience. If we lose both Shaq D and Doucoure we definitely need to replace that size which isn't always easy to do. If we have top recruits who are interested then it could be an upgrade for sure but big men taking longer to develop like everyone always says