Hey everyone, Rutgers men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell hopped on a conference call on Monday morning to discuss the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Here are some notes.
--- Pikiell discussed that it’s hard to beat a team three times in a row, but it will be a challenge against Michigan. Raved about its shooters and big men, but said the Scarlet Knights are confident. Knows his team will have to play well to have a chance to win.
--- Pikiell talked about things the team has to do better most notably shooting better, not committing turnovers, and finishing. Says you have to contain PG Zavier Simpson and that he’s a winner. “We have to play outstanding basketball.”
--- Coach was asked about how to defend the team with Isaiah Livers back in the fold. Livers missed the previous two games against RU. Went out of his way to mention Simpson again, centers Austin Davis and Joe Teske, as well as Franz Wagner. Said RU has to be perfect and play tough defense.
--- Pikiell talked about the Wolverine’s length and getting to the foul line will help.
--- Coach discussed the importance of getting the road win at Purdue to end the regular season. Said they’ve been in every game and the amount of Quad 1 games late make a difference, too. Also mentioned that the Purdue victory was a confidence booster.
--- Is Geo Baker Rugers’ first All-Big player? Pikiell says the league has a ton of talent and his team is tied for fifth. Says the team wouldn’t be there without Baker and that he does so much. “I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. I hope he gets honored.” Mentioned his leadership being important. The Big Ten honors will be released later Monday.
8-Rutgers plays 9-Michigan at noon on Thursday.
Here are some notes.
--- Pikiell discussed that it’s hard to beat a team three times in a row, but it will be a challenge against Michigan. Raved about its shooters and big men, but said the Scarlet Knights are confident. Knows his team will have to play well to have a chance to win.
--- Pikiell talked about things the team has to do better most notably shooting better, not committing turnovers, and finishing. Says you have to contain PG Zavier Simpson and that he’s a winner. “We have to play outstanding basketball.”
--- Coach was asked about how to defend the team with Isaiah Livers back in the fold. Livers missed the previous two games against RU. Went out of his way to mention Simpson again, centers Austin Davis and Joe Teske, as well as Franz Wagner. Said RU has to be perfect and play tough defense.
--- Pikiell talked about the Wolverine’s length and getting to the foul line will help.
--- Coach discussed the importance of getting the road win at Purdue to end the regular season. Said they’ve been in every game and the amount of Quad 1 games late make a difference, too. Also mentioned that the Purdue victory was a confidence booster.
--- Is Geo Baker Rugers’ first All-Big player? Pikiell says the league has a ton of talent and his team is tied for fifth. Says the team wouldn’t be there without Baker and that he does so much. “I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. I hope he gets honored.” Mentioned his leadership being important. The Big Ten honors will be released later Monday.
8-Rutgers plays 9-Michigan at noon on Thursday.
