Pikiell on The Scarlet Spotlight podcast now (direct link)

[RUJON]

Wide-ranging interview during which he break down players, talks scheduling and facilities and provide a overview of the program as he enters year three.

https://www.thescarletspotlight.com/podcast/2018/6/25/episode-9-steve-pikiell

Would love your feedback and thoughts on the interview.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[NJDOVES]

I rate this interview an 11 on a scale of 1-10 with an eleven hitting it out of the park. Best interview of a head coach as I’ve ever heard. Pikiell is the real deal, 1000% sure of his success for Rutgers. Would have loved to play for a coach like him. Can’t wait for the start of the season and the development of the team and each year to follow. Really exciting.

 

[rutgersfandan]

Thanks NJDoves! Really appreciate that. Coach Pikiell made it an easy interview. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[4theknights]

the podcast was great ... would be great to hear from coach during regular season with this type of great in-depth questions asked. Coach's relentless plan makes you certain RU BB will be success. The podcast makes you want to see basketball start asap.

 

[RUJON]

Thanks so much guys. We will try for that next season.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I like how the new Practice Facility helped to close Caleb McConnell and the story about the 2008 prediction regarding Steve Pikiell being a future Rutgers Coach.

The lack of a Practice Facility is no longer an Albatross around the neck of the Basketball Program. Everyone being recruiting right now will have a brand new facility when they step on campus as a true freshman.

Very Interesting comments regarding Geo Baker at the PG spot.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Issa Thiam.....measured in at 6'10 within the last few day.....Pikiell said he has grown ( in height ) since first getting to campus as a freshman.... BUT, according to some........that never happens....lol

 

[RUJON]

I think you’ll be seeing much more of the Thiam post-up game like we did late last season.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I think you’ll be seeing much more of the Thiam post-up game like we did late last season.

This is what I want to see

. I really want him to be stretch four to maximize his offensive talent. His looks at the four spot from behind that arc will improve a lot having a power forward closing out than a three man...and bet his shooting percentage goes up if he plays the four

Question is can he bang as a four on defense

 

[RUJON]

Based on what Pike said on the podcast I think he’ll be able to match up his lineups better and move people around to take advantage of those match ups. So my bet is we see Thiam at the four whenhe can exploit a match up and at three at other times.

 

[Sideline20]

Excellent interview - excellent questions - excellent answers - that was an enjoyable listen - I can't wait for the season to start - excited to see the guys from last year's team and how improved they are and very excited to see the newcomers and the roles they will play on this year's team.

 

[dkostus]

I was kind of struck about how excited he seems about Doorson, referring to him as a returning starter, finally healthy, having lost so much weight, etc.

Are we expecting Doorson to actually start at the 5? He was a lot more productive against teams like Purdue with huge frontcourts but that's a specific type of team

 

[dpwhite]

I was kind of struck about how excited he seems about Doorson, referring to him as a returning starter, finally healthy, having lost so much weight, etc.

Are we expecting Doorson to actually start at the 5? He was a lot more productive against teams like Purdue with huge frontcourts but that's a specific type of team

My guess for starters early on is still Shaq D, Eugene, Issa, Montez and Geo... that four experienced spots to begin games.

Also, Steve is excited about EVERYONE.

 

[SJScarlet]

I was kind of struck about how excited he seems about Doorson, referring to him as a returning starter, finally healthy, having lost so much weight, etc.

Are we expecting Doorson to actually start at the 5? He was a lot more productive against teams like Purdue with huge frontcourts but that's a specific type of team

I've posted a few times telling people to expect this. I expect Doorson to get >50% of the starts on the season if healthy.

 

[RUChoppin]

I've posted a few times telling people to expect this. I expect Doorson to get >50% of the starts on the season if healthy.

I could see him getting >50% of the starts in conference play. Out of conference, we might go smaller and more agile - as Pike said in the interview, you can get away with those smaller lineups against smaller schools but not in the B1G.

I liked what I was hearing about Thiam, though. Working on more back to the basket and post moves, as well as ball handling and passing - seems like we'll use his interior game more this year, which will hopefully open up his outside shot more, too.

 

[RUJON]

Thanks for all the listens and downloads.

Please email us with feedback and guest ideas at thescarletspotlight@gmail.com

Jon

 

[knights1212]

Dan, You & Jon did a fabulous job. I am so glad that you are still involved with RU B-Ball.

 

[rutgersfandan]

Dan, You & Jon did a fabulous job. I am so glad that you are still involved with RU B-Ball.

Thanks Art! Really appreciate that. All the best to you and your family.

 

[cubuffsdoug]

Shaq is down to 250. Coach Pike said Shaq weighed 337 at one time. The kid has worked his tail off and done everything asked of him by the coach. It's nice to see a kid rewarded for the effort.

 

[RUChoppin]

Shaq is down to 250. Coach Pike said Shaq weighed 337 at one time. The kid has worked his tail off and done everything asked of him by the coach. It's nice to see a kid rewarded for the effort.

Which is amazing - that'd make him about Doucoure's build, now (7-0, 253 vs. 6-9, 243). Should allow him to be more mobile/agile under the basket.