RAPID REACTION - Monmouth

[Degaz-RU]

1. Offense looked great. 98 points is the most we’ve ever scored under Pike. Finally got the 3-point game going, but also a lot of good passing, not much one-on-one hero ball at all. 21 assists on 31 made FGs.

2. But the defense was… bad. We gave up 51 points in the 2nd half (matching our 51 point output). Granted, Bashir was just unconscious beyond belief, but we were also playing lazy defense and leaving him open. Pike has a big job ahead of him getting these guys to play tougher D.

3. Pike should be offering Bashir a scholarship and NIL deal before he gets on the bus back to West Long Branch. Holy crap can that kid ball and shoot.

4. Color me worried about Ace Bailey’s health. Left the game late and walked into the locker room with the trainer. Played a solid game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.

5. Jordan Derkack is such a good all-around player, a consummate glue-guy who’s a good defender, good rebounder, and great passer. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a whopping 9 assists. And that 50 foot down court bounce pass to JMike on the fast break — Wow.

6. We finally got the 3-point shooting untracked, going 11-20 from deep. ZBo 4-7, Hayes 3-4, Harper 2-3. Biggest one was Harper’s corner three to push the lead back up to 15 after Monmouth cut into the lead and was giving our fans agita.

7. Harper had a “quiet” 20. But every point critical, and he added 6 assists. Scored 20+ in his first three games as a true freshman.

8. Martini finally broke out on offense with 18 points on 7-10 shooting. And Hayes with 11. They combined for 7 made threes. This is why we got them.

9. Sommerville with 10 points, his third straight double-digit game as a true freshman. Also showed some toughness with 7 rebounds, and demonstrated some good weak side rim protection with 2 blocks. Ogbole played 6 awful minutes.

Gotta get Ace healthy so he can play in Kennesaw next week and in Vegas.

 

[RuSnp]

1. Offense looked great. 98 points is the most we’ve ever scored under Pike. Finally got the 3-points is game going, but also a lot of good passing, not much one-on-one hero ball at all. 21 assists on 31 made FGs.

2. But the defense was… bad. We gave up 51 points in the 2nd half (matching our 51 point output). Granted, Bashir was just unconscious beyond belief, but we were also playing lazy defense and leaving him open. Pike has a big job ahead of him getting these guys to play tougher D.

3. Pike should be offering Bashir a scholarship and NIL deal before he gets on the bus back to West Long Branch. Holy crap can that kid ball and shoot.

4. Color me worried about Ace Bailey’s health. Left the game late and walked into the locker room with the trainer. Played a solid game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.

5. Jordan Derkack is such a good all-around player, a consummate glue-guy who’s a good defender, good rebounder, and great passer. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a whopping 9 assists. And that 50 foot down court bounce pass to JMike on the fast break — Wow.

6. We finally got the 3-points shooting untracked, going 11-20 from deep. ZBo 4-7, Hayes 3-4, Harper 2-3. Biggest one was Harper’s corner three to push the lead back up to 15 after Monmouth cut into the lead and was giving our fans agita.

7. Harper had a “quiet” 20. But every point critical, and he added 6 assists. Scored 20+ in his first three games as a true freshman.

8. Martini finally broke out on offense with 18 points on 7-10 shooting. And Hayes with 11. They combined for 7 made threes. This is why we got them.

9. Sommerville with 10 points, his third straight double-digit game as a true freshman. Also showed some toughness with 7 rebounds, and demonstrated some good weak side rim protection with 2 blocks. Ogbole played 6 awful minutes.

Gotta get Ace healthy so he can play in Kennesaw next week and in Vegas.

Harper had 20 points on 9 shots. I don't think I can remember a player who has played as well as he has but you still think he's just scratching the surface.

 

[hinson32]

Wasn't Derkack the guy who was supposed to guarding Bashir?

 

[RUisB1Gtime]

I'm extremely skeptical we can win big this way. We are not a good defensive team. Hope they prove me wrong!!

 

[DC8690]

1. Offense looked great. 98 points is the most we’ve ever scored under Pike. Finally got the 3-points is game going, but also a lot of good passing, not much one-on-one hero ball at all. 21 assists on 31 made FGs.

2. But the defense was… bad. We gave up 51 points in the 2nd half (matching our 51 point output). Granted, Bashir was just unconscious beyond belief, but we were also playing lazy defense and leaving him open. Pike has a big job ahead of him getting these guys to play tougher D.

3. Pike should be offering Bashir a scholarship and NIL deal before he gets on the bus back to West Long Branch. Holy crap can that kid ball and shoot.

4. Color me worried about Ace Bailey’s health. Left the game late and walked into the locker room with the trainer. Played a solid game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.

5. Jordan Derkack is such a good all-around player, a consummate glue-guy who’s a good defender, good rebounder, and great passer. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a whopping 9 assists. And that 50 foot down court bounce pass to JMike on the fast break — Wow.

6. We finally got the 3-points shooting untracked, going 11-20 from deep. ZBo 4-7, Hayes 3-4, Harper 2-3. Biggest one was Harper’s corner three to push the lead back up to 15 after Monmouth cut into the lead and was giving our fans agita.

7. Harper had a “quiet” 20. But every point critical, and he added 6 assists. Scored 20+ in his first three games as a true freshman.

8. Martini finally broke out on offense with 18 points on 7-10 shooting. And Hayes with 11. They combined for 7 made threes. This is why we got them.

9. Sommerville with 10 points, his third straight double-digit game as a true freshman. Also showed some toughness with 7 rebounds, and demonstrated some good weak side rim protection with 2 blocks. Ogbole played 6 awful minutes.

Gotta get Ace healthy so he can play in Kennesaw next week and in Vegas.

3. No……look at Bashir’s stats before today.

 

[RUJMM78]

With this roster Rutgers is having great difficulty on defense especially against the 3 point shot.Monmouth made 13 three pointers and the coaching staff failed to make any adjustments during the game.Pikiell should try using a zone defense which is easier to teach and could also improve rebounding.Rutgers clearly can outscore mediocre competition but against league competition, the outcome of games will be in doubt because the defense is so bad.

 

[Degaz-RU]

With this roster Rutgers is having great difficulty on defense especially against the 3 point shot.Monmouth made 13 three pointers and the coaching staff failed to make any adjustments during the game.Pikiell should try using a zone defense which is easier to teach and could also improve rebounding.Rutgers clearly can outscore mediocre competition but against league competition, the outcome of games will be in doubt because the defense is so bad.

Not sure zone defense is the answer against 3-pointers, and it’s also widely known that defensive rebounding is more difficult in a zone.

We have to trust Pike will figure it out. He’s a good defensive coach and will implement changes to improve things.

 

[Knight Shift]

 

[FAT MOON]

Not saying that defense is going to be our strong suit this year...but I also wouldn't read too much into it either for this game. We held them to 30 in the first and then the game turned into an aau type second half. Guys were just looking to get theirs. When it got too sloppy Pike called a TO and we settled back into getting some stops. It will probably end up in a good teaching moment on film.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Love to be at practice the next couple of days . The walkons might be the only ones allowed to shoot

 

[G- RUnit]

Tough game to write a review.
Positives:

1. Passed the ball well.
2. Great three point shooting.
3. Great foul shooting.
4. Balanced scoring.
5. Never in doubt.
6. Almost scored 100 for first time since 2016.
7. Debut of Ace who did not disappoint.
8. Martini wonderful game.
9. No slow start put them away early.
10. Kinda like Friday night hoops. Reminded me of high school.
11. Dylan so solid.

Negatives:

1. Three games in a row where opposition has been outstanding from 3. Are we like a cat just playing with opposition or just bad on D?
2. We played no D.
3. Bashir had 37.
4. Although balanced scoring, trey sloppy, almost double figures in turnovers again.
5. Won game at line. Good or bad? Will we have that benefit in B1G?
6. 51 points given up in 2nd half.

All in all positive. Pike probably loves as can preach D. Shot well from three and line and scored 98.

 

[DC8690]

With this roster Rutgers is having great difficulty on defense especially against the 3 point shot.Monmouth made 13 three pointers and the coaching staff failed to make any adjustments during the game.Pikiell should try using a zone defense which is easier to teach and could also improve rebounding.Rutgers clearly can outscore mediocre competition but against league competition, the outcome of games will be in doubt because the defense is so bad.

10 of them were from one kid. The kid was shooting from 6 ft behind the arc, chalk it up to Bashir had the game of his life and we still won by 17.

 

[socaldave]

My observation, I am watching a very talented team with all the pieces
Need the coach to piece it all together and harness it.
Would love to see more discipline both ends!

 

[RUich]

Bailey looked winded towards the end of the game. Could be that this was his first game and not really ready for all those minutes.
For what it's worth, the other phenom for Duke was also showing cramping. They are really under a lot of pressure and you cannot discount the mental drain on them.

 

[BillyC80]

Derkack should have had 2 more assists (11 total), but PJ and Dylan missed the layups.

 

[rtabachk]

Rapid Reaction: Ogbole played the right amount of minutes.

 

[G- RUnit]

Ogbole had a nice start.
Didn’t realize Derkack so good with assists.
Kudos!

 

[lakejj]

10 of them were from one kid. The kid was shooting from 6 ft behind the arc, chalk it up to Bashir had the game of his life and we still won by 17.

I'll take this result EVERY time

 

[RU848789]

1. Offense looked great. 98 points is the most we’ve ever scored under Pike. Finally got the 3-points is game going, but also a lot of good passing, not much one-on-one hero ball at all. 21 assists on 31 made FGs.

2. But the defense was… bad. We gave up 51 points in the 2nd half (matching our 51 point output). Granted, Bashir was just unconscious beyond belief, but we were also playing lazy defense and leaving him open. Pike has a big job ahead of him getting these guys to play tougher D.

3. Pike should be offering Bashir a scholarship and NIL deal before he gets on the bus back to West Long Branch. Holy crap can that kid ball and shoot.

4. Color me worried about Ace Bailey’s health. Left the game late and walked into the locker room with the trainer. Played a solid game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.

5. Jordan Derkack is such a good all-around player, a consummate glue-guy who’s a good defender, good rebounder, and great passer. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a whopping 9 assists. And that 50 foot down court bounce pass to JMike on the fast break — Wow.

6. We finally got the 3-points shooting untracked, going 11-20 from deep. ZBo 4-7, Hayes 3-4, Harper 2-3. Biggest one was Harper’s corner three to push the lead back up to 15 after Monmouth cut into the lead and was giving our fans agita.

7. Harper had a “quiet” 20. But every point critical, and he added 6 assists. Scored 20+ in his first three games as a true freshman.

8. Martini finally broke out on offense with 18 points on 7-10 shooting. And Hayes with 11. They combined for 7 made threes. This is why we got them.

9. Sommerville with 10 points, his third straight double-digit game as a true freshman. Also showed some toughness with 7 rebounds, and demonstrated some good weak side rim protection with 2 blocks. Ogbole played 6 awful minutes.

Gotta get Ace healthy so he can play in Kennesaw next week and in Vegas.

Nice summary. Bashir's 10-17 from deep is unconscious. He is only a sophomore, so maybe he could make the move up to RU - not clear to me if he had a career game or not, though (he's been around 25% from deep in their other 3 games).

Great offense, not-so-great defense. I think that will be the theme of this season in many games and I think we're often going to need to outscore teams. Hopefully, we can retain the very good offense with the team continuing to share the ball so well - have to love 21 assists on 31 baskets - while improving on defense (we have shown it in flashes, but not consistently).

So great to finally see Ace play - guy is so smooth on offense, but needs work on D. Harper is the more complete player at this point, though. I swear I think he could drive and get points at the hoop on most of our possessions if he wanted to. I'm also liking the complementary pieces (Derkack, Davis, Martini, Hayes, JWill and Sommerville, who had another good game; not sold on Acuff yet though, but nice to see him hit a trey).

One other great stat: 25-32 FTs.

 

[ScottRU93]

Ogbole is just awful. Huge mistake not finding another center somewhere to help out. Lathan and Martini fine against smaller non league teams but Center is going to be a problem in league and against better Comp. Lathan is more of a PF. Post D is going to be a big issue

 

[socaldave]

Ogbole is just awful. Huge mistake not finding another center somewhere to help out. Lathan and Martini fine against smaller non league teams but Center is going to be a problem in league and against better Comp. Lathan is more of a PF. Post D is going to be a big issue

Like Purdue did to Cliff tonight!!!

 

[MV9000]

Ogbole is awful but I think the way they’re leaning Lathan in and letting him see the game before subbing in is great. He has good feel.

My only quarrel with today is figuring out the perimeter defense. Very cool with the offense.

 

[FAT MOON]

Ogbole is just awful. Huge mistake not finding another center somewhere to help out. Lathan and Martini fine against smaller non league teams but Center is going to be a problem in league and against better Comp. Lathan is more of a PF. Post D is going to be a big issue

Post D will certainly be an issue but it will work to our advantage on O as well if Martini can hit shots like that.

Also I REALLY liked what I saw from Ace early defensively. He was staying home and helping a lot in the middle and really trying to rebound. If that continues it will be massive because his length will make it much easier to get away with Martini and Lathan for the majority of minutes at the 5.

Lathan was off defensively tonight. Chalk it up to a frosh just looking to get his but he let up some really easy buckets in the second half just not sliding over at all.

 

[hinson32]

With this roster Rutgers is having great difficulty on defense especially against the 3 point shot.Monmouth made 13 three pointers and the coaching staff failed to make any adjustments during the game.Pikiell should try using a zone defense which is easier to teach and could also improve rebounding.Rutgers clearly can outscore mediocre competition but against league competition, the outcome of games will be in doubt because the defense is so bad.

Zones make rebounding harder and 3 pt shooting easier.

 

[Eagleton96]

3. No……look at Bashir’s stats before today.

He shot 39% from 3 as a freshman last year with 51 makes in 13 mins a game. Sign him up.

 

[RUtrumpet92]

Bashir 1 rebound, no assists, no steals, no blocks. I doubt he would be more than a microwave type at the B1G level. Let's see how he does over the course of a season before offering him a scholarship and NIL. He was red hot tonight, though.

Love the unselfish O for most of the night, finding the open man. I'm confident Pike will get the D to improve. If we continue with the unselfish play on offense, this team has very high potential.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Really loving Harper grittyness. He is a scraper just like davis martini and dercack

Night and day from the SJU game that frightened me.

Early in the game he Fs up so he dives on the floor to get the ball back. He was attacking the defensive glass.

Hope this rubs off on Ace

 

[Eagleton96]

Really loving Harper grittyness. He is a scraper just like davis martini and dercack

Night and day from the SJU game that frightened me.

Early in the game he Fs up so he dives on the floor to get the ball back. He was attacking the defensive glass.

Hope this rubs off on Ace

Ace was battling all game. His D positioning needs work.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Ace was battling all game. His D positioning needs work.

You are being kind.
he has a lot to learn as he constantly loses his man off the ball. He also goes for every pump fake.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Again Somerville with way too much dribbling. Either ge isnt getting it, it takes awhile to break habits, or the staff is letting him down.

He gets it and he automatically puts the ball on the floor. He is giving the defense a half second to recover everytime

 

[BillyC80]

Really loving Harper grittyness. He is a scraper just like davis martini and dercack

Night and day from the SJU game that frightened me.

Early in the game he Fs up so he dives on the floor to get the ball back. He was attacking the defensive glass.

Hope this rubs off on Ace

Dylan diving on the ball after he lost it was a turning point, imo, leading to the endgame closeout. It happened relatively late in the second half, as I recall.

His will to win was strong in that moment, and I think it was a much needed “lead by example” play that gave a lift to all the guys, and us fans too 😉

 

[Eagleton96]

You are being kind.
he has a lot to learn as he constantly loses his man off the ball. He also goes for every pump fake.

He tried for a lot of steals. Got 2, but more often got burned. 6 boards. 1 block. Not bad for his very first college game. In fact, very good.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

He tried for a lot of steals. Got 2, but more often got burned. 6 boards. 1 block. Not bad for his very first college game. In fact, very good.

Right now he is a defensive liability

He will improve wuickly i hope

 

[jakeknight]

Defense is really inconsistent, very good at times and not very good at other times. Acuff is coming off injury but looked better tonight, Ace hasn’t been practicing for more than a week, and it showed in the last 10-12 min. All the pieces are here they just need to be more consistent, get the right combinations on the floor and continue to get in game shape

 

[FIJI'83]

Somerville can score but likely will be lit up by some of the B10 bigs.

 

[Kbee3]

Bailey looked winded towards the end of the game. Could be that this was his first game and not really ready for all those minutes.
For what it's worth, the other phenom for Duke was also showing cramping. They are really under a lot of pressure and you cannot discount the mental drain on them.

That phenom for Duke blew the Kentucky game at the end with two HUGE turnovers.

 

[Kbee3]

Impressive performances by Harper, Bailey, Sommerville, Martini.
It looks like the makings of a nice season for this team. And its fans.