Rutgers Basketball has Arrived when..... " The Phone Stops Ringing"

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I love this interview !!!!!!





https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/10/...rs-has-earned-true-respect-big-ten-basketball

 

[KevH]

Love this guy. He just gets it.

 

[BoroKnight]

Still waiting for the first thing I don't like about Pikiell. Like, even one slip of the tongue or something. Haven't seen or hear anything.

We're lucky to have him. Smart hire.

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Pikiell and his staff seem to have a very clear vision and a strong level of professionalism - and they appear to have a genuine operating methodology - meaning they know what needs to be done - when it needs to be done- how it needs to be done to turn out right - and what contingency plans need to be in place.

They clearly had done their homework regarding Mamadou Doucoure's reclassification - and the process worked out without long delay or major drama
They were prepared and wasted no time in gaining the commitment of Shaq Carter when an open scholarship emerged.
... and now the plan is for all three 2018 recruits to be signed in the early period -adeptly gaining closure on this important step - and removing time, attention & energy sucking drama from the process.

The efficient approach to key activities is so incredibly valuable - through intense & comprehensive hard work items are promptly and insightfully addressed & don't linger - clearing the way to attack the next set of critical tasks.

Always fascinating to observe thorough & visionary leadership at work.

 

[Degaz-RU]

It sure helps that Pike had 11 years as a HC before coming to Rutgers. No learning on the job this go-round.

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

In a very short period of time he has allowed us to set the bar higher than we are used to. I don't see anger issues naked foul shooting stalking baseball coaches or just general laziness , all things we have been" blessed" with this century.Even the cynical amongst us, and there are a few , :sunglasses:,think that we may have plucked a winner from the coaching.tree.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Pikiell and his staff seem to have a very clear vision and a strong level of professionalism - and they appear to have a genuine operating methodology - meaning they know what needs to be done - when it needs to be done- how it needs to be done to turn out right - and what contingency plans need to be in place.

They clearly had done their homework regarding Mamadou Doucoure's reclassification - and the process worked out without long delay or major drama
They were prepared and wasted no time in gaining the commitment of Shaq Carter when an open scholarship emerged.
... and now the plan is for all three 2018 recruits to be signed in the early period -adeptly gaining closure on this important step - and removing time, attention & energy sucking drama from the process.

The efficient approach to key activities is so incredibly valuable - through intense & comprehensive hard work items are promptly and insightfully addressed & don't linger - clearing the way to attack the next set of critical tasks.

Always fascinating to observe thorough & visionary leadership at work.

I know there are posters that are basketball smart etc., but this quote was essentially what Pike said when I attended the initial press conference at the RAC.....the quote was "my wife isn't going to see much of me for the first 18-24 months on the job, but we know what has to happen to get things sorted out".....the buttoning up on the recruiting and knowing that there are multiple options in place in recruiting should something change, has me extremely confident.

The one thing I exchanged texts with someone I trust is regarding even the recruiting of Souf Mensah....on paper and during games, it may not appear to make sense, but after watching the open practice, it now makes perfect sense.....What Souf provides is an intensity, hunger and physicality to the guard position, that forces players like Sanders, Geo Baker and Mike Williams to get better.....he makes these players work much harder in drills, because he's physically built like a truck, so if you are working against him in practice, my assumption is the guards will see improvement over an extended period of time in games.....

And then fast forward to next year and guess who will have to lift weights and get stronger and better to simulate what life in the B1G is life?? Yes, the 2018 guards Ron Harper, Jr. and Montez Mathis will now have to score, box out, rebound and understand what this conference is about.....by working against Souf Mensah, whose not going to let them get rebounds or loose balls in drills, unless they actually earn it.

At the same time, Souf fills a valuable slot as a 4th guard/back up guard/defensive specialist and guard that can push the ball AND, not get in the way of the youth movement/development that has to take place.....I picture Souf as kinda like a running back version of James Beatty....It's as if Pike saw him and had a role for him to push the competitiveness up 3-4 notches by having Souf in practice and on the court for the next two years...while accelerating the development of the recruits and players that ultimately will lift the program to the next level.

So, yes.....Rumba JK crushes it with this and everything is well-thought out....doesn't mean we should start printing NCAA tickets or get too far ahead of the long road to go (the talent being recruited in the B1G is at an all-time high IMO and quite scary if you look around the conference), but to have a chance, you need a coaching staff with a plan.....and we have that with this staff.

 

[BillyC80]

Great interview. Great coach.

 

[NJDOVES]

Pikiell and his staff seem to have a very clear vision and a strong level of professionalism - and they appear to have a genuine operating methodology - meaning they know what needs to be done - when it needs to be done- how it needs to be done to turn out right - and what contingency plans need to be in place.

They clearly had done their homework regarding Mamadou Doucoure's reclassification - and the process worked out without long delay or major drama
They were prepared and wasted no time in gaining the commitment of Shaq Carter when an open scholarship emerged.
... and now the plan is for all three 2018 recruits to be signed in the early period -adeptly gaining closure on this important step - and removing time, attention & energy sucking drama from the process.

The efficient approach to key activities is so incredibly valuable - through intense & comprehensive hard work items are promptly and insightfully addressed & don't linger - clearing the way to attack the next set of critical tasks.

Always fascinating to observe thorough & visionary leadership at work.

Are you on the staff Rumba? Well said...

 

[NJDOVES]

I know there are posters that are basketball smart etc., but this quote was essentially what Pike said when I attended the initial press conference at the RAC.....the quote was "my wife isn't going to see much of me for the first 18-24 months on the job, but we know what has to happen to get things sorted out".....the buttoning up on the recruiting and knowing that there are multiple options in place in recruiting should something change, has me extremely confident.

The one thing I exchanged texts with someone I trust is regarding even the recruiting of Souf Mensah....on paper and during games, it may not appear to make sense, but after watching the open practice, it now makes perfect sense.....What Souf provides is an intensity, hunger and physicality to the guard position, that forces players like Sanders, Geo Baker and Mike Williams to get better.....he makes these players work much harder in drills, because he's physically built like a truck, so if you are working against him in practice, my assumption is the guards will see improvement over an extended period of time in games.....

And then fast forward to next year and guess who will have to lift weights and get stronger and better to simulate what life in the B1G is life?? Yes, the 2018 guards Ron Harper, Jr. and Montez Mathis will now have to score, box out, rebound and understand what this conference is about.....by working against Souf Mensah, whose not going to let them get rebounds or loose balls in drills, unless they actually earn it.

At the same time, Souf fills a valuable slot as a 4th guard/back up guard/defensive specialist and guard that can push the ball AND, not get in the way of the youth movement/development that has to take place.....I picture Souf as kinda like a running back version of James Beatty....It's as if Pike saw him and had a role for him to push the competitiveness up 3-4 notches by having Souf in practice and on the court for the next two years...while accelerating the development of the recruits and players that ultimately will lift the program to the next level.

So, yes.....Rumba JK crushes it with this and everything is well-thought out....doesn't mean we should start printing NCAA tickets or get too far ahead of the long road to go (the talent being recruited in the B1G is at an all-time high IMO and quite scary if you look around the conference), but to have a chance, you need a coaching staff with a plan.....and we have that with this staff.

Your spot on Hawk!!!

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I know there are posters that are basketball smart etc., but this quote was essentially what Pike said when I attended the initial press conference at the RAC.....the quote was "my wife isn't going to see much of me for the first 18-24 months on the job, but we know what has to happen to get things sorted out".....the buttoning up on the recruiting and knowing that there are multiple options in place in recruiting should something change, has me extremely confident.

The one thing I exchanged texts with someone I trust is regarding even the recruiting of Souf Mensah....on paper and during games, it may not appear to make sense, but after watching the open practice, it now makes perfect sense.....What Souf provides is an intensity, hunger and physicality to the guard position, that forces players like Sanders, Geo Baker and Mike Williams to get better.....he makes these players work much harder in drills, because he's physically built like a truck, so if you are working against him in practice, my assumption is the guards will see improvement over an extended period of time in games.....

And then fast forward to next year and guess who will have to lift weights and get stronger and better to simulate what life in the B1G is life?? Yes, the 2018 guards Ron Harper, Jr. and Montez Mathis will now have to score, box out, rebound and understand what this conference is about.....by working against Souf Mensah, whose not going to let them get rebounds or loose balls in drills, unless they actually earn it.



At the same time, Souf fills a valuable slot as a 4th guard/back up guard/defensive specialist and guard that can push the ball AND, not get in the way of the youth movement/development that has to take place.....I picture Souf as kinda like a running back version of James Beatty....It's as if Pike saw him and had a role for him to push the competitiveness up 3-4 notches by having Souf in practice and on the court for the next two years...while accelerating the development of the recruits and players that ultimately will lift the program to the next level.

So, yes.....Rumba JK crushes it with this and everything is well-thought out....doesn't mean we should start printing NCAA tickets or get too far ahead of the long road to go (the talent being recruited in the B1G is at an all-time high IMO and quite scary if you look around the conference), but to have a chance, you need a coaching staff with a plan.....and we have that with this staff.

I'll just comment on Mensah. I was a big supporter of bringing him in as soon as I saw a glimpse of him play on film.....he had the body, he was physical, he was fast and everything he did on the court was about keeping the ball moving.

I won't rehash it, but, not many on this board thought it was a good offer. They looked at his stats and concluded he would be a non-factor. IMO, he will be the X-factor this year.

 

[Scarlet Knut]

I know there are posters that are basketball smart etc., but this quote was essentially what Pike said when I attended the initial press conference at the RAC.....the quote was "my wife isn't going to see much of me for the first 18-24 months on the job, but we know what has to happen to get things sorted out".....the buttoning up on the recruiting and knowing that there are multiple options in place in recruiting should something change, has me extremely confident.

The one thing I exchanged texts with someone I trust is regarding even the recruiting of Souf Mensah....on paper and during games, it may not appear to make sense, but after watching the open practice, it now makes perfect sense.....What Souf provides is an intensity, hunger and physicality to the guard position, that forces players like Sanders, Geo Baker and Mike Williams to get better.....he makes these players work much harder in drills, because he's physically built like a truck, so if you are working against him in practice, my assumption is the guards will see improvement over an extended period of time in games.....

And then fast forward to next year and guess who will have to lift weights and get stronger and better to simulate what life in the B1G is life?? Yes, the 2018 guards Ron Harper, Jr. and Montez Mathis will now have to score, box out, rebound and understand what this conference is about.....by working against Souf Mensah, whose not going to let them get rebounds or loose balls in drills, unless they actually earn it.

At the same time, Souf fills a valuable slot as a 4th guard/back up guard/defensive specialist and guard that can push the ball AND, not get in the way of the youth movement/development that has to take place.....I picture Souf as kinda like a running back version of James Beatty....It's as if Pike saw him and had a role for him to push the competitiveness up 3-4 notches by having Souf in practice and on the court for the next two years...while accelerating the development of the recruits and players that ultimately will lift the program to the next level.

So, yes.....Rumba JK crushes it with this and everything is well-thought out....doesn't mean we should start printing NCAA tickets or get too far ahead of the long road to go (the talent being recruited in the B1G is at an all-time high IMO and quite scary if you look around the conference), but to have a chance, you need a coaching staff with a plan.....and we have that with this staff.

Absolutely.

 

[JQRU91]

After reading that article earlier, I realized that Pikiell reminds me of Chuck Noll, in that he's cerebral, methodical, and has a clear and detailed plan to get to where he wants to go.

 

[MadRU]

Love him or hate him, Pike's did learn from one of the best of all time in Calhoun. Coach Pikiell and staff are just what we needed here, young enough but experienced at many levels, very energetic, won't be outworked, and all in to make this a top program.

As a side note, I am a huge Jay Young fan too. Just watching him on videos and on the sidelines during games you can see he is a true basketball guy. Actually this entire staff deserves recognition.

Coach Pikiell, Coach Hobbs, Coach Knight, and Coach Young, great to have you all here. Also Shoes et al too.

 

[knights1212]

RU-Choppin, You are so right. There were many on this site that questioned why Pikiell was bringing in a PG with no stars. Most were actually upset about it. They said we were not in a position to waste a scholarship. I stated at that time how much I trusted Coach. I spoke to him several times and the very first time he said we need two point guards. He added Baker and Mensah not long after that. He knows more than we do and is on top of things. Let him make the decisions.

 

[RickB113]

RU-Choppin, You are so right. There were many on this site that questioned why Pikiell was bringing in a PG with no stars. Most were actually upset about it. They said we were not in a position to waste a scholarship. I stated at that time how much I trusted Coach. I spoke to him several times and the very first time he said we need two point guards. He added Baker and Mensah not long after that. He knows more than we do and is on top of things. Let him make the decisions.

I still question it. Long long way to go before that argument is decided. If practice and summer reports on improvement mattered we would make the NCAAs every year. when he is making winning plays in big games I will admit to being wrong.

Having said that Pike is great and I am glad we have him.

 

[babbs09]

Thank God we have Pike on our side. I know its putting the cart before the horse, but I just can't imagine him NOT being successful here. He has already done so many good things in such a short amount of time.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

doesn't really seem excited by the extra two league games (don't blame him) and talking about Corey like a last year senior.

 

[higgins3]

I'll just comment on Mensah. I was a big supporter of bringing him in as soon as I saw a glimpse of him play on film.....he had the body, he was physical, he was fast and everything he did on the court was about keeping the ball moving.

I won't rehash it, but, not many on this board thought it was a good offer. They looked at his stats and concluded he would be a non-factor. IMO, he will be the X-factor this year.

It would have been an issue if they were bringing in Mensah in hopes of him being a starter.

The staff thrives on building versatility, and depth. Mensah will give everything he has in the 10 minutes they are asking of him. A kid like him has not reached his ceiling, and could push for as much as 15mpg in some games. He has a lot of potential.

 

[Mr Magoo]

And best of all, there has been no throwing balls at players, homophobic slurs, missed events, disrespectful comments towards fans, laziness, lying on a resume, naked free-throws, 50 point losses, or dressing in disguises....all accomplished by just hiring the right guy.