The Frosh Class

[DocRU]

LINO MARK: Smallish lefty PG. Is quick, but not super quick. Can pass, drive. Didn't see much of 3 pt shot on tape. Projects as 3rd guard in 1st year. Starter down the road.
GEVANTE WARE: Big body. Not as skilled offensively as Lathan. Can probably rebound and defend better. Projects as backup. Starter down the road.
KADEN POWERS: Capable SG. Can hit from 3 and inside the arc. Not super athletic. Plays under control. The anti-Jeremiah Williams. Projects as a 6th man offensively, perhaps sometimes starter as a frosh. Definite starter by 2nd year.
CHRIS NWULI: Best of the bunch. Super athletic high flying wing. Not great offensively but would flourish in a full court pressure defense and in transition. Only negative is that it seems he plays a similar role as Grant.
Conclusion; JMike and Mark share 1 guard spot. Grant and Nwuli share the 4.
Which means 3 portal starters are needed.
PG, scoring wing, and rim protector C.
A lot to ask for?

 

[darkcheck]

LINO MARK: Smallish lefty PG. Is quick, but not super quick. Can pass, drive. Didn't see much of 3 pt shot on tape. Projects as 3rd guard in 1st year. Starter down the road.
GEVANTE WARE: Big body. Not as skilled offensively as Lathan. Can probably rebound and defend better. Projects as backup. Starter down the road.
KADEN POWERS: Capable SG. Can hit from 3 and inside the arc. Not super athletic. Plays under control. The anti-Jeremiah Williams. Projects as a 6th man offensively, perhaps sometimes starter as a frosh. Definite starter by 2nd year.
CHRIS NWULI: Best of the bunch. Super athletic high flying wing. Not great offensively but would flourish in a full court pressure defense and in transition. Only negative is that it seems he plays a similar role as Grant.
Conclusion; JMike and Mark share 1 guard spot. Grant and Nwuli share the 4.
Which means 3 portal starters are needed.
PG, scoring wing, and rim protector C.
A lot to ask for?

Now that it’s out on the latest podcast we won’t spend seven figures on any single player a rim protector is out. If they get one for less than that it won’t be a serviceable big ten center. If we spread our money too thin and bring in no clear cut best player and just bring in 5-6 bodies you could see Nwali and Grant start

 

[rubigtimenow]

Oh my, no 1 million on any single player? That’s unfathomable in 2025 for any top 30 program.
(I imagine, at least)

 

[lion1983]

Now that it’s out on the latest podcast we won’t spend seven figures on any single player a rim protector is out. If they get one for less than that it won’t be a serviceable big ten center. If we spread our money too thin and bring in no clear cut best player and just bring in 5-6 bodies you could see Nwali and Grant start

That is not what was said on the podcast. What was said is that one of RU's wing targets had a 7 figure offer from another school - and that the podcasters speculated RU could not compete.

But Pikiell has said that with revenue sharing RU has $4 million ot $4.5 million, at least. And the podcast speculated RU had $4.5 million to $5 million - assuming revenue sharing.

I speculate, therefore, that RU CAN pay at least 1 players over $1 million each, and maybe 3 players, 3 potential starters, a total of $3 million. And still have perhaps $500,000 to fill out the back end of reserves beyond the 4 players retained and the 4 incoming FR.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

That is not what was said on the podcast. What was said is that one of RU's wing targets had a 7 figure offer from another school - and that the podcasters speculated RU could not compete.

But Pikiell has said that with revenue sharing RU has $4 million ot $4.5 million, at least. And the podcast speculated RU had $4.5 million to $5 million - assuming revenue sharing.

I speculate, therefore, that RU CAN pay at least 1 players over $1 million each, and maybe 3 players, 3 potential starters, a total of $3 million. And still have perhaps $500,000 to fill out the back end of reserves beyond the 4 players retained and the 4 incoming FR.

chemistry helps when players are all paid pretty equally

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

That is not what was said on the podcast. What was said is that one of RU's wing targets had a 7 figure offer from another school - and that the podcasters speculated RU could not compete.

But Pikiell has said that with revenue sharing RU has $4 million ot $4.5 million, at least. And the podcast speculated RU had $4.5 million to $5 million - assuming revenue sharing.

I speculate, therefore, that RU CAN pay at least 1 players over $1 million each, and maybe 3 players, 3 potential starters, a total of $3 million. And still have perhaps $500,000 to fill out the back end of reserves beyond the 4 players retained and the 4 incoming FR.

My take from the podcast was that we’re not planning to spend 7 figures on a wing since we’re targeting Buchanan. That’s potentially okay with me provided we are planning to go into our pocket for a shooting guard and a post player (doesn’t have to be a center - could be a forward who is physical enough to slide to center).

The guys on the podcast seemed frustrated that the only targets who seem to be taking an interest right now are Francis and Buchanan. I only want Francis if he’s close to free (I.e. similar cost to a frosh). He’s not going to be better than Davis at PG. And I disagree with the way the guys on the pod went about comparing them too. I couldn’t give a damn whether or not JMike would score 19 for NJIT as their best player. NJIT didn’t play a single team in the tournament. We have zero basis at all to expect Francis to be able to run the point against BIG level pressure. And that’s the only position he can play because he’s tiny. We pretty much know he’s a significantly worse defender than JMike because, you know, when your team plays in the Amer East and clog in with the 307th ranked D - welp in that case it means every single player has to be awful at defense. I’m sorry but one BIG level defender on a team like that would prop a team into at least the low 200s. It can’t be overstated how awful the competition is.

Actually - I’d argue that one of Davis’ best qualities is that he’s not a Francis / Simpson like high volume shooter. He doesn’t always make the best decisions but after a few misses he usually stops forcing.

 

[higgins3]

LINO MARK: Smallish lefty PG. Is quick, but not super quick. Can pass, drive. Didn't see much of 3 pt shot on tape. Projects as 3rd guard in 1st year. Starter down the road.
GEVANTE WARE: Big body. Not as skilled offensively as Lathan. Can probably rebound and defend better. Projects as backup. Starter down the road.
KADEN POWERS: Capable SG. Can hit from 3 and inside the arc. Not super athletic. Plays under control. The anti-Jeremiah Williams. Projects as a 6th man offensively, perhaps sometimes starter as a frosh. Definite starter by 2nd year.
CHRIS NWULI: Best of the bunch. Super athletic high flying wing. Not great offensively but would flourish in a full court pressure defense and in transition. Only negative is that it seems he plays a similar role as Grant.
Conclusion; JMike and Mark share 1 guard spot. Grant and Nwuli share the 4.
Which means 3 portal starters are needed.
PG, scoring wing, and rim protector C.
A lot to ask for?

Very cool. Thanks for the helpful write up!

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Your projection for Powers seems overly optimistic though I hope your right. Most of the scouting reports say he’s a project on D which typically means you don’t see the floor for Pike.

 

[rubaseball78]

I fear Francis would be Noah Fernandez 2.0

 

[RUJMM78]

Two straight losing seasons with talent far better than what is expected for next season.

 

[RUHoopsHQ]

Not a good a team this year. If you have your hopes up that this team is going to somehow magically produce a 20 win season, you're insane.

Heavily freshmen laden team, returning just 14.1 ppg scoring, and spending little money for a shooter/big in the portal = Another losing campaign.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I fear Francis would be Noah Fernandez 2.0

The sad part is, if I thought he would even be that good, I’d be okay with bringing him on. Noah was an okay (not great) ball handler at least. The reason he was a bad addition was because we already had two established PGs in Derek and Paul plus a frosh Pg coming in. His addition clearly drove Paul away. In this case all we have is J-Mike and good PGs cost a boat load so that probably won’t be our focus for the few high ticket slots we try to fill.

The problem is, this kid turned the ball over 3.1 times per game in one of the worst defensive conferences in D1. That doesn’t bode confidence for his ability to handle the pressure at the BIG level. However - if he’s costing us next to nothing and wants to come compete with JMike and prove he’s ready to up his game - that’s great.

 

[higgins3]

Damn. This revenue sharing business is so different.

My interest may be affected. Everyone is different. I went to Rutgers because I love New Brunswick and it opened up a world for me that I hadn't previously had. Why are players coming here now?

To each their own.

 

[The RUT]

Do we have any clue how much we're paying these freshman? I mean surely those conversations are being had on the recruiting trail, right?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Do we have any clue how much we're paying these freshman? I mean surely those conversations are being had on the recruiting trail, right?

The only thing we know for sure is that when Nwuli signed with Rutgers it was reported that we came in late and our offer beat out the 6 programs that had been after him. No clue what that means in terms of $$$ but that’s the closest we’ve got.

All I will say on this one is there’s good reason to at least have hope that this kid comes in as a defensive stud from day one. Check out his stats. He didn’t even average 10 ppg for his prep school and ESPN ranked in 41st in the whole 2025-26 class. He’s since fallen to 61 and some of the other scouters have him in the low 100s but the point is - your D has to be awesome to rank where he’s at with only averaging 9 points per game.

 

[NickRU714]

Damn. This revenue sharing business is so different.

My interest may be affected. Everyone is different. I went to Rutgers because I love New Brunswick and it opened up a world for me that I hadn't previously had. Why are players coming here now?

To each their own.

How many players would have come to Rutgers without a scholarship?
Do you think they just loved New Brunswick too?

I bet even Geo himself would admit that if Rutgers wasn’t offering a scholarship he would have never come here.

The idea players used to pick a school out of some inherent good is beyond wrong.

It was always about getting paid.
Paid just meant only a free education before.
Now it means more.

 

[jmalik]

LINO MARK: Smallish lefty PG. Is quick, but not super quick. Can pass, drive. Didn't see much of 3 pt shot on tape. Projects as 3rd guard in 1st year. Starter down the road.
GEVANTE WARE: Big body. Not as skilled offensively as Lathan. Can probably rebound and defend better. Projects as backup. Starter down the road.
KADEN POWERS: Capable SG. Can hit from 3 and inside the arc. Not super athletic. Plays under control. The anti-Jeremiah Williams. Projects as a 6th man offensively, perhaps sometimes starter as a frosh. Definite starter by 2nd year.
CHRIS NWULI: Best of the bunch. Super athletic high flying wing. Not great offensively but would flourish in a full court pressure defense and in transition. Only negative is that it seems he plays a similar role as Grant.
Conclusion; JMike and Mark share 1 guard spot. Grant and Nwuli share the 4.
Which means 3 portal starters are needed.
PG, scoring wing, and rim protector C.
A lot to ask for?

Appreciate the breakdown, but I think we are sleeping on Lino a bit. He’s a righty—just happens to be really good finishing with his left, which can throw defenders off. At 6'2", 178, he’s not small for a Big Ten point guard, and definitely super quick.

He had legit P5 offers from Texas A&M, USC, TCU, West Virginia, Providence, Seton Hall and more —chose Rutgers for a reason. This isn’t some under-the-radar project.

And outside of Dylan, Lino’s the best PG commit Pikiell’s brought in. Calling him a future third guard undersells his upside. He might not be a day-one starter, but don’t be surprised if he’s pushing for real minutes early.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Appreciate the breakdown, but I think we are sleeping on Lino a bit. He’s a righty—just happens to be really good finishing with his left, which can throw defenders off. At 6'2", 178, he’s not small for a Big Ten point guard, and definitely super quick.

He had legit P5 offers from Texas A&M, USC, TCU, West Virginia, Providence, Seton Hall and more —chose Rutgers for a reason. This isn’t some under-the-radar project.

And outside of Dylan, Lino’s the best PG commit Pikiell’s brought in. Calling him a future third guard undersells his upside. He might not be a day-one starter, but don’t be surprised if he’s pushing for real minutes early.

My only concern with him is that realistically there’s usually a learning curve when kids make the step up as PGs. If we have J Mike whose a rising junior with plenty of PG experience at this point, I feel okay about the PG position. I think we’d be okay to cut off recruitment of a top tier PG and use the money for an elite shooting guard instead - preferably one whose a decent ball handler to help JMike and Lino out.

To me this is the one good thing we have going for us. We’re quietly pretty stable at PG if we can only land a surrounding cast. Proven PGs are expensive. I think this is the one spot we’re are reasonably positioned for - don’t have to allocate $$$ resources. Holes all around otherwise.

 

[higgins3]

How many players would have come to Rutgers without a scholarship?
Do you think they just loved New Brunswick too?

I bet even Geo himself would admit that if Rutgers wasn’t offering a scholarship he would have never come here.

The idea players used to pick a school out of some inherent good is beyond wrong.

It was always about getting paid.
Paid just meant only a free education before.
Now it means more.

It was a scholarship. They went to a school because it offered something other than another school. One school's scholarship could be more money given tuition than another's, but it didn't guarantee they went to the school with the highest scholarship.

Now its paid to the highest bidder most times. See Cliff and a lot of other kids who barely played on teams but took the highest amount offered. A lot of kids are going to teams that might stink, or they might not even be a fit for, but they take the money. Their decision.

I do like the idea of kids seeing some money because we all know the old model was not fair. NCAA billions and kids 100,000 in scholarship.

 

[LotusAggressor]

Damn. This revenue sharing business is so different.

My interest may be affected. Everyone is different. I went to Rutgers because I love New Brunswick and it opened up a world for me that I hadn't previously had. Why are players coming here now?

To each their own.

It would have to be the money. It certainly isn't the tradition of excellence on the court.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

It was a scholarship. They went to a school because it offered something other than another school. One school's scholarship could be more money given tuition than another's, but it didn't guarantee they went to the school with the highest scholarship.

Now its paid to the highest bidder most times. See Cliff and a lot of other kids who barely played on teams but took the highest amount offered. A lot of kids are going to teams that might stink, or they might not even be a fit for, but they take the money. Their decision.

I do like the idea of kids seeing some money because we all know the old model was not fair. NCAA billions and kids 100,000 in scholarship.

Cliff did not go to the highest bidder. He took less money to go to a championship contender.

 

[RUChow]

Your projection for Powers seems overly optimistic though I hope your right. Most of the scouting reports say he’s a project on D which typically means you don’t see the floor for Pike.

Very smooth player with great form on his shot. Sixth or seventh man early sounds about right to me.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

LINO MARK: Smallish lefty PG. Is quick, but not super quick. Can pass, drive. Didn't see much of 3 pt shot on tape. Projects as 3rd guard in 1st year. Starter down the road.
GEVANTE WARE: Big body. Not as skilled offensively as Lathan. Can probably rebound and defend better. Projects as backup. Starter down the road.
KADEN POWERS: Capable SG. Can hit from 3 and inside the arc. Not super athletic. Plays under control. The anti-Jeremiah Williams. Projects as a 6th man offensively, perhaps sometimes starter as a frosh. Definite starter by 2nd year.
CHRIS NWULI: Best of the bunch. Super athletic high flying wing. Not great offensively but would flourish in a full court pressure defense and in transition. Only negative is that it seems he plays a similar role as Grant.
Conclusion; JMike and Mark share 1 guard spot. Grant and Nwuli share the 4.
Which means 3 portal starters are needed.
PG, scoring wing, and rim protector C.
A lot to ask for?

Nwuli is a 3 not a 4. He will backup Buchanan.
Powers isn't going to be the first guy off the bench as a freshman. Need to wait and see what they bring in at guard from the portal.
Mark will be PG3 once they get a transfer PG. How much he plays after the OOC is TBD.

 

[letitrip2]

chemistry helps when players are all paid pretty equally

ridiculous

 

[NickRU714]

ridiculous

Pike, Knight, Thompson and Hobbs are all paid equally, right?
Same with Schiano, OC KC, Flats, and all the other coaches?

Look at all those teams in NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS and every other team in every other sport in the entire world.
None have equal pay for all players and they are all failing. Every single team.
Just non stop players in fighting and no sense of teamwork.
Just horrible chemistry on every single team.....