We're 3-1 in the B1G with a healthy Harper (and 2-0 with a healthy Harper and Grant playing). Just sayin'.

[RU848789]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

You are, by far, the most optimistic person on the outlook for remainder of season. This team isn't winning the Big Ten Tournament. Harper will likely be "banged up" rest of season, and there is probably some chance he doesn't even suit up again for RU. Even if he does, he's going to be rusty. And the other guys on this team like Martini, Acuff, JMike, JWill, Hayes...they have given literally zero reason for optimism....night in night out playing terrible ball. Plus with Ogbole done now we just lost a big body who was starting to grab boards.

 

[Plum Street]

huh??? Team stinks

 

[RU848789]

You are, by far, the most optimistic person on the outlook for remainder of season. This team isn't winning the Big Ten Tournament. Harper will likely be "banged up" rest of season, and there is probably some chance he doesn't even suit up again for RU. Even if he does, he's going to be rusty. And the other guys on this team like Martini, Acuff, JMike, JWill, Hayes...they have given literally zero reason for optimism....night in night out playing terrible ball. Plus with Ogbole done now we just lost a big body who was starting to grab boards.

I think many are in my position on this and I didn't say anything that wasn't true with regard to our record with a healthy Harper. Also, I didn't say we were going to win the B1G tourney, but I do think we can win a few there and obviously, there's some small chance we could sweep it.

 

[RUSCFORMERLYRULOU]

Stop

 

[RutgersDom]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

Couldn’t agree more. We can’t win without Harper which is why I would not have played him today. Watching him warm up he was limping. Clearly not ready. PT until next game. I’m sure today set him back some.

 

[RU848789]

Stop

You act as if I care what you have to say. You're one of the 2 or 3 worst posters on this board, so other than this brief response, that's about all you'll get from me.

 

[Unionst]

Couldn’t agree more. We can’t win without Harper which is why I would not have played him today. Watching him warm up he was limping. Clearly not ready. PT until next game. I’m sure today set him back some.

Just watched the replay. Jay Wright said he thought he looked fine at practice on Friday and was surprised Dylan did not start.

 

[Zak57]

Who cares? We're 0 and forever without him.

 

[bethlehemfan]

Just watched the replay. Jay Wright said he thought he looked fine at practice on Friday and was surprised Dylan did not start.

I watched him hobble around in warmups and knew immediately he was not a go.

 

[darkcheck]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

I admire your optimism. You’re steadfast. I hope you’re right but man, Dylan’s ankle will probably take a good week or two at least. Then there’s rust and the need to re establish his own stamina and team chemistry. There’s also trusting Pike with the rotation. I like Grant and he was benched for Martini for big chunks of the game today. We lost EO and some how our rotation Expanded. Maybe we win a couple more. Maybe we escape the basement. Maybe we make the big ten tourney. That will mean playing a high seed, and while no one would want to play a near perfect version of our team, any good team will put us away. Even with a healthy Dylan the best we’ve done is lose close to a good team. But I hope you do find enjoyment the rest of the season. For many of us this season just goes down as perhaps the most disappointing. Love the snow forecasts and coverage btw, thanks for that.

 

[SBP]

You are, by far, the most optimistic person on the outlook for remainder of season. This team isn't winning the Big Ten Tournament. Harper will likely be "banged up" rest of season, and there is probably some chance he doesn't even suit up again for RU. Even if he does, he's going to be rusty. And the other guys on this team like Martini, Acuff, JMike, JWill, Hayes...they have given literally zero reason for optimism....night in night out playing terrible ball. Plus with Ogbole done now we just lost a big body who was starting to grab boards.

What gives you the idea that there’s a chance he won’t play? That’s nuts!

 

[RUDivision]

I think many are in my position on this and I didn't say anything that wasn't true with regard to our record with a healthy Harper. Also, I didn't say we were going to win the B1G tourney, but I do think we can win a few there and obviously, there's some small chance we could sweep it.

We will be lucky to finish above 500 for the season.

 

[RUisB1Gtime]

Yes, if Harper playa we are a dangerous team. But if he doesn't we are toast. Did Pike not know players get injured? Pikes inability to secure NIL and a big time transfer or retain Cliff/Mag etc is 100% the issue. ....It's his job.

 

[zappaa]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

Is it not very obvious to you Dylan is not going to get any better trotting him out there to stand around and hobble up and down the court?
He not only needs to miss games he needs to not practice until he’s 100 percent.
The current version of Dylan isn’t a difference maker, his presence on the court is a distraction…. Sit him until he’s energized and healthy, that may be 4 or 5 games

 

[JayDogSmooth]

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

What gives you the idea that there’s a chance he won’t play? That’s nuts!

We'll see. There's a little over a month left in regular season. It is possible his ankle injury could have him out a month. Even if he thinks he's 100% and can return, is it worth risking playing a few more college games on a basement dweller team and risking further injury ahead of June draft?

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

He had some type of knee surgery prior to the season I believe. Elective. He's 18. Health is a concern.

 

[NickRU714]

The flaw is then you have to assume every other team is also fully healthy.
Wasn't Baldwin hurt (back?) for PSU?

 

[chrism25]

Enough excuses, team is 10-10 and season is over

 

[zappaa]

The flaw is then you have to assume every other team is also fully healthy.
Wasn't Baldwin hurt (back?) for PSU?

I’m not concerned with flaws or other teams, I’m concerned about what we know, and we know an energetic Dylan gives us a chance.
Seriously Nick, what about Baldwin, what about Derdack’s obviously in pain 26 points yesterday?

 

[RW90]

The flaw is then you have to assume every other team is also fully healthy.
Wasn't Baldwin hurt (back?) for PSU?

Difference between Baldwin and Harper is the former clearly was able to contribute. This version of a hobbled Harper clearly was not and was a net negative. That should have been obvious to the staff from earlier practices and at least the pregame shoot around.

 

[80RU]

Just watched the replay. Jay Wright said he thought he looked fine at practice on Friday and was surprised Dylan did not start.

This is what all of the rumors seem to be. So my guess is that he tweaked the ankle again in practice.

 

[Plum Street]

Lots of excuses in this thread. Jordan Dercack of Merrimack and Colonia lore was our best player on the floor at MSG against Izzo and Michigan state
The Harper/bailey tandem is a bust here . Simple as that.

 

[fluoxetine]

Even if I accept that we would be two games better with a healthy Harper (and yeah, maybe?) that would still put us on the outside of the NCAA picture currently.

We put ourselves in a position through the end of 2024 to need a very, very good 2025 in order to make the tournament. It was far from impossible but we were already in comeback mode. Now, yes, Dylan's health issues certainly helped a lot in wiping out whatever chance we had at making that comeback. But we had already put ourselves in that position with Dylan healthy.

To me it's a lot like blaming some bad call by the refs for torpedoing your momentum in some game where you are making a furious comeback from down 15 points. Sure.. maybe that call is what put the nail in your coffin but that was only possible because you put yourself in a position where you had no margin for error.

 

[goru7]

I watched him hobble around in warmups and knew immediately he was not a go.

He definitely hurt it again in warmups and during the first half because he was limping badly in the second half and could barely get up for the huddles in the second half. Definitely a reaggravation. Definitely sucks.

 

[RU848789]

Is it not very obvious to you Dylan is not going to get any better trotting him out there to stand around and hobble up and down the court?
He not only needs to miss games he needs to not practice until he’s 100 percent.
The current version of Dylan isn’t a difference maker, his presence on the court is a distraction…. Sit him until he’s energized and healthy, that may be 4 or 5 games

Maybe reread my post. I said we're a good team which has played well in the B1G with a healthy Harper (3-1) and especially since Grant started playing (2-0 with a healthy Harper and Grant) and that I didn't know when Harper would be healthy again, but hoping that might be him missing only 2 more games. I also said in your thread that I wouldn't play Harper again until he's healthy - I never said we should play him at 70%.

 

[zappaa]

Maybe reread my post. I said we're a good team which has played well in the B1G with a healthy Harper (3-1) and especially since Grant started playing (2-0 with a healthy Harper and Grant) and that I didn't know when Harper would be healthy again, but hoping that might be him missing only 2 more games. I also said in your thread that I wouldn't play Harper again until he's healthy - I never said we should play him at 70%.

Ok, so we agree, he shouldn’t play or practice until he’s 100 percent.
I disagree with your only two game timeline, but you maybe right.
Most importantly I 100 percent agree with you a completely healthy Dylan makes us dangerous in B1G tournament.

The big if Numbers, is our lack of knowledge on his ailments, perhaps it’s a knee, perhaps he re-aggravated his ankle, perhaps he will never be all the way back this season.

 

[goru7]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

To piggyback on your post and to take it forward. Pike ‘s loyalty going with some of his portal guys and praying some magic will happen has to end. He sat Dylan Grant for like 10 minutes and didn’t play Dortch in the second half and at a critical stretch of the game went with Martini and JMike , and Martini proceeded to miss all 4 of his open three pointers . He makes 2 of them the game goes to the wire since it went from a 4 point game to a 10-12 game when MSU went on a spurt and we went scoreless and instead it would have been 4-6.
Also, another crucial sequence , Jeremiah with a reckless drive misses a layup badly and MSU in transition finally hit a 3 and that is a 5 point swing . Another Jeremiah disaster. JMike once again attempts to go into trees gets swatted and MSU has a runout. When is he ever going to learn and when are the coaches going to tell him he cannot do that again this year.

We got a career game from Jordan and it wasn’t enough.

Going forward , Pike has to play the freshman more. No Dylan until healthy but ACE, Dylan Grant , Lathan , and a sprinkling of Dortch from here on out. That is his most athletic team that has the best chance on the offensive and defensive ends . Lathan has to be fed in the post more. I know he missed threes and mid range shots yesterday but he is capable of hitting that midrange but he also can get you a bucket down low. His defense is not great but he has to rebound better. Dylan Grant is not shy about shooting the 3 but if he makes 2-4 or 3-7 we need that . Plus he can rebound on both ends and he can block shots. He has to play more not less and Pike ‘s fascination with Martini has to end. ACE unfortunately was off yesterday since his normal shooting night with Jordan ‘s career night would have gotten the upset. Jordan and Jeremiah off the bench if he wants to start Acuff and that’s it. Jordan for the first time yesterday did not hesitant on his threes and just let it fly. Hopefully that leads to better 3 point shooting the rest of the way. His drives were more under control yesterday as well. If we had this in any previous games , losses would have been wins. Hopefully this gives him confidence going forward.
Pike has to play his better more athletic players from here on out.

 

[RU848789]

Ok, so we agree, he shouldn’t play or practice until he’s 100 percent.
I disagree with your only two game timeline, but you maybe right.
Most importantly I 100 percent agree with you a completely healthy Dylan makes us dangerous in B1G tournament

Cool. My 2 game comment is a "hope" as it's 11 days from yesterday until the IL game on 2/5, which may be enough, but it's not a "prediction." I have no idea how bad his ankle is (and neither does anyone else on this board) - we've all rolled/turned ankles playing and sometimes one is fine after a day or two and sometimes it can take a few weeks (especially a high sprain).

 

[goru7]

Cool. My 2 game comment is a "hope" as it's 11 days from yesterday until the IL game on 2/5, which may be enough, but it's not a "prediction." I have no idea how bad his ankle is (and neither does anyone else on this board) - we've all rolled/turned ankles playing and sometimes one is fine after a day or two and sometimes it can take a few weeks (especially a high sprain).

Ankle sprains are different. J. Broome of Auburn rolled his bad a few games ago and had to be carried off the court. He missed 2 full games and returned yesterday after I believe 10 days and played decently. So thinking no Dylan until February 5 which is like 10 -11 days is about right.

 

[Knight Owl]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

 

[zappaa]

Ankle sprains are different. J. Broome of Auburn rolled his bad a few games ago and had to be carried off the court. He missed 2 full games and returned yesterday after I believe 10 days and played decently. So thinking no Dylan until February 5 which is like 10 -11 days is about right.

But will that happen goru, is the question.
Would it surprise you if you get an update Dylan is practicing and going to give it a go Wednesday?
Wash, rinse repeat!

 

[goru7]

But will that happen goru, is the question.
Would it surprise you if you get an update Dylan is practicing and going to give it a go Wednesday?
Wash, rinse repeat!

From what I saw yesterday live , he reaggravated it in warmups and during the first half and early second. He was noticing limping badly while on the bench in the second half kinda like when someone first hurts it. In the first half when he was not in the game , he came to the huddles gingerly but not limping badly. It looks to me like unfortunately for us a 10 day shutdown until Illinois on February 5

 

[zappaa]

From what I saw yesterday live , he reaggravated it in warmups and during the first half and early second. He was noticing limping badly while on the bench in the second half kinda like when someone first hurts it. In the first half when he was not in the game , he came to the huddles gingerly but not limping badly. It looks to me like unfortunately for us a 10 day shutdown until Illinois on February 5

Well, you didn’t answer my question.
I asked you if it would surprise you if he practiced and attempted to play again Wednesday, despite what you saw yesterday live?

 

[fluoxetine]

It would surprise me if that didn't happen honestly.

 

[Unionst]

Watch the beginning of the second half and I would say no way he plays next game.

 

[goru7]

Well, you didn’t answer my question.
I asked you if it would surprise you if he practiced and attempted to play again Wednesday, despite what you saw yesterday live?

Yes. I do not believe he would practice today , tomorrow or Tuesday. He looked more injured than when he actually hurt it yesterday.

 

[RU MAN]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

Numbers, you’re possibly right about the record, but sadly, we’re not.

 

[RU-ROCS]

We were 1-1 against PSU and OSU in December with a healthy Harper/team, but still not yet playing Grant. And then DH missed the Indiana game, barely played against WI and played more, but very ineffectively against Purdue with all 3 of those games being losses. DH was close to 100% for the UCLA game which we won, and clearly 100% for the NE game on the road, our best game of the year - and Grant finally started playing in those two games, also.

And then we lost to PSU on the road after a very close first half with Harper turning the ankle late in that first half. He clearly wasn't himself after that and we lost. Same thing today. And if one is looking for silver linings, Harper was a non-factor today and Ace shot the ball terribly (but rebounded and played pretty good D), but with much bigger contributions from other players than we normally get (especially Derkack who played far and away his best game), we played a very good MSU team tightly.

I know these are small sample sizes, but just by my eyeballs, I still believe this team, with a healthy Harper and Bailey and an improved rotation with Grant getting major minutes and some of the other supporting players doing at least a bit better (and even without EO), can win more than half of its B1G games. Problem is I don't know when DH is going to be healthy again and if that takes 2-3 more games our only chance to make the Dance will likely be by winning the B1G tourney. And I guarantee you nobody in the B1G wants to face a healthy and hungry RU in that tourney (which we'll make if Dylan doesn't miss more than another 2 games, IMO). Not the season anyone was looking for, but we might still get an exciting last 9-10 games.

There is truth to this, but there is not enough time to save the season absent winning the Big 10 tournament assuming RU can even get there. But Harper’s illness and injury does debunk the constant whining on here: “How could Pike not win with 2 top NBA draft picks.” Fact is, Pike hasn’t had the 2 top picks healthy together for the last 5 losses.