What Is The Role / Future for Bullock?

[RutgersMO]

I haven't read or heard anything about him....but it appears as if he is # 10-13 on the pecking order.

Does he bring something to the table we need? Can he bring it?

Is his spot holding Washington back from getting a ship?

Just wondering.


MO

 

[ouchmyknee]

I've been to a few practices and have paid close attention to Bullock. He won't blow you away with his athleticism, but he's a heady player who coach isn't afraid to run the ball through at the elbow or along the perimeter. He's got a decent shot out to 15 feet or so and can make the three (though not consistently). He's decent near the basket as well. For his size, he doesn't seem to come across as a physical player, but I wouldn't call him soft either. He's basically a smart, "give effort" guy in the middle of the bench, which is what he'll be asked to be.

As for Washington, I've heard the plan is for the scholarship to open up at a different spot (which makes sense if you really think about it).

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

I've been to a few practices and have paid close attention to Bullock. He won't blow you away with his athleticism, but he's a heady player who coach isn't afraid to run the ball through at the elbow or along the perimeter. He's got a decent shot out to 15 feet or so and can make the three (though not consistently). He's decent near the basket as well. For his size, he doesn't seem to come across as a physical player, but I wouldn't call him soft either. He's basically a smart, "give effort" guy in the middle of the bench, which is what he'll be asked to be.

As for Washington, I've heard the plan is for the scholarship to open up at a different spot (which makes sense if you really think about it).

Thanks for the Bullock info. He has gotten a raw deal for a guy that has not yet played.

Am I correct in thinking that a spot for Washington could be Corey Sanders leaving ?

 

[higgins3]

Thanks for the Bullock info. He has gotten a raw deal for a guy that has not yet played.

Am I correct in thinking that a spot for Washington could be Corey Sanders leaving ?

Not a bad take. I am sure the coaches want to know what Sanders wants out of his future. It is hard to build trust in a team when you have players that spend time away and what not. I could also see them having a deal with Doorson of sorts. It is very hard to build up skill when you are in the position he has been in. Luckily, Doorson picked a great major and will excel outside basketball. I wish the best for both.

 

[MadRU]

Not a bad take. I am sure the coaches want to know what Sanders wants out of his future. It is hard to build trust in a team when you have players that spend time away and what not. I could also see them having a deal with Doorson of sorts. It is very hard to build up skill when you are in the position he has been in. Luckily, Doorson picked a great major and will excel outside basketball. I wish the best for both.

I wouldn't be surprised if the staff already had conversations. They know what they are doing.

 

[BKIn118]

A raw deal? How's that exactly?

 

[RutgersMO]

I've been to a few practices and have paid close attention to Bullock. He won't blow you away with his athleticism, but he's a heady player who coach isn't afraid to run the ball through at the elbow or along the perimeter. He's got a decent shot out to 15 feet or so and can make the three (though not consistently). He's decent near the basket as well. For his size, he doesn't seem to come across as a physical player, but I wouldn't call him soft either. He's basically a smart, "give effort" guy in the middle of the bench, which is what he'll be asked to be.

As for Washington, I've heard the plan is for the scholarship to open up at a different spot (which makes sense if you really think about it).

Thanks for response.

Thought Sanders was staying THIS year....believe he is.

Also thought Washington wants to sign NOW...he's not waiting for 2018.
How does this play out...Doorson drops out of picture? I'm not following.

Again, just interested to see if we pick up Washington....and whether Bullock is someone who will be used / worth saving.

MO

 

[NJDOVES]

Thanks for response.

Thought Sanders was staying THIS year....believe he is.

Also thought Washington wants to sign NOW...he's not waiting for 2018.
How does this play out...Doorson drops out of picture? I'm not following.

Again, just interested to see if we pick up Washington....and whether Bullock is someone who will be used / worth saving.

MO

I haven't read or heard anything about him....but it appears as if he is # 10-13 on the pecking order.

Does he bring something to the table we need? Can he bring it?

Is his spot holding Washington back from getting a ship?

Just wondering.




MO

IDK, I'm more confused now then I ever was.

 

[RUinFla]

We forget Bullock was all-state as a senior. I get the impression of a guy sturdier than your average guard, but not tall enough or strong enough to play SF, and not that quick. But smart, with some shooting skills. A guard off the bench to maybe get some points.

Choppin, not sure why you think he got a raw deal--he was injury red shirted. Would guess he had defensive liabilities, so now he gets to be a freshman, and will get his minutes versus our OOC schedule. Also, didn't Sanders rediscover this past summer that he was not nearly ready for the NBA--or a fast foreign league? Is he just going to sign with whatever foreign team will take him, or come back as a junior, and try to improve his skills? Doorson, who has been plagued by injuries, would seem to be the more likely source for the scholarship, if Washington were to sign.
TL

 

[AshCatchEm]

Thanks for the Bullock info. He has gotten a raw deal for a guy that has not yet played.

Am I correct in thinking that a spot for Washington could be Corey Sanders leaving ?

Not good enough for this level and therefore lucky that we gave him a scholarship to be a part of the big ten= raw deal?

 

[BKIn118]

Pikiell has shown the propensity to play a lot of guys...And Matt still couldn't crack the 10 deep last year.

Love the kid, but I'd say he's a long shot to help much again this season.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Not good enough for this level and therefore lucky that we gave him a scholarship to be a part of the big ten= raw deal?

Yes a Raw Deal on this board. Let's see if he can do it and if not, so be it. He has been judged before given a chance to get in shape to see what he can do on the court.

If he can't do it, then you ease him out---respectfully and help him land at a good spot.

No here knows....... I remember someone who said Justin Goode was a " Lights out Shooter" and would help the team a few years ago. We know how that one turned out.

 

[RU_DIO]

Be honest with you, the board has no bearing on his lack of playing time so not sure what being given a raw deal by Scarletnation means. Not sure why you seem to think people are not informed when they are speculating that Bullock is a transfer candidate because of skill level. I know he was All State but that just means he was a good high school player. It doesn't necessarily mean you project to being a good college player.


With all that said, I would love for Bullock to turn into a good High D1 player. But It doesn't seem that he is on that path according to people who would know.

 

[RC85]

Honestly I'm hoping Sanders stays the course through this year, as in staying eligible. It sure doesn't seem like college work is a top priority for him.

 

[RutgersMO]

Honestly I'm hoping Sanders stays the course through this year, as in staying eligible. It sure doesn't seem like college work is a top priority for him.

Why Can't he just major in fake news / fake reporting ....like he could if he were enrolled at that bastion of higher education: UNC.?

MO

 

[jellyman]

OK, at risk of being blasted again, I will chime in.

In my opinion, based on tape I have seen of Bullock in high school, and some other things I have read - but not based on any knowledge of how he has performed in practices at RU, or any inside information:

1) Even in high school he is basically a Power Forward in skills, housed in a Shooting Guard body. Which would be confirmed by the person in this thread who reported on what he saw from Bullock in practices or workouts: Decent shot out to 15 feet, occasional 3-pointer ... that is basically a power forward; Not that athletic ... so, he cannot make up for his lack of height with exceptional athleticism (like Rashod Kent, for example, as an undersized Center).

2) He is not all that athletic ... he is strong, but not that quick, so in my opinion, cannot even play Wing Forward, let alone Guard ... and if he cannot defend WF or Guards at 6'3", he also cannot defend PF's at only 6'3", becuase he is too small.

3) PURE SPECULATION ON MY PART: He was rumored to be close friends with Naz Reid, and when Pikiell started as RU's head coach, RU was scrambling to fill a roster. I believe Pikiell decided to take a chance on a young man - maybe a very good character young man - who was an All State player by local papers (though lowly ranked by regional and national recruiting sources), who was close friends with a 4 or 5 Star front court prospect. But if I recall, Bullock had almost no other offers. Read between the lines, and you will understand MY opinion, though it might be uninformed by inside information.

I make no judgments on his character, on his effort, etc. It is just my opinion that he was never a P5 prospect - and was not even sure he was anything other than a low Div 1 level prospect.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Yes a Raw Deal on this board. Let's see if he can do it and if not, so be it. He has been judged before given a chance to get in shape to see what he can do on the court.

If he can't do it, then you ease him out---respectfully and help him land at a good spot.

No here knows....... I remember someone who said Justin Goode was a " Lights out Shooter" and would help the team a few years ago. We know how that one turned out.

that's why we have a coach. he and the staff will make that call at the appropriate time.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

He was overweight. Deal breaker for 95%+ of college athletes

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

I love the board experts who insist there is a hidden gem at the end of the bench. #freeRettig
#freeJakeDadika
#freeRocketWilliams

 

[TDIrish27]

In college hoops you are who you can guard.

 

[RutgHoops]

Coach has shown a propensity to use his whole roster. Bullock will get some run in the OOC and his role for conference play will be determined over those 12 or so games. I think 11 guys last year averaged over 10 minutes per. An ability to guard oppposing 2’s or 3’s would help.

 

[Mr_Twister]

In college hoops you are who you can guard.

... Unless you play Syracuse's 2-3 zone, where length matters and Bullock would be out of luck.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...aching-the-final-four/?utm_term=.a8df7b31429d

 

[RUJMM78]

Scholarships are precious and decisions are made each year based on roster needs .Dorsan,Sanders and Bullock are the players most likely to leave but the uncertainty leaves 2018 recruiting up in the air with players like Washington.Recruits have options and they won't wait until the spring in choosing a school.

 

[RUsojo]

He gave a free year of college to a kid from a local program because we had the space. Hopefully in the future that gesture brings a return of some sort.

 

[bowlgoal]

Honestly I'm hoping Sanders stays the course through this year, as in staying eligible. It sure doesn't seem like college work is a top priority for him.

I’m with you on this.

 

[jellyman]

He gave a free year of college to a kid from a local program because we had the space. Hopefully in the future that gesture brings a return of some sort.

And what I had read and heard was the so-called "return" was RU having a better shot at recruiting Naz Reid.

I have no problem with the young man being offered a scholarship. And I do not believe in "running" kids out, either. When a school offers a scholarship, and accepts that player, they have an ethical obligation (though not legal) to honor that for 4 years. Which is one reason coaches should be careful and judicious in their offers and acceptances, especially in basketball, where there are so few scholarships.

That said, I do not have a problem with coaches informing players about their likely playing time, etc., and letting the kids make their own decisions. I fine line, I know, between "informing players as to their playing time" and "running them out." But a legitimate line.

 

[4theknights]

He's only kid on the roster where I can't see where he fits on this team. Hopefully I'm dead wrong but I just don't see he's quick enough to defend 2's and not agile enough to handle 3's.

 

[zebnatto]

I'd like to see coach give Bullok some opportunities against the soft OOC foes.

 

[PhilaPhans]

His job right now is to keep his grades high and stay out of trouble. And help run the scout team. That's about it until he shows something more.

 

[PaKnight]

Honestly I'm hoping Sanders stays the course through this year, as in staying eligible. It sure doesn't seem like college work is a top priority for him.

It has not been a problem his first two years.

 

[RutgHoops]

Scholarships are precious and decisions are made each year based on roster needs .Dorsan,Sanders and Bullock are the players most likely to leave but the uncertainty leaves 2018 recruiting up in the air with players like Washington.Recruits have options and they won't wait until the spring in choosing a school.

We can accept as many 2018 players as Coach Pikiell wants. Only limitation is the roster needs to be at 13 ‘ships when practice starts a year from now.

 

[RC85]

It has not been a problem his first two years.

Let's hope that's the case and a good sign, but I'm an RU fan, [poop] has had a tendency to find us....:grimace:

 

[Proff Ed]

Matt is a great kid and a warrior. Was never sure of his D 1 ability. The fact of the matter is that he was not given ONE D 1 scholarship for BB. There was a heavy rumor that Cuse offered him a Football ship. As a fellow RC grad I wish him well. I also agree with Jelly and I am privy to info that this was a way to ingratiate one of the top HS programs in NJ. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[TruJerz]

Matt is a great kid and a warrior. Was never sure of his D 1 ability. The fact of the matter is that he was not given ONE D 1 scholarship for BB. There was a heavy rumor that Cuse offered him a Football ship. As a fellow RC grad I wish him well. I also agree with Jelly and I am privy to info that this was a way to ingratiate one of the top HS programs in NJ. Nothing wrong with that.

According to Verbal Commits he was offered by St. Peter's and Monmouth in addition to Rutgers. Not sure how accurate that website is but I thought it was pretty legit.

I watched Matt play in high school a handful of times and I think he could definitely play a significant role for a low D1 program like St. Peter's or Monmouth. He's faced talent like that at RC often and excelled at times. I think the issue with him is what position should he play and perhaps conditioning. I still think based on the lack of talent Rutgers has on the wing that he could give them a few positive minutes here and there. But I could be wrong

 

[Proff Ed]

I agree regarding his position. At RC he actually played three positions. But IMO he is without a true position in college, but he"s a great kid and will be a credit to your team.

 

[RUinFla]

And what I had read and heard was the so-called "return" was RU having a better shot at recruiting Naz Reid.

I have no problem with the young man being offered a scholarship. And I do not believe in "running" kids out, either. When a school offers a scholarship, and accepts that player, they have an ethical obligation (though not legal) to honor that for 4 years. Which is one reason coaches should be careful and judicious in their offers and acceptances, especially in basketball, where there are so few scholarships.

That said, I do not have a problem with coaches informing players about their likely playing time, etc., and letting the kids make their own decisions. I fine line, I know, between "informing players as to their playing time" and "running them out." But a legitimate line.

Am fairly close to a guy that was privy to the UC program under Bob Huggins--he knew Huggins from the Akron U program, and has kept up. He told me once that Huggins had recruited a player who conclusively proved during freshman year that he could not play high D1 basketball. After the season ended, Huggins talked to the kid. Basically told him he and the rest of the staff really loved the kid as a person, and if he wanted to stay in the program for four years, they would enjoy having him around. But that he would only get mopup time. The kid said Coach, love it here but I want to play. So Huggins found him a good low D1 team where he could play, and that had the major the kid wanted, and the kid had an enjoyable college experience. If that's the way things go with Bullock, fine.

And BTW, if that doesn't sound like the Bob Huggins media people love to dislike, well they are dead wrong about the guy. His players love him. He may yell at them sometimes in games, but if you watch closely, you see that he allows a certain amount of jawing from them. They are loyal to the point that when the woman who headed UC briefly fired Huggins, several players cut all ties to UC.
TL

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

A raw deal? How's that exactly?

Raw Deal On this board.

Let him actually see action in a game before we judge him.

As opposed to Justin Goode, who you thought and posted that he would be a lights out shooter a few years ago. I won't get fooled by that again. I'll wait until he plays in a game and judge him instead of relying on "Reports". I remember the ' A threat to shooter as soon he passes half court" quote.

He'll get his chance....if he can't do it, he'll be eased out by Pikiell, just like Goode and others. Pikiell could have very easily had " The Talk" with Bullock before he enrolled for the Fall semester...but, he didn't. He kept him around. Why?

 

[TDIrish27]

I work on the premise that performance on the floor in practice determines how much game time you get .

 

[jellyman]

Raw Deal On this board.

Let him actually see action in a game before we judge him.

As opposed to Justin Goode, who you thought and posted that he would be a lights out shooter a few years ago. I won't get fooled by that again. I'll wait until he plays in a game and judge him instead of relying on "Reports". I remember the ' A threat to shooter as soon he passes half court" quote.

He'll get his chance....if he can't do it, he'll be eased out by Pikiell, just like Goode and others. Pikiell could have very easily had " The Talk" with Bullock before he enrolled for the Fall semester...but, he didn't. He kept him around. Why?

Well ... Pikiell could have "the talk," and Bullock still wanted to stay - because he likes his teammates, and life as a student at RU. That is very possible. And his right, unless RU takes away his scholarship - which I suspect would not happen, based on a complex mix of reasons to which we as fans likely are not privy.

It is also possible we fans will never get to judge Bullock, since it is possible Bullock never actually sees game time - or only in extreme mop up time (which is no test at all).

 

[RU_DIO]

raw deal
An instance of unfair or harsh treatment