What is your key for next year?

[RUAEPI]

With all of the talk about recruiting, I figured I would see what everyone thought the keys are for next year. This team will be very different, but I don't think we are in bad shape. The loss of Corey hurts, but it is time for guys to step up.

My key to next year is the development of Eugene in the off season. He showed a major jump last year, and I can see him being a centerpiece to this team. If he can develop a midrange shot that is consistent and hone his abilities to drive, pass and shoot from 15-18, it would make him hard to stop and open others on the outside for easy shots. Sometimes the key to an offense is finding the right guy to run an offense through. I can see where Eugene could develop into that guy, and I look forward to watching his development next year.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

The team will have lost their top two scorers, Corey and Deshawn, and Mike as well. They're going to have to find other guys to score, other than Gio, and they're going to have a tough time, imo. I don't see Thiam or Eugene or any of the other returning guys as reliable scorers. I love the team's identity of effort, rebounding, and tough D, but you have to put the ball in the hole. So, the key to me is finding a reliable second and third scorer. It's going to be a struggle.

 

[whofrewdatmataRU13]

The team will have lost their top two scorers, Corey and Deshawn, and Mike as well. They're going to have to find other guys to score, other than Gio, and they're going to have a tough time, imo. I don't see Thiam or Eugene or any of the other returning guys as reliable scorers. I love the team's identity of effort, rebounding, and tough D, but you have to put the ball in the hole. So, the key to me is finding a reliable second and third scorer. It's going to be a struggle.

Eugene and Issa to average 13-14ppg

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

When you consider that Eugene was surpassing Freeman by the end of the year, the loss of Freeman may not be as big as some think. We may have a net gain at that position.

Freeman Vs Eugene.

Shooting: Even-both below avg

Rebounding: Even, maybe a slight advantage to Freeman

Passing: Big Advantage Eugene because Freeman does not pass.

Defense: Advantage Eugene

Intangibles and BB IQ: Big Advantage Eugene

Forced Shoots: Big Advantage Freeman

So... We are down to replacing the production of Sanders and Williams (about 28 ppg, maybe 8 rebounds from the group of Mathis, Kiss, McConnell and any other guard Pikiell brings in. Very doable IMO.

Center-- I think we get more from that position with Johnson thrown into the mix and hopefully Duke improves in year two.

 

[kcg88]

It's about replacing volume with efficiency. Sanders, Freeman, and Williams scored a bulk of the team's points, but they also combined to shoot 42 for 201 on three-pointers, a scant 21%.

 

[RUJMM78]

The overwhelming key is getting more scoring from the front court.Rutgers averaged only 60 points against B1G opponents which clearly isn't enough for a winning season,The roster will have a lot of new players that must produce right away because the schedule will be more difficult with out of conference road games and two additional league games.

 

[higgins3]

So many interesting pieces which makes it hard to pinpoint. Trying to speak of some players with experience, I think how good Shaq Carter and Myles Johnson are plays a big piece seeing Freeman, although he had Cinnabon hands, was our bets rebounder. Unknown qualities that are important is Caleb McConnel and how quickly his shot translates. If he can shoot 33% from three, we are in a MUCH better spot than last year. Just even being slightly of a good shooter will help a lot.

 

[MV9000]

I think were going to be surprised by this year. The following year will be the big turn as the pieces(foundation) are in place and will have a year under their belt with Geo becoming a lead.

 

[RUKnights86]

I think the overall key for next year is development across the team. Eugene took a big step from year 1 to 2, so what kind of step does he next take? A mid range game & better FT shooting will help. Who becomes the vocal leader of this team that Mike was? Does Issa gain the confidence in his game & continue to develop a balance of 3s and post/driving game to enhance his value? What does our post game look like, does Douc gain confidence & keep his ability to stay out of foul trouble in year 2? I could go on & on.

A lot of it just has to do with development of everyone up & down this roster. I think the best thing about this team is there is not going to be a reliance on one guy ala Corey like in the past, this will force others to hopefully step up & find that hunger to want to have the ball. For the loyal fans a lot of excitement in these questions IMO and I for one am looking forward to seeing the progress.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Late in the season Gene was very effective in the post and shot a high percentage. Now that there will be more shooters on the floor, I expect Pikiell to spread the floor and move the ball to find an open man. Totally difference offense and more of what he wants to run. Carter, Johnson and Gene will need to be threats down low to open up 3 point shots.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

So many interesting pieces which makes it hard to pinpoint. Trying to speak of some players with experience, I think how good Shaq Carter and Myles Johnson are plays a big piece seeing Freeman, although he had Cinnabon hands, was our bets rebounder. Unknown qualities that are important is Caleb McConnel and how quickly his shot translates. If he can shoot 33% from three, we are in a MUCH better spot than last year. Just even being slightly of a good shooter will help a lot.

I also see Mathis filling that Williams spot as a good offensive rebounding guard. Hopefully, with better shooters, we won't need it as much. But, defense and rebounding will always be staples of a Pikiell coached team.

This is shaping up to be a team that goes 11 or 12 deep in the rotation and tries to use that depth to wear some teams down with it's tough man to man defense.

 

[MV9000]

the thought of having shooters on the floor is really making me want to fast forward till this seasonl.

 

[higgins3]

the thought of having shooters on the floor is really making me want to fast forward till this seasonl.

The RAC will ignite! Prepare for lift off!

 

[MV9000]

The RAC will ignite! Prepare for lift off!

Love the thought aslong as the announcer drops his corny GEOOOO call for 3 pointers all is good.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Maybe being too negative or maybe realistic.....2020-21 is the season where i hope we make serious noise. Current class are juniors, next years class are sophomores and perhaps a few freshman sprinkled in. While I'd love to see Eugene and Issa improve it is imperative that this year's class show something.

 

[dvb91]

Shooters, especially from 3 pt land. The rest of the conference shot 36% combined from behind the arc, with a low of 32% & a high of 42%. Meanwhile, we shot 29% and had 100 less attempts than Indiana. If we can just edge that percentage to near 34% while putting up more attempts, we'd be well on our way of moving up the ladder. Even if we attempt the same amount, the higher % would result in 75 extra points for the season. I'm sure a lot of the stats are due to the offense basically relatively one-dimensional (i.e. kill clock & get the ball into Corey's hands), but if the guards can circulate the ball better, we'll see an uptick in good attempts.

 

[TDIrish27]

Can't finish last again pure and simple

 

[bac2therac]

to me next year is about everyone on the same page and Pike officially having his stamp on the program going forward. No expectation on the wins and losses, expect it to be somewhat ugly but for me its about something being built for the future...first two years couldnt really say that as you knew that group wasnt part of the NCAA push

 

[kcg88]

It'll be ugly but in a different way than 2018 was. I'm expecting better shooting but also more turnovers with all the inexperience we have.

 

[ChrisNalwasky]

Scoring. Need more scoring..hands down.

 

[zebnatto]

Closing out games; final four minutes.

 

[dollarbill]

Eugene and Issa to average 13-14ppg

Issa had 13+ points 3 out of 34 games last year. Long way to go here. $$$$

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Issa had 13+ points 3 out of 34 games last year. Long way to go here. $$$$

But, how many games did he have around 8-10 so that he only needs a few more baskets to get to 12-14? He may be able to get there just by taking the open opportunities instead of turning down open shots.

 

[willisneverrana43]

Many things, not one key, are needed for this team to be better next year.

 

[MadRU]

Coach-ability and buy-in from the players. With so many new faces they have to become a team and play together. Good ball and player movement on offense (looking for the better shot), and toughness on defense and rebounding, playing as a unit.

 

[RUKnights86]

But, how many games did he have around 8-10 so that he only needs a few more baskets to get to 12-14? He may be able to get there just by taking the open opportunities instead of turning down open shots.

Agreed & that comes with confidence. Clearly if he misses a few he lacks the confidence to shoot than as a result. I think he needs to realize he has a good shot & stay confident. Posting up at times or driving will help free up the outside shot as a result.

Took a major step forward on his defense with his length, now if he gains that shooting confidence, he can be a double digit scorer more consistently.

 

[bowlgoal]

Balance in scoring , finding the guy to take over Freeman’s Big rebounding nights, finding a new scoring leader and developing a post game again.

I think Peter Kiss is going to give us a big chunk of Corey’s points. More scoring threats should hopefully open up the offense but speed of moving the ball has to click.

Will Douc make big strides and what will we see from players like Mathis, Harper and Mcconell in year 1?

 

[KnightTerrors]

Recruiting.

I know the OP was referencing what we wanted to see on the court, but we are going to have 5 key contributors playing their first games in the B1G or at the college level period. So many question marks that it makes projecting nearly impossible for a guy like me. I evaluate it when I see it.

The biggest key next year is following up with another very strong class. Have to land a Mulcahy, Hyatt, Massoud to move the needle. A combination of the three would be ideal but atleast one. The only way we are going to get where we need to be is a continued infusion of talent. We made a huge first step this year but following up is the key.

2019-2020 season is when this program can really make the jump to the upper half of the conference. Recruiting has to continue at this level. This season is simply about development and throwing some of these newcomers right into the fire.

 

[BigTenRutgers]

2019-2020 season is when this program can really make the jump to the upper half of the conference.

Agreed. At least we know we have the right coach to hopefully lead us into a new era of Rutgers basketball. I can't say the same about our football coach (yet).

 

[knights1212]

I think as was mentioned by another is that all of the team members must contribute. We cannot depend on one guy like the last 3 years. Every player must have confidence in their offense. I don't care who scores or at what time. We need the opponent to have to guard all 5 guys on the floor all the time. We must hit at least 33 % as a team on threes and we still need to play very good defense and rebound. If everyone buys in and I think they will I can see us having a winning season. That to me would be a big improvement. I am looking forward to seeing this team move forward.

 

[nirrad]

Better 3 point shooting and a decent post game

 

[soundcrib]

Made 1 footers.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Made 1 footers.

Finishing in the lane...hopefully it improves with Johnson and Shaq Carter. Freeman struggled at times in this area.

 

[dollarbill]

But, how many games did he have around 8-10 so that he only needs a few more baskets to get to 12-14? He may be able to get there just by taking the open opportunities instead of turning down open shots.

Hope you are right. I'd like to see drive to the basket more instead of living and dying with the three ball. $$$$

 

[RUonBrain]

Scoring. Need more scoring..hands down.

I agree.

If we can score more points than our opponent on any particular night, I think we have a very good chance to win that game.

But only time will tell.

 

[Scangg]

But, how many games did he have around 8-10 so that he only needs a few more baskets to get to 12-14? He may be able to get there just by taking the open opportunities instead of turning down open shots.

Hope you are right. I'd like to see drive to the basket more instead of living and dying with the three ball. $$$$

Ummm Eugene never shoots 3s and as a team we shot by far the least amount of 3s in the conference. Confused by your point

 

[RUChoppin]

Ummm Eugene never shoots 3s and as a team we shot by far the least amount of 3s in the conference. Confused by your point

He was referencing Thiam, not Omoruyi

 

[Scangg]

Ummm Eugene never shoots 3s and as a team we shot by far the least amount of 3s in the conference. Confused by your point

He was referencing Thiam, not Omoruyi

Ahh that makes more sense. I want Thiam shooting threes that's what he's out there to do. He does need to add more to his game though he's been way too one dimensional but has the length and is a good ball handler for his size. He should be able to pump fake take a dribble or two and be right at the rim with those long strides and length

 

[dkostus]

Ahh that makes more sense. I want Thiam shooting threes that's what he's out there to do. He does need to add more to his game though he's been way too one dimensional but has the length and is a good ball handler for his size. He should be able to pump fake take a dribble or two and be right at the rim with those long strides and length

He did that a few times, even putting a spin dribble in around a defender. Also had a few decent post moves. I think this kid actually has all the components of a great scorer, except confidence, and the lack of confidence means we only see the other things rarely. Contrast that with Eugene, who makes the most of a somewhat limited (But developing) skill set through swagger and some cleverness with hesitation and ball fakes.

Maybe with Corey and Freeman gone it will come out of Issa more.

 

[Scangg]

Ahh that makes more sense. I want Thiam shooting threes that's what he's out there to do. He does need to add more to his game though he's been way too one dimensional but has the length and is a good ball handler for his size. He should be able to pump fake take a dribble or two and be right at the rim with those long strides and length

He did that a few times, even putting a spin dribble in around a defender. Also had a few decent post moves. I think this kid actually has all the components of a great scorer, except confidence, and the lack of confidence means we only see the other things rarely. Contrast that with Eugene, who makes the most of a somewhat limited (But developing) skill set through swagger and some cleverness with hesitation and ball fakes.

Maybe with Corey and Freeman gone it will come out of Issa more.

A few times all season. I think it's more of a confidence issue or he just doesn't have the mentality to be a killer on offense. He has the skills so hopefully we see it more next year