What was different?

[Mr Magoo]

It's nice to end the season on a high, even though it was a tough loss last night.

Sanders broke out at the Garden and Baker looked even better than early in the season.

We were all on a high after the Seton Hall game and then we went into a funk until this week. We looked really good against a bad (depleted) Minnesota team, a decent Indiana team and an exceptional Purdue team. Except for a couple of stretches, we shot "lights out". We looked extremely confident. What does everything thing was different?

Did it finally "click"?, Was it the bright lights of the Garden and our pseudo-home court?, Was it match-ups? Was it Sanders desperate to show what he's capable of and the team feeding off it?

I'm at a "loss"...but it's a good "loss". I would love to have another full season with the Corey Sanders that showed up this week.

 

[zebnatto]

Differences:

1) Playing with confidence and pride (aka: chip on shoulder);
2) Shot-making (esp Corey and Geo);
3) Solid performances by Mike, Eugene, Shaq;
4) DeShawn playing within himself and doing it very well.

 

[PatrickRU92]

we made shots. Amazing what happens when you score points.

 

[soundcrib]

we made shots. Amazing what happens when you score points.

It’s as simple as that. We weren’t any more open than any other game this year. We just made shots.

I’d also say the starting lineup change was underrated.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

One thing I really liked was bringing baker and freeman off the bench. Instead of stepping back a bit seemed liked it turned it up a notch.

Edit:that includes Shaq over duc.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

I also think the "snub" by the league awards motivated C & G and the off the bench did for Freeman.

Mike being back healthy and being in the city was his. Mo.

 

[RUChoppin]

Also:
- Everyone was healthy.
- Player development through the year for the underclassmen.
- Energized home crowd

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

we made shots...in a lot of cases real tough shots. we didn't play any harder. we didnt play any smarter. we put the ball in the hands of our guards and they made plays individually

 

[zebnatto]

Making shots is #1. But I’d certainly say Deshawn. Played smarter in past couple of games.

 

[BillyC80]

I think you guys are taking the OP's question too literally. Yes, we made more shots, but why?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

The opposite answer is we prevented our opponent from making shots.

 

[Mr Magoo]

I think you guys are taking the OP's question too literally. Yes, we made more shots, but why?

Thanks. You are correct. It seems very strange that a very weak-shooting backcourt would break out all of a sudden. It also seemed starnge that we played with a lot more energy than we have been, even at the RAC.

 

[BigEastPhil]

In my opinion, Corey elevated his game knowing NBA scouts etc would be watching. Geo coming off the flu being reinvigorated. Deshaun taking the benching well and understanding what the staff needs from him. And the balance of the team all contributing such as mike Williams, eugene, Issa and shaq

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

It's nice to end the season on a high, even though it was a tough loss last night.

Sanders broke out at the Garden and Baker looked even better than early in the season.

We were all on a high after the Seton Hall game and then we went into a funk until this week. We looked really good against a bad (depleted) Minnesota team, a decent Indiana team and an exceptional Purdue team. Except for a couple of stretches, we shot "lights out". We looked extremely confident. What does everything thing was different?

Did it finally "click"?, Was it the bright lights of the Garden and our pseudo-home court?, Was it match-ups? Was it Sanders desperate to show what he's capable of and the team feeding off it?

I'm at a "loss"...but it's a good "loss". I would love to have another full season with the Corey Sanders that showed up this week.

I think it was confidence and playing loose. So much about shooting is confidence.

 

[BillyC80]

Choppin, I agree. But, where was that shooting confidence before the tourney? Why now?

 

[RUChoppin]

Choppin, I agree. But, where was that shooting confidence before the tourney? Why now?

See above answer.

We were finally healthy for this tournament, which we haven't been since before conference play started - which allowed us to play our best rotation, and not have to force extra minutes on our guards when they weren't performing well. That leads to better defense and better offensive flow - and more confidence.

They've also grown as the year has progressed (specifically Omoruyi, Baker, and Thiam) - which has lead to better defense, better spacing, and better understanding of the offensive flow.

They also feed off of crowd energy, which was there at MSG (when it hasn't been at times at the RAC).

Add on top of that some of what others have said (Freeman playing within himself, etc) - and things finally came together.

 

[bac2therac]

i think they rode the confidence wave. Locked in they were going to play above their heads. Like how Michigan and UConn looked in their runs except they just had enough playmakers to make sure they ran through, RU was short one playmaker last night...Freeman or Eugene had to step up and also have an outstanding game. Plus I think RU had the advantage playing 2 games with the crowd behind them while Purdue came in cold and it showed early.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Choppin, I agree. But, where was that shooting confidence before the tourney? Why now?

That's the million dollar question.

I think we saw an example all year from Issa Thaim...when he played confident and just let it fly his shots fall a lot more. When he played tight...he struggled.

 

[BillyC80]

My own opinion, which I posted in another thread, is that Corey was super-focused, motivated by showcasing himself on a big stage with the prospect of turning pro somewhere.

His shot-making was a result of that focus, and became contagious in the form of more confidence and shot-making by others, especially Geo.

 

[sct1111]

Corey and Geo hitting shots opened up the offense. And they played smarter.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

we made shots...in a lot of cases real tough shots. we didn't play any harder. we didnt play any smarter. we put the ball in the hands of our guards and they made plays individually

13, 11,and 9 turnovers says otherwise. Could list the assists too.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

13, 11,and 9 turnovers says otherwise. Could list the assists too.

We had 21 assists in 3 games.

 

[RUChoppin]

Matchups also helped us in the first two games, especially for Freeman and Omoruyi to find success in the post.

Minnesota was without Lynch and Coffey, and had just one guy taller than 6-7 who saw any real time... Konate, who played just 17 min and had 4 fouls. Diedhiou played 7 min at 6-9 and had 0 pts and 1 rb. Freeman/Omoruyi combined for 16 pts, 18 rbs in 48 total min.

Indiana had no players that stood over 6-7. Freeman/Omoruyi combined for 24 pts, 14 rbs in 53 min.

Purdue had much more size in the middle, which changed the dynamic and forced us to lean on our guards and jumpers. Compared to the first two games, Freeman/Omoruyi combined for just 11 pts and 5 rbs in 41 min.

 

[Westcoast]

See above answer.

We were finally healthy for this tournament, which we haven't been since before conference play started - which allowed us to play our best rotation, and not have to force extra minutes on our guards when they weren't performing well. That leads to better defense and better offensive flow - and more confidence.

They've also grown as the year has progressed (specifically Omoruyi, Baker, and Thiam) - which has lead to better defense, better spacing, and better understanding of the offensive flow.

They also feed off of crowd energy, which was there at MSG (when it hasn't been at times at the RAC).

Add on top of that some of what others have said (Freeman playing within himself, etc) - and things finally came together.

I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that it was the Tourney. One and done. A new season. I think they got worn down with all the losing during the conference season and it didn't seem to be "as important" on a game to game basis. But single elimination tournaments tend to bring out the best in well coached teams. Isn't that the very definition of March Madness? They just played with more energy and the atmosphere kept elevating their game.

 

[RUAEPI]

It was like watching a different team out there.

1. coaching! and I hope the recruits out there see that. The changes he made were brilliant. Geo and Freeman coming in later put pressure on them when they are getting winded.
2. Health, and maybe this should be #1 (but I don't want to take anything away from how good we have it right now with our coaching situation). Mike Williams came back early, but it was clear that he wasn't at full strength. He definitely played with his normal 100% effort this tourney, and that is such a motivation for the rest of the team. And with Eugene, they just stop anyone. Eugene has some of the best feet out there, and he is still learning. These 2 guys really solidified the lineup and opened up Corey to be able to go 1 on 1.
3. Corey was on! This team has lived by Corey Sanders and he rose to the occasion. He showed how far he has come as a player to the world, but I think he can develop more if he stays (but I am being a little selfish).
4. Heart, this this never gives up. they know they are better than what people gave them credit, and they were not just going to lay down because the odds were against them. They came together and played as a team, and it proved that they can be greater than the sum of all of the pieces.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I really dont think it was 3 games as much as it was 1 grind it out game....

Then it was an innocent looking 2nd effort layup by Freeman down double digits vs Indiana...Freeman was the one player who then made another one still down 10+....

The defense to stop the easy dump in pass to Juwan Morgan made Indiana pick up their dribble and pass the ball around the perimeter...one steal...then another deflection...then a 3rd....it was really the easy baskets that generated the juice.

So from halftime of Indiana through the Purdue game, the dunks and layups or easy baskets freed up RU to play loose.

Once they got easy baskets, it was air in the lungs....suddenly RU went from grinding to entertainer...it wasnt making shots, it was as much as they became willing to play on stage.

If anything came out of this weekend....RU basketball could have changed the mindset of the program from defense/rebounding as the only way, to adding we will defend/rebound AND, we will entertain you as a viewer.

Corey became "And1 mixtape" Corey...within the team concept....then Geo pulled up his cross over and drained a 3....suddenly both guards went into attack mode within the team concept...

It was more confidence and it will carry over into next year....NOW, the last memory of RU wasn't this muddy rock fight of a team...it may have transitioned to the next level of both offense and defense.

Something to consider into the off-season will be generating the 4th and 5th options to play with that swagger...Kiss and Mathis are going to get shots within the offense next year....we will look very dangerous when they also make shots...

 

[willisneverrana43]

I think you guys are taking the OP's question too literally. Yes, we made more shots, but why?

They were hot from the field. That’s it. It’s happened a few times—very few— before. When it happens, with our D, we can win.

Now, if you want to ask why they got hot, you’re asking a question no one has answered in any sport ever. But it sure helps to get hot while you’re playing 3 games in 50 hours, because you might get 3 games in before you cool down.

 

[RUJMM78]

The comeback win against Indiana was the biggest difference.Rutgers started with their usual slow start scoring and quickly were behind by double digits.Steals on defense resulted in baskets, change in momentum and getting the crowd back into the game.The second half of the Indiana game until the end of the Purdue game Rutgers showed a sustained pulse on offense.Sanders was outstanding in all three games and Baker had one outstanding game and one very good game along with Freeman against Indiana.Against Purdue Sanders and Baker were sensational but the team lacked the third scoring option to over come the barrage of 3 point baskets by Purdue.The three day game experience clearly was the highlight of the Rutgers season.Making baskets is the difference between winning and losing regardless when the games are played.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

NJH.

We had 21 assists in the 3 games. Generalizing here, but we put the ball in our most talented players and they made amazing plays possession after possession.

It was like the 1st 40 minutes of the Illinois game Corey’s freshman year. Difference was the defense and grit.

Is it a blueprint for the future?
We know the answer.

Is it the most effective way for this unit to play?
PERHAPS

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

Two other possible factors: basketball IQ and trusting your teammates. They played smart by not forcing the "great pass" and by moving the ball on offense so that they played "inside/outside" without just hoisting up 3s. They seemed to be very confident and I think they showed trust that their teammates would make the right play. Coach probably was thinking "finally, we're back to the way we played against SHU and MSU". Hitting shots and (foul shots) didn't hurt either.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

NJH.

We had 21 assists in the 3 games. Generalizing here, but we put the ball in our most talented players and they made amazing plays possession after possession.

It was like the 1st 40 minutes of the Illinois game Corey’s freshman year. Difference was the defense and grit.

Is it a blueprint for the future?
We know the answer.

Is it the most effective way for this unit to play?
PERHAPS

it was certainly more attack mode and not as much stand around and hold the ball. something I was begging for earlier this season. Just felt we needed more shot attempts to score and rebound given the poor shooting. it is just amazing what happens when you score. like after a layup or foul shot. that rim must have seemed 50% bigger to them.

 

[knights1212]

I think we had many reasons for playing so well at MSG.
1. We didn't force shots & played team ball.
2. Corey was so psyched after being snubbed on all 3 BIG teams plus honorable mention.
3. Corey's grandmother and mother came up to MSG and saw all 3 games.
4. Corey wanted to put on a show for all of the scouts.
5. Geo was recovering from the flu & played spectacular.
6. The atmosphere at MSG was electric. This was what inspired Corey even more.
7. The entire team bought in and contributed.
8. The team wanted to prove that they were much better than most thought they were.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

NJH.

We had 21 assists in the 3 games. Generalizing here, but we put the ball in our most talented players and they made amazing plays possession after possession.

It was like the 1st 40 minutes of the Illinois game Corey’s freshman year. Difference was the defense and grit.

Is it a blueprint for the future?
We know the answer.

Is it the most effective way for this unit to play?
PERHAPS

I think the assists have to do with ball movement to a shooter....you cannot generate assists unless you are getting turnovers and layups OR have a lineup of scorers like Purdue.

The offense was the guards and an occasional pass inside to Eugene or Freeman to try and generate a 1 on 1 opportunity and if not there, back to the guards with 10 or less on the shot clock.....it's very difficult to generate assists unless you have a more able scorer from wing....Thiam is the only option for RU...Purdue has Vince Edwards, Dakota Mathias and Kline who are all 6'4 to 6'7" and can dribble but are moving shooters that can make a quick pass (assist) to another shooter...

Purdue had NINETEEN assists vs Rutgers.....Rutgers had 9 for the game and 21 over 3 games....That is a machine, running efficiently and they were experienced, with the swagger to match...When you have 4 able shooters and a post presence in Haas, you are going to give a good defense problems....I think the pace impacted RU defense, not lack of effort most possessions.

Given that Purdue essentially rewound the same game plan and did the same thing to Penn State, with about the same result (Tony Carr was off, but Garner was on), Penn State didn't have the horsepower to maintain that pace, unless everyone is clicking.....I think the staff wants to play faster and move the ball, but there has to be a shooter at every position and a potential threat in the post to generate 15-18 assists most nights....

 

[willisneverrana43]

I see a lot of after-the-fact explanations here that suggest that all sorts of things that can remain permanent were turned on, so we performed better. But, to the contrary, all or almost all of it can be explained by RU shooting better over a 50-hour period, as it has (though infrequently) in the past. Does anyone truly believe that RU and this roster should regularly be in, at times lead, and win games against top 10 teams? If you do, and you believe that the team finally reached a level of permanent performance last week, that would be an indictment of Pikiell's coaching for 90% of the year.

I, on the other hand, see it as a validation of Pikiell's coaching. His coaching of the D and rebounding and his conditioning of the team allowed the team to be in or win these games once it got hot from the field.

Anyone who thinks that RU does not need a major upgrade in talent and that all it needed was different passing and something to click, and we now have it, will be sadly mistaken. It was a fun 50 hours, and it validates our coach's ability to coach. But RU needs a lot more talent.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

21/83 of our baskets were assisted. We are 40% for the season which is near the bottom.

Saying we played team offense fits a narrative that we want. However it was more playing hero ball and our guards were heroes.

Not sure you can spin 21/83 in to team basketball.

New talent and Eugene will want touches next year. If they don’t get them there will be issues.

 

[RUsince52]

If we had won that game it would've really been amazing and we came close.
Tough to win when the other team out scores you from beyond the arc by 24.
Shoots 70% on regular fgs and scores more from the foul line. We had 32 fgs and 17 ORB, but that didn't turn into a big advantage without put backs or drawing a foul. Our guys just don't have that ability if it's not right under the basket. If our guards don't score enough, it's not close. Purdue hit 11 threes against PSU in less attempts, but can also get to the basket. They are just tough to beat.
Didn't win, but what 3 days. It felt like March BB just like we see on tv by the other teams. Still need some turnover by our bigs in order to win more games next year.

 

[zebnatto]

When you go to a “4 low” offense w/12 seconds left on the clock and tell Corey to do his thing, you’re not gonna stockpile assists.

 

[RUChoppin]

I see a lot of after-the-fact explanations here that suggest that all sorts of things that can remain permanent were turned on, so we performed better. But, to the contrary, all or almost all of it can be explained by RU shooting better over a 50-hour period, as it has (though infrequently) in the past. Does anyone truly believe that RU and this roster should regularly be in, at times lead, and win games against top 10 teams? If you do, and you believe that the team finally reached a level of permanent performance last week, that would be an indictment of Pikiell's coaching for 90% of the year.

I, on the other hand, see it as a validation of Pikiell's coaching. His coaching of the D and rebounding and his conditioning of the team allowed the team to be in or win these games once it got hot from the field.

Anyone who thinks that RU does not need a major upgrade in talent and that all it needed was different passing and something to click, and we now have it, will be sadly mistaken. It was a fun 50 hours, and it validates our coach's ability to coach. But RU needs a lot more talent.

Agree. And this tournament run also showed what the addition/subtraction of even a couple players can do from a talent perspective.

Minnesota lost two players from the first time we played (Lynch/Coffey) and were a completely different team. They didn't have the depth behind those two to compete, and fell off a cliff for the second half of their season. If we had played *this* team instead of the stronger version earlier in the season, the score would have certainly been different and the result may have been, too.

For Indiana, we added two players from the first time we played to the second. Williams or Omoruyi were both out for that regular season game, and we had to get 27 min from Bullock/Dadika/Mensah/Nathan and 24 min from Sa (many at the 4). The lack of talent was shown most on defense, as we allowed the Hoosiers to shoot 52%. Upgrading the talent from the first game to the second game (swapping out the reserve minutes for 48 min from Williams/Omoruyi) was a big help defensively, and we held them to 42%. That put us in a better position for a good shooting night to put us over the top.

Next year we lose 3 players and add 5. We'll definitely cut out all the minutes we had to play Bullock/Mensah/Dadika this year, and replace them with a higher talent level. We'll also see how much better the returning players get, and whether the newcomers will be a talent upgrade over the guys who are leaving.

Not expecting a huge jump next year, but we should see movement in a positive direction. We should be more able to compete with the Minnesotas and Indianas next year (mid to bottom half of the conference).

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

When you go to a “4 low” offense w/12 seconds left on the clock and tell Corey to do his thing, you’re not gonna stockpile assists.

Exactly