Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to episode No. 64 of The Scarlet Faithful podcast. This episode focuses on the current status of the 2023 recruiting class for Rutgers men’s basketball. There has been some major developments and I cover it all here.
Being a few days into the regular signing period, there is some uncertainty in regard to who RU will ultimately sign. The highest ranked recruit in modern program history, Gavin Griffiths, signed last November. However, the rest of the class is yet to sign.
3-star guard Jamichael Davis appears to be on track to do so soon. 4-star big man Baye Ndongo is being pursued by other schools. Whether he signs at RU remains to be seen. In addition, former target 4-star big man Papa Kante has asked for his NLI release from Michigan and could be an option now.
This episode is a discussion on all of the scenarios in how things could play out in the near future. It’s fair to be nervous or concerned but also important to realize how far the program’s recruiting has come under head coach Steve Pikiell.
In addition, the episode concludes with reviewing the current roster outlook for next season. This includes the roles that Paul Mulcahy and Cliff Omoruyi could play if they return. A look at the potential for improved depth, talent and athleticism as well.
Thank you for listening to The Scarlet Faithful podcast once again and hope you enjoyed this episode.
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Aaron, I hope readers appreciate the in depth way you went about this recruiting report. I know I did. Firstly, I think the honest, upfront way Pikiell goes about recruiting is his biggest asset. Kids can spot a phony. They know Pikiell is the genuine article. It should be no surprise that now that Rutgers has become a successful program, the more talented recruits who relate well to him want to play for him. Having said that, in today’s world of college athletics, you have to build depth whether through recruiting out of high school, the transfer portal or both. It would be great to get both Kante and Ndongo while having Clff return. But, it’s likely that trifecta doesn’t happen. Keeping the transfer portal open as a real option is a must. Front court size and depth is critical for next season in order to keep the program improving. I have confidence Pikiell will manage his roster well and achieve the right roster balance..
pj43
April 19, 2023 at 3:02 pm
Aaron, I hope readers appreciate the in depth way you went about this recruiting report. I know I did. Firstly, I think the honest, upfront way Pikiell goes about recruiting is his biggest asset. Kids can spot a phony. They know Pikiell is the genuine article. It should be no surprise that now that Rutgers has become a successful program, the more talented recruits who relate well to him want to play for him. Having said that, in today’s world of college athletics, you have to build depth whether through recruiting out of high school, the transfer portal or both. It would be great to get both Kante and Ndongo while having Clff return. But, it’s likely that trifecta doesn’t happen. Keeping the transfer portal open as a real option is a must. Front court size and depth is critical for next season in order to keep the program improving. I have confidence Pikiell will manage his roster well and achieve the right roster balance..
thevinman
April 22, 2023 at 11:40 am
Aaron, thanks for some interesting insights and speculation.