Steve Pikiell discusses the roster moving forward

Rutgers men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell discussed many topic in the last episode of his season long podcast on Tuesday. Most notably, Pikiell went in depth in regard to roster management and the approach moving forward this offseason.

Play-by-play radio announcer and host Jerry Recco asked around the 20 minute mark about the roster and the timeline for players to make decisions.

“They make decisions on their own time now,” explained Pikiell. “All of them have a lot of different opportunities. They have to explore what’s in their best interest.”

In regard to exploring professional opportunities, Pikiell said the program was fortunate to have players able to consider that level. Both Cliff Omoruyi and Paul Mulcahy can return next season, but no decision has been made yet.

“Every year, and we are lucky that we have players of that caliber that can continue playing. Their job and I encourage it, just like Ron Harper Jr., see what they’re saying, get feedback,” Pikiell explained. “Always make great decisions for yourself. This is the one time you can be selfish for yourself. Make good decisions moving forward. They all have opportunities. Caleb is going to sign with an agent and he’s going to have his opportunities. Cliff will have his opportunities to explore. Paul is in grad school right now. He has professional opportunities to pursue.

Pikiell continued in discussing two other veterans that have decisions to make.

“Same thing with Aundre Hyatt. Oskar has opportunities to go home (Sweden) and do some things. Also opportunities to look into for himself. You want them to explore those opportunities.”

As for a timeline on those type of decisions, Pikiell said, “At some point and time they let you know, which you need in order to move forward with your program.”

A major question this offseason aside from the status of certain starters and key contributors is players on the end of the bench. On Tuesday night after Pikiell’s podcast was published, a report from 24/7 High School Sports stated that Jalen Miller had entered the transfer portal. More could follow.

“The other guys that didn’t play as much, they have opportunities too to explore,” Pikiell said before the news of Miller leaving. “It’s an exciting time for the program. It’s also an exciting time for these guys. College basketball has changed. The portal has changed. You sit down with all of them and you want them first and foremost to be happy. You want them to know that there is a place for them. But if they’re looking for guarantees, this isn’t a guarantee kind of program. You have to come back to work next year and figure things out. We are in the process of sitting down with all of them right now. I want them to make good decisions.”

Pikiell did seem confident that a strong core of players who contributed this season will return.

“Excited about getting Mawot Mag back,” he said. “Excited about Cam Spencer and Derek Simpson. Wolf (Antwone Woolfolk). (Antonio) Chol who didn’t play as much but is going to factor into our future moving forward.”

As for new additions, Pikiell mentioned an obvious one.

“We’re excited about Gavin Griffiths, the highest rated player we’ve ever signed,” he exclaimed. “We’ll have other additions to our roster. A lot of different things going on. We have to explore opportunities out there with guys becoming available. The next few months will be exciting.”

In regard to expectations as to when the team will be more solidified for next season, Pikiell commented, “June is when you probably know your roster at that point and time.”

One advantage that Rutgers will have this summer is the benefit of taking a trip overseas as a program. They last did so in 2019, the summer before the program’s only 20 win regular season in four decades. Although Pikiell did not announce the destination yet, he did highlight the positives that come when taking a trip as a program.

“We’re excited about this summer. This is our opportunity to go overseas. Once every four years you get that opportunity as a program,” Pikiell explained. “We did Spain a few years back. We are going to take a trip overseas which gives us 10 practices before that. Our trip will be in August. It will be a fun trip playing some pro teams over there. Guys will get a chance to start our season a little bit earlier. Especially playing high level basketball teams. Our journey will push forward in August when we get an opportunity play some real teams on the road and you get to steal ten practices.”

It was a roller coaster season for Rutgers men’s basketball. The good news is Pikiell’s steady approach and the program being on stable ground. In addition to consensus high 4-star Gavin Griffiths arriving, newly anointed 4-star big man Baye Ndongo and slashy guard Jamichael Davis are part of the incoming 2023 class. Of course, exploring options within the transfer portal is a must as well.

How many roster spots need to be filled will be determined over time. With Miller departing, technically the roster is at full capacity if every other player returns. It seems unlikely everyone else will return though, based on options players will have and the nature of the sport now. With the offseason officially underway, watching Pikiell reshape the roster will be exciting to follow.

Earlier this week, I covered the need to increase the speed limit as to how Rutgers can win games, My thoughts on roster needs, style of play and more to come soon.

Thanks for reading the The Scarlet Faithful. For more Rutgers Athletics content from The Scarlet Faithful, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can subscribe to The Scarlet Faithful podcast on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. For advertising inquiries or to reach out directly, email at breitmanaaron@gmail.com