The Rutgers men’s basketball program returned from its 11 day overseas trip this past weekend. Traveling and playing in the Senegal and Portugal was a tremendous opportunity for everyone who was part of it. Credit head coach Steve Pikiell for creating an itinerary that was unique and not typical of most college basketball overseas trips that take place. The hope now is that the once in a lifetime experience brings the 2023-2024 team together in a way that leads to a special season. That’s exactly what happened four years ago for Rutgers following an overseas trip to Spain in 2019.
With several newcomers on the roster and the possibility of making a significant shift in how Rutgers players on offense, Pikiell has had a busy offseason. He hired a new assistant coach in Marlon Williamson, added multiple players in the transfer portal, brought in the highest rated recruit in years in Gavin Griffiths, added Princeton on the non-conference schedule and plenty more all while losing two starters in the summer and planning the overseas trip that just finished.
Pikiell returned as a guest on The Scarlet Faithful podcast to discuss these topics and more. Our discussion included his recap of the experience in Senegal and Portugal, a review of the roster and style he plans to play on offense, the improved non-conference schedule, Big Ten expansion, NIL, the wild offseason in college basketball and more. In addition, Pikiell discussed the recent report regarding Jeremiah Williams.
Listen and watch below. Thanks to coach Pikiell for taking time to come back on The Scarlet Faithful podcast.
Audio
Video
Thanks for reading the The Scarlet Faithful. For more Rutgers Athletics content from The Scarlet Faithful, follow us on Twitterand 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
Yet again Steve Pikiell proves to be an outstanding representative of RU. It was clear that he was as interested in talking about the powerful experiences the team experienced in Senegal as he was in talking about their progress on the court. Class act all the way. A few things that jumped out to me: 1) Wolf dropping 20 lbs. while I am sure still maintaining muscle mass was great to hear. I also liked hearing Pikiell talk about Wolf getting time at the 4 and playing alongside of Cliff while on the trip. I can only hope that he isn’t relegated to being the backup 5. 2) With Mag likely starting the season a little behind, Chol emerging as a legit rotational wing is very important. Sounds like he will be up to the task. He doesn’t have to be great, just serviceable. Same for Palmquist. 3) Pikiell referenced the athleticism of this team. Combine that with guys who can shoot and it will be fun to watch. Great that he emphasized speed and an attacking mindset. The team will be easy to root for. Go RU!
My appetite is whetted in anticipation of seeing the development of Woolfolk and his emergence as a player now that he’s a full time basketball player. I was immediately intrigued by his athleticism and poise last season and felt his upside was huge. I agree with BATALIBOLI98 that seeing him at the 4 alongside Cliff will be one of the more interesting combos on the court next season. If this team can get healthy in time for the meat of the conference schedule, it has the potential to contend for the first tier of the conference standings and a no nail biter NCAA Tournament bid.
BataliBoli98
August 23, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Yet again Steve Pikiell proves to be an outstanding representative of RU. It was clear that he was as interested in talking about the powerful experiences the team experienced in Senegal as he was in talking about their progress on the court. Class act all the way. A few things that jumped out to me: 1) Wolf dropping 20 lbs. while I am sure still maintaining muscle mass was great to hear. I also liked hearing Pikiell talk about Wolf getting time at the 4 and playing alongside of Cliff while on the trip. I can only hope that he isn’t relegated to being the backup 5. 2) With Mag likely starting the season a little behind, Chol emerging as a legit rotational wing is very important. Sounds like he will be up to the task. He doesn’t have to be great, just serviceable. Same for Palmquist. 3) Pikiell referenced the athleticism of this team. Combine that with guys who can shoot and it will be fun to watch. Great that he emphasized speed and an attacking mindset. The team will be easy to root for. Go RU!
pj43
August 26, 2023 at 12:28 pm
My appetite is whetted in anticipation of seeing the development of Woolfolk and his emergence as a player now that he’s a full time basketball player. I was immediately intrigued by his athleticism and poise last season and felt his upside was huge. I agree with BATALIBOLI98 that seeing him at the 4 alongside Cliff will be one of the more interesting combos on the court next season. If this team can get healthy in time for the meat of the conference schedule, it has the potential to contend for the first tier of the conference standings and a no nail biter NCAA Tournament bid.