Lindy's says, "Steve Pikiell believes solid programs are built on defense and rebounding and his team reflects that." I agree, and that is what made me an instant Rutgers fan when Pikiell was hired. For one thing, you can teach defense and rebounding; you don't have to recruit it, like you have to recruit size and high-flying athletic ability. And since you can teach it, that takes the pressure off your recruiting process because you don't have to recruit five-star players. Recruit teachable, hard-working three-and-a-half-star players, keep them in the program for four years (and redshirt them if you can get away with it), and by the time they are juniors and seniors they are superlatively good at doing the things your team is geared to do.
Pikiell's problem is that Rutger now plays in the Big Ten, and for years they have been famous for rugged, physical basketball. He also coaches a program that has been to the NCAA tournament a total of six times, and not since 1991. So he has a hill to climb. But I really like the way he is attempting to climb it. I hope his AD gives him time to do it.
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