Rutgers Basketball Prepares for Intriguing Season Ahead of Rider Matchup

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell is ready to kick off an intriguing season. The Scarlet Knights, who struggled last year with a 15-17 record, are set to face Rider on Wednesday in their season opener.

The team was unexpectedly ranked No. 17 out of 18 in the Big Ten preseason media poll. Still, Pikiell believes in the potential of his squad. “I think we’ll be exciting to watch,” he told The Post. “We’ve been working while no one is watching. We are tough, physical, we’re athletic at all the positions and we’re the biggest we’ve been. I think people are going to like this version of Rutgers.”

Pikiell has shifted his focus from recruiting high-profile one-and-done players to building a team of hardworking athletes. His roster features four returning players, including Jamichael Davis and Emmanuel Ogbole, along with several newcomers. Transfers Tariq Francis and Darren Buchanan Jr. augment the lineup, alongside seven freshmen led by four-star recruit Chris Nwuli.

<p“Rebounding has been a significant issue for us the last two years,” Pikiell said. “We got back to those roots. We focus on rebounding, and those who rebound will play.” Historically, Rutgers has been strong in rebounding, which Pikiell hopes to revive.

Training sessions have been intense, with players encouraged to compete hard. Old-fashioned incentives, such as choosing the practice music and bus seating, are offered as rewards for drill winners.

<p“Defensively, we play extremely hard,” said Davis. “Our detailed approach makes us a really good team, with length that enhances our defensive strategy.”

However, the path to success includes tough opponents. Rutgers faces No. 1 Purdue and No. 7 Michigan in their early games, a schedule Pikiell describes as perhaps the toughest stretch in the program’s history.

Pikiell is also curious about how young players like Nwuli can contribute immediately. “They come with special tools,” he noted about his freshmen, highlighting the team’s potential for growth.

As the season progresses, Rutgers aims to improve its performance, particularly in clutch situations. “I have to use my experience to my advantage,” Grant said about stepping up in critical moments. The team looks to create an atmosphere that turns fans into true believers.

With the highly competitive Big Ten ahead, Rutgers must secure wins, especially against rivals like Seton Hall and face challenges from former players like Lathan Sommerville. This season is not just about development; it is about immediate impact and striving for success.

As Pikiell said, “We’re kind of an intriguing team.”