Rutgers men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell hosted his usual post-game press conference after the Scarlet Knights’ blowout 81-59 loss to Seton Hall.
Before any questions were asked, Pikiell acknowledged
that it was the turnovers and the Pirates’ ability to take the ball away that dealt the most significant blow to their chances at winning this game.
The first question that was asked had to do with why Pikiell changed the starting lineup again for this game. Pikiell acknowledged the fact that Tariq Francis had a great week in practice in preparation for this game and that he wanted to have the best shooters on the team on the floor at the same time. He also wanted Jamicheal Davis coming off the bench because he is an “energy guy,” and he wanted the team to get some energy coming off the bench.
One question asked by Steve Politi of NJ.com had to do with Seton Hall’s quick turnaround and whether there was some big picture hope in the ability to turn a program around quickly. Pikiell said he believed such a turnaround is possible if your resources are where they are needed to be, along with the roster. He then said that he likes the freshman and their ability to retain them would be crucial to such a turnaround before discussing the incredible job that head coach Shaheen Holloway and the Pirates administration have done to turn their team around. He also mentioned that as quickly as it can be to turn a team around, it can just as quickly fall apart in this day and age.
He also mentioned several times throughout the press conference that this stretch of games was abnormally difficult, having to play a ranked Tennessee team, a then No.1 Purdue team, a then No.3 Michigan team, and then a very solid Seton Hall team.
One of the most interesting things that Pikiell brought up during this press conference was how he wouldn’t mind scheduling a home-and-home with Seton Hall. After Pikiell mentioned it, it was brought up to Holloway at his press conference, who baulked at the idea and said that if Rutgers wants to do that, they should come back to the Big East.
To view the entire press conference, click here. (Credit NJ.com/the Rutgers Rant for the Video)
