Pike Really Has to Go...

shields

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Let me ask you Lou. Washington I think gets fired, not firing two coaches in one year.
 

-RUFAN4LIFE-

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dark_check

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How many games do folks like @ancienthooper and @Loyal-Son have to watch to realize Pike has to go? Honestly, the Pike apologists confound me to no end.
It’s astonishing. Now I know Pike isn’t going anywhere because of his contract but their line of thinking isn’t just accepting that. It’s actual hope. They prefer the ifs and buts are candy and nuts hope to actual winning it seems. Provide them a half dozen reasons and they’ll tell you what happened five years ago. Meanwhile with any other even average sports programs it’s what have to done for me lately. But they’ll say Jalen Miller was just one example. So was Dean Reiber. So was Jaden Jones. On and on. They’ll say maybe he’ll run an offense some day. Maybe he’ll learn substitution patterns. Maybe he won’t have bad losses in the early season. He deserves credit for Ace and Dylan but not blame for losing with them. Maybe he won’t start games in a hole all the time. Maybe he’ll actually coach up d instead of only have the reputation for it. Maybe he’ll develop players instead of sending them packing. And if all those maybes happen we can win one more mcaa game in the next ten years. Trust them he just needs NIL money. And they’re tickled pink over one ncaa win in ten years. And we’re wrong for wanting more. They’ll tell you it’s because Rutgers sucks and we’re lucky to have Pike. I’m tired of that victim attitude. 4-13 in conference in year 10.
 

RUSCFORMERLYRULOU

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It’s astonishing. Now I know Pike isn’t going anywhere because of his contract but their line of thinking isn’t just accepting that. It’s actual hope. They prefer the ifs and buts are candy and nuts hope to actual winning it seems. Provide them a half dozen reasons and they’ll tell you what happened five years ago. Meanwhile with any other even average sports programs it’s what have to done for me lately. But they’ll say Jalen Miller was just one example. So was Dean Reiber. So was Jaden Jones. On and on. They’ll say maybe he’ll run an offense some day. Maybe he’ll learn substitution patterns. Maybe he won’t have bad losses in the early season. He deserves credit for Ace and Dylan but not blame for losing with them. Maybe he won’t start games in a hole all the time. Maybe he’ll actually coach up d instead of only have the reputation for it. Maybe he’ll develop players instead of sending them packing. And if all those maybes happen we can win one more mcaa game in the next ten years. Trust them he just needs NIL money. And they’re tickled pink over one ncaa win in ten years. And we’re wrong for wanting more. They’ll tell you it’s because Rutgers sucks and we’re lucky to have Pike. I’m tired of that victim attitude. 4-13 in conference in year 10.
Post of fhe year.
 

RUInsanityToo

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It’s astonishing. Now I know Pike isn’t going anywhere because of his contract but their line of thinking isn’t just accepting that. It’s actual hope. They prefer the ifs and buts are candy and nuts hope to actual winning it seems. Provide them a half dozen reasons and they’ll tell you what happened five years ago. Meanwhile with any other even average sports programs it’s what have to done for me lately. But they’ll say Jalen Miller was just one example. So was Dean Reiber. So was Jaden Jones. On and on. They’ll say maybe he’ll run an offense some day. Maybe he’ll learn substitution patterns. Maybe he won’t have bad losses in the early season. He deserves credit for Ace and Dylan but not blame for losing with them. Maybe he won’t start games in a hole all the time. Maybe he’ll actually coach up d instead of only have the reputation for it. Maybe he’ll develop players instead of sending them packing. And if all those maybes happen we can win one more mcaa game in the next ten years. Trust them he just needs NIL money. And they’re tickled pink over one ncaa win in ten years. And we’re wrong for wanting more. They’ll tell you it’s because Rutgers sucks and we’re lucky to have Pike. I’m tired of that victim attitude. 4-13 in conference in year 10.

Interesting. I was raised and taught that the people who act like victims are the ones who constantly whine and complain about the same things over and over again.

Talk is cheap. Coming to an anonymous fan board like clockwork after a loss to whine about the same things...... the coach, players or how other fans choose to spend their time rooting carries the lowest form of fandom impact on a program.....right there with shut-ins calling into overnight sports radio with fantasy trade proposals.

To summarize.....not sure how much good it does or why it makes anyone a better fan to create the same "Pike must go" posts and threads over and over again while knowing the money situation is in the way. In the meantime, unlike you and those who liked your post, I find nothing wrong with other fans who choose to bide their time and spend their fandom energy focusing on positives and potential for any hope.
 

RUinPinehurst

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Seems like "management" should have better coordinated the incoming player pipeline as well as the enabling NIL pool. The lapse is a head-scratcher. It was allowed to happen. Program incompetency, thru and thru. Yes. Now we await the great reset, believing we're taking the proper "Big Time" NIL steps now to get competitive. But, while you can fully fund the program, if management is still MIA, then expecting them to smartly deploy those $$$ and achieving success on the court is just not happening. I'm skeptical.
 

RUInsanityToo

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Seems like "management" should have better coordinated the incoming player pipeline as well as the enabling NIL pool. The lapse is a head-scratcher. It was allowed to happen. Program incompetency, thru and thru. Yes. Now we await the great reset, believing we're taking the proper "Big Time" NIL steps now to get competitive. But, while you can fully fund the program, if management is still MIA, then expecting them to smartly deploy those $$$ and achieving success on the court is just not happening. I'm skeptical.
Perhaps you may have forgotten that there was almost a 1 year gap between Hobbs leaving and Zinn being hired. I would imagine that this would have a significant impact on NIL strategy.
 
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Mholinko

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The arena has 2/3 full last night at best… the charade is over and even the casual fans are bailing on this team season and program as currently constructed

I appreciate and root for Rutgers like all the fans on here defending pike but just because some on here think it’s time for him to go doesn’t make us bad fans

that is the clear issue I’ve noticed on here is that most who defend pike and get pissed at the criticism just chalk it up to people being trolls or bad fans

im a raiders fan in the NFL we have stunk every year since rich Gannon was playing quarterback 20 years ago … I WANT the team to win every week every year but when I complain and gripe about draft picks coaching decisions and consistent losing that doesn’t make me a bad fan does it?

to the fans asking for MORE patience and another chance ask yourself this… if your financial advisor pitched you an investment or stock that consistently yielded losses for months on end after having giving you a good one 6 years ago that made you some money would you say “yeah but that stock you pitched 6 years ago really was awesome” or would you be cursing under your breath that you can’t go on vacation this year cause he’s a crappy investor and move on?
 

Caliknight

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Pike has no money. Next year he will have some. It’s so obvious when you see the players on other teams.
 

dark_check

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Pike has no money. Next year he will have some. It’s so obvious when you see the players on other teams.
Johnny Dawkins at UCF has less money than Pike. It’s about adapting. Is more money better. Sure. But we heard how this was his lunch pail team. They’ll scrap it out in rock fights. Well their defense is beyond terrible. That’s his fortay. He says he needs a rim protector for his style but can’t afford one. So, ADAPT. Don’t be inflexible and keep using it as an excuse.
 

RUInsanityToo

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The arena has 2/3 full last night at best… the charade is over and even the casual fans are bailing on this team season and program as currently constructed

I appreciate and root for Rutgers like all the fans on here defending pike but just because some on here think it’s time for him to go doesn’t make us bad fans

that is the clear issue I’ve noticed on here is that most who defend pike and get pissed at the criticism just chalk it up to people being trolls or bad fans

im a raiders fan in the NFL we have stunk every year since rich Gannon was playing quarterback 20 years ago … I WANT the team to win every week every year but when I complain and gripe about draft picks coaching decisions and consistent losing that doesn’t make me a bad fan does it?

to the fans asking for MORE patience and another chance ask yourself this… if your financial advisor pitched you an investment or stock that consistently yielded losses for months on end after having giving you a good one 6 years ago that made you some money would you say “yeah but that stock you pitched 6 years ago really was awesome” or would you be cursing under your breath that you can’t go on vacation this year cause he’s a crappy investor and move on?

While there certainly are a few fans who genuinely want to give Pike more time because they think he can make something of it with more NIL.........in reality IMO most of the reactions you are interpreting as "Pro-Pike" are probably posters who are really reacting to the same Fire Pike threads and posts -posted by the same posters over and over again. I suppose we can all put people on Ignore and avoid reacting in the threads.....however many probably don't like to do that as this board is a community of sorts with all different types.
 
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Mholinko

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While there certainly are a few fans who genuinely want to give Pike more time because they think he can make something of it with more NIL.........in reality IMO most of the reactions you are interpreting as "Pro-Pike" are probably posters who are really reacting to the same Fire Pike threads and posts -posted by the same posters over and over again. I suppose we can all put people on Ignore and avoid reacting in the threads.....however many probably don't like to do that as this board is a community of sorts with all different types.
That’s true but I also see a lot of the same people posting PIKE IS GREAT or LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT threads after every win

our 4 big ten wins are all against teams who are equally as desperate in the gutter as we are
 

RUinPinehurst

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Perhaps you may have forgotten that there was almost a 1 year gap between Hobbs leaving and Zinn being hired. I would imagine that this would have a significant impact on NIL strategy.
I believe we had an interim AD as well as others involved who just were not effective. I mean, the admin saw "it" coming, and just did not effectively manage things. While we knew the program would not improve under the circumstances, to experience such a set back in performance even during the transition is hard to understand. Not a good look.
 

RIP2025

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The simple reality is he doesnt have the drive and interest to compete in the new landscape.

season end mid March and the last thing he wants to do is use the limited resources he has to meticulously fill the roster with his guys.

He recruits his type of players, but when the offseason hits his goal is to fill the roster and get on with his offseason.

Whether he should go…….quite frankly is it even worth it. Why invest in a program that cant compete?
 
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RUInsanityToo

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I believe we had an interim AD as well as others involved who just were not effective. I mean, the admin saw "it" coming, and just did not effectively manage things. While we knew the program would not improve under the circumstances, to experience such a set back in performance even during the transition is hard to understand. Not a good look.

It's fair to say that Pike did not manage NIL well. However we pretty much know that the previous AD (Hobbs) was not effective in the NIL arena but not sure why it would be hard to understand that an interim AD would effectively change things dramatically. Tate and Zinn were only been in place a few months prior to this season - so also no sure why anyone would have expected dramatic AD performance enhancement impact on NIL or otherwise for this season.

Also - the lack of "good look" is really reflective of the fanbase. Sure we have been showing up at games which is a very good thing considering the team performance - but the donation levels are very lacking compared to other programs in the BIG. Other teams are much more able to pay through mistakes, whether it be coaching changes or roster talent/turnover.
 

Shelby65

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It's fair to say that Pike did not manage NIL well. However we pretty much know that the previous AD (Hobbs) was not effective in the NIL arena but not sure why it would be hard to understand that an interim AD would effectively change things dramatically. Tate and Zinn were only been in place a few months prior to this season - so also no sure why anyone would have expected dramatic AD performance enhancement impact on NIL or otherwise for this season.

Also - the lack of "good look" is really reflective of the fanbase. Sure we have been showing up at games which is a very good thing considering the team performance - but the donation levels are very lacking compared to other programs in the BIG. Other teams are much more able to pay through mistakes, whether it be coaching changes or roster talent/turnover.
Very lacking? Show your work. Sure the program isn’t flush with ample cash, but other programs aren’t either.

Central CT coasted to an easy win at SHI. And last year Kennesaw… It’s not a money thing as much as it is spending on tomato cans.
 
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FAT MOON

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that is the clear issue I’ve noticed on here is that most who defend pike and get pissed at the criticism just chalk it up to people being trolls or bad fans

For me personally (not going to speak for anyone else) it's pretty clear and obvious that the results have been lackluster for three straight years. I'm with most that if results don't improve next year it will be time to make a change. I'm probably in the minority that if it happens I will be sad about it. He's been the best RU hoops coach in my lifetime and taking my kids to see the Geo teams will be memories none of us will ever forget.

I also believe that the number 1 reason by far for these performances has been a lack of money. Occam razor...he stopped being a top notch coach the moment NIL became massively important. Simplest explanation is almost always right. Don't overthink...

So to me I get annoyed when I see the same dribble of "pike doesn't run an offense" or "The simple reality is he doesnt have the drive and interest to compete in the new landscape (below)" or "the game has passed Pike by" or just pointing out things that are wrong with no real solution to how to fix them or just typing "ADAPT" in all caps like that really means anything.

In general I just hate people who have never coached or played at any sort of level being so brash and arrogant that they know anything about anything that really goes on. But I come from a coaching family so I do take this s*it too personally some times.

That’s true but I also see a lot of the same people posting PIKE IS GREAT or LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT threads after every win

This is an example. What poster has said "PIKE IS GREAT" after a win. Can you name one? These type of comments also annoy people and lead to back and forth. The whole "I tried to tell you guys we'd stink and people got mad at me" nonsense that so many say around here. Great job saying Rutgers won't be good in the B1G...buncha nostradamuses around here...
 
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dark_check

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For me personally (not going to speak for anyone else) it's pretty clear and obvious that the results have been lackluster for three straight years. I'm with most that if results don't improve next year it will be time to make a change. I'm probably in the minority that if it happens I will be sad about it. He's been the best RU hoops coach in my lifetime and taking my kids to see the Geo teams will be memories none of us will ever forget.

I also believe that the number 1 reason by far for these performances has been a lack of money. Occam razor...he stopped being a top notch coach the moment NIL became massively important. Simplest explanation is almost always right. Don't overthink...

So to me I get annoyed when I see the same dribble of "pike doesn't run an offense" or "The simple reality is he doesnt have the drive and interest to compete in the new landscape (below)" or "the game has passed Pike by" or just pointing out things that are wrong with no real solution to how to fix them or just typing "ADAPT" in all caps like that really means anything.

In general I just hate people who have never coached or played at any sort of level being so brash and arrogant that they know anything about anything that really goes on. But I come from a coaching family so I do take this s*it too personally some times.



This is an example. What poster has said "PIKE IS GREAT" after a win. Can you name one? These type of comments also annoy people and lead to back and forth. The whole "I tried to tell you guys we'd stink and people got mad at me" nonsense that so many say around here. Great job saying Rutgers won't be good in the B1G...buncha nostradamuses around here...
Fair, I don’t like complaints without solutions. I’ll explain what I meant by adapt. I’ve coached albeit only at the aau, HS level. You liked to build a team by getting frosh you can develop, but we all know kids could leave for NIL, adapt by getting experienced players, one year players. Hunt for more Cam Spencer’s but be prepared to do it every year at multiple positions. You might have to dive deep and it’s not a sure thing but your current way hasn’t worked in half a decade. Adapt by changing your staff. It’s been a rough three plus years since Mags injury. No changes. What did Einstein say about doing things the same over and over? You won’t foul up 3 late, but you have a losing big ten conference record. Maybe admit you’re wrong. You attack the screen and roll the same way over and over and your opponents know you won’t change. Keep them on their toes. Offensively, it’s known ideally you take shots as close to the rim as you can (higher percentage) or for the 50% bonus beyond the arc. Adapt by not being top five in all of division one for long twos. Demand more of your practice reps in striving for better shot selection. Demand more of your coaches in scheming for it. I saw a clinic once where Kevin Boyle talked about when he played in college their five best players were all guards. They all played. A lot. How did they guard the five? One guy gave him nothing to post up on. Side to front to side to front back to side. Continuous movement. It was what worked best given the situation. Am I saying Pike should do this? No. Boules point was you adjust and adapt with what you have. It does Pike no good to play his style defense, when his style requires a rim protector he doesn’t have. Change. I respect that you come from a coaching family. I’m happy to discuss this with you but respectfully. No name calling or insulting. Otherwise I wish you well.
 
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FAT MOON

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Fair, I don’t like complaints without solutions. I’ll explain what I meant by adapt. I’ve coached albeit only at the aau, HS level. You liked to build a team by getting frosh you can develop, but we all know kids could leave for NIL, adapt by getting experienced players, one year players. Hunt for more Cam Spencer’s but be prepared to do it every year at multiple positions. You might have to dive deep and it’s not a sure thing but your current way hasn’t worked in half a decade. Adapt by changing your staff. It’s been a rough three plus years since Mags injury. No changes. What did Einstein say about doing things the same over and over? You won’t foul up 3 late, but you have a losing big ten conference record. Maybe admit you’re wrong. You attack the screen and roll the same way over and over and your opponents know you won’t change. Keep them on their toes. Offensively, it’s known ideally you take shots as close to the rim as you can (higher percentage) or for the 50% bonus beyond the arc. Adapt by not being top five in all of division one for long twos. Demand more of your practice reps in striving for better shot selection. Demand more of your coaches in scheming for it. I saw a clinic once where Kevin Boyle talked about when he played in college their five best players were all guards. They all played. A lot. How did they guard the five? One guy gave him nothing to post up on. Side to front to side to front back to side. Continuous movement. It was what worked best given the situation. Am I saying Pike should do this? No. Boules point was you adjust and adapt with what you have. It does Pike no good to play his style defense, when his style requires a rim protector he doesn’t have. Change. I respect that you come from a coaching family. I’m happy to discuss this with you but respectfully. No name calling or insulting. Otherwise I wish you well.

probably my favorite post I've seen of yours. i don't even agree with most of it (i still think most of the issues you listed are nil related) but appreciate the effort in trying to come up with real world solutions to the current problems.
 
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RUSCFORMERLYRULOU

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While there certainly are a few fans who genuinely want to give Pike more time because they think he can make something of it with more NIL.........in reality IMO most of the reactions you are interpreting as "Pro-Pike" are probably posters who are really reacting to the same Fire Pike threads and posts -posted by the same posters over and over again. I suppose we can all put people on Ignore and avoid reacting in the threads.....however many probably don't like to do that as this board is a community of sorts with all different types.
Until people start to wake up I will keep it up.
 
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dark_check

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Interesting. I was raised and taught that the people who act like victims are the ones who constantly whine and complain about the same things over and over again.

Talk is cheap. Coming to an anonymous fan board like clockwork after a loss to whine about the same things...... the coach, players or how other fans choose to spend their time rooting carries the lowest form of fandom impact on a program.....right there with shut-ins calling into overnight sports radio with fantasy trade proposals.

To summarize.....not sure how much good it does or why it makes anyone a better fan to create the same "Pike must go" posts and threads over and over again while knowing the money situation is in the way. In the meantime, unlike you and those who liked your post, I find nothing wrong with other fans who choose to bide their time and spend their fandom energy focusing on positives and potential for any hope.
I could counter each of your insults point for point, and we could go back and forth, but that wastes time for both of us.

I’ll start with this. I’m tired of the negative reputation. I give praise where praise is do. My handle is a poker reference that’s all. It’s not dark or negative. I predicted last off season Grant would be our leading scorer for various positive reasons. I’ve admitted I was wrong about Francis and gave him props. Once I posted how Palmquist and his play that night was the key in winning that particular game. There are other examples. If there’s not a lot the last three plus years it’s because those times have been really rough for RU MBB. No I don’t find every little positive and get excited about it. But you’re right, you and others shouldn’t be condemned for that.

I think we’d all be happier if Pike built on his success of five years ago and took it to the next level. Mholinko put it best above about a portfolio manager who’s lost you money for three straight years but had a pretty good year by industry standards a half a decade ago, are you going to keep letting him lose your money just because your prior money managers before him were atrocious? I’ll admit Pike is probably the best coach we’ve had since Tom Young. I thank him. But for many reasons most can see he can’t get the program to the next level, and those reasons aren’t all because of NIL. Just hoping he can maybe get us back to 2021 isn’t enough for most if not all power 5s to retain a coach. It’s about getting back to 2021 and beyond and it’s become obvious it will take new blood to do that mainly because Pike isn’t flexible. At some point we have to change because Pike isn’t getting top 50 coaching money and almost any div coach could have got out of this team what he did this year. Any coach could have failed to make the NCAAs with two lottery picks like last year.

Now I know he’s going nowhere next year and I truly hope he gets back to the NCAAs. I don’t want Rutgers to fail. But citing reasons why it’s unlikely is what message boards are for when your team is struggling. It doesn’t make me and others bad fans.

Two closing points, and not diving into insults, it’s not just money that’s holding Pike back. Last year he had two lottery picks paid for and couldn’t make that work. CCSU and Kennesaw prove that. UCF this years shows that’s never the only reason. Would more make the job easier? Sure. But it’s silly to look past the other flaws and only blame money. Also, I don’t pick on players. Their kids even though they all get paid now. Saying Miller and Reiber don’t belong at the p4 level isn’t trashing them personally. It’s been proven. I keep my criticisms to Pike, and in the past other fans who I viewed as overly optimistic. Going forward I’ll look to curb that. In fairness though, I didn’t start by attacking other fans, I only did that after those optimistic fans would trash me for posting my observations. I wish you will and hope RU is back in the NCAAs soon.
 

dark_check

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probably my favorite post I've seen of yours. i don't even agree with most of it (i still think most of the issues you listed are nil related) but appreciate the effort in trying to come up with real world solutions to the current problems.
Thanks. Us fans divided and at each others throats does no good for the program or each of us. I hope you don’t agree with all of my suggestions but maybe you do. I’ll add one more, I wish he’d settle on his 7-8 players near the beginning of the season like other teams so we can avoid the Lafayette scares, Kennesaw and CCSU. I’m not saying early upsets don’t happen but it happens to Pike a lot. Anyway, maybe you’re not picking on my suggestions and just saying more money would help Pike play his style with the right players. I can see that. If he could afford a rim protector, a clutch guard like Geo, a mercenary who could fill the RHJ role and a long defender like Caleb then he could repeat 2020 and 2021. But he doesn’t have that money so what do you do other than just blame money?