Recruiting as of 12/15/24

[jfp61]

We have two top 80 players coming in next year. A top 20 big, and a top 20 wing. And they are already playing together.

They really don't "need" more than that

[brewcity77]

Rutgers has landed the #2 (Dylan Harper, son of former Bulls/Lakers guard Ron) and #3 (Ace Bailey) ranked recruits. Rankings by 247.

https://sports.yahoo.com/dylan-harper-don-bosco-basketball-212806128.html?.tsrc=1317

My first thought is that's bad news for Pikiell. His system relies on experience and dragging teams into the dirt. Recruiting classes like this create artificially high expectations and as Duke and Kentucky are still learning (though Penny already did) it's the veteran teams that win at this level. With more transfers & NIL, impact upperclassmen are more valuable than burger boys. I really think he would be better off with one guy like this and a supporting cast he can develop.

[panda]

My first thought is that's bad news for Pikiell. His system relies on experience and dragging teams into the dirt. Recruiting classes like this create artificially high expectations and as Duke and Kentucky are still learning (though Penny already did) it's the veteran teams that win at this level. With more transfers & NIL, impact upperclassmen are more valuable than burger boys. I really think he would be better off with one guy like this and a supporting cast he can develop.

This is the risk a program like Rutgers needs to take.

Frankly, there is minimal downside if it doesn't work out opposed to the blue bloods of the world whose fans already have heavily inflated expectations.

Plus - signing those players will probably attract transfers as well.

[MU82]

I actually agree with most of what both brew and panda are saying.

It is a risk for Rutgers and it might not work out. But it's a risk that's probably worth taking.

Will be interesting to watch from afar.

[MUbiz]

I also agree with both here. Ever since coming to the Big 10, Rutgers has been a perennial bottom dweller in just about everything they do. Need to take a different approach. What is the definition of insanity?

[Lennys Tap]

I actually agree with most of what both brew and panda are saying.

It is a risk for Rutgers and it might not work out. But it's a risk that's probably worth taking.

Will be interesting to watch from afar.

Rutgers has zero to lose, their program has never been all that much. If this doesn't work out it's business as usual. If it does, they're relevant for a change. No brainer.

[brewcity77]

Rutgers is having their greatest continued success in a long time. Pikiell has built a brand of toughness and put them in the tourney 2 of the last 3 years (would've been 3/4 with 2020). Feels like going the opposite direction of how he has found success.

[MU82]

Rutgers is having their greatest continued success in a long time. Pikiell has built a brand of toughness and put them in the tourney 2 of the last 3 years (would've been 3/4 with 2020). Feels like going the opposite direction of how he has found success.

10 seed in 2021, 11 seed in 2022, no postseason 2023. Sounds kind of like Wojo-level success. Nobody talks about Rutgers basketball; it's irrelevant.

It absolutely might not work, but not a whole lot to lose IMHO.

[We R Final Four]

Except on scoop they do.

[MuMark]

Shaka and Haynes watching Stevens today per Dushawn London of 247 on Dodd's board. Also watched 2nd half of Hannah's game before that.

[wadesworld]

Shaka and Haynes watching Stevens today per Dushawn London of 247 on Dodd's board. Also watched 2nd half of Hannah's game before that.

Would love to get either of them. Stevens very much looks the part of a Shaka recruit. Big, physical, tough guard.

[MuMark]

https://twitter.com/colbyghoops/status/1733971050612793853?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[MuMark]

https://twitter.com/colbyghoops/status/1733978916908310665?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[MuMark]

Parham highlights

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0sWNLERkm2/

[JakeBarnes]

Parham highlights

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0sWNLERkm2/

Love it

[tower912]

He and Owens look good.  With Oso gone,  and the inexperience of the other forwards, there may be more opportunities for them than I usually expect for freshmen.

[MuMark]

He and Owens look good.  With Oso gone,  and the inexperience of the other forwards, there may be more opportunities for them than I usually expect for freshmen.

He's built like Oso and even moves like him..........obviously big shoes to fill and it won't happen next season but I'm excited to see what he can become.

[MU_Beav]

Parham highlights

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0sWNLERkm2/

Serious handles.

[BCHoopster]

He's built like Oso and even moves like him..........obviously big shoes to fill and it won't happen next season but I'm excited to see what he can become.

Looks like he can play all 3 spots on the floor, backup to both Gold or Hamilton at the center spot.  Definitely backup to Jop, then Owens can backup the 3 and play big for a change.

[BLWarrior91]

Parham fell down in the first shot of the highlight reel.  Looks like O-Max.  That's not a bad thing.

[wadesworld]

Parham fell down in the first shot of the highlight reel.  Looks like O-Max.  That's not a bad thing.

But he's not getting any playing time.  Would've been better off returning this year.

[MUUWUWM]

But he's not getting any playing time.  Would've been better off returning this year.

No way, better off with the money!

[Goose]

wades

Omax has played in at least the last five games and is making $2.7m, he made the right call.

[tower912]

He's built like Oso and even moves like him..........obviously big shoes to fill and it won't happen next season but I'm excited to see what he can become.

Agreed, patience, retention, and development.   Oso leaves after this season, Joplin after next.  Right now, there are four 6'7-6'9 athletic forwards scheduled to be here.   Let them develop and become the best Hamilton, Amadou, Parham, and Owens they can be.

[wadesworld]

wades

Omax has played in at least the last five games and is making $2.7m, he made the right call.

I was being sarcastic.

He made the right call.  I think Oso and Kolek will have the same call to make this summer.