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Not only is Rutgers basketball returning its core on the court, with four of five projected starters from last year’s NCAA Tournament team coming back, but head coach Steve Pikiell also has continuity with his staff.
Three big pieces, assistant coaches Karl Hobbs, Brandin Knight, and T.J. Thompson are returning for another season with the Scarlet Knights. For a program that made the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time in three decades, the continuation on and off the court through the program is a big reason why Rutgers is expected to go dancing once again this season.
This is big for Rutgers in terms of a philosophical standpoint but also for relationships within the locker room and recruiting.
“There’s always expectations ‘On the bank.’ It’s a great thing. I think our team embraces it,” Piekiell said during Big Ten Media Day last week.
“I think, again, I’ve got a good blend of veteran guys. I have a terrific staff, too. Brought back Karl Hobbs, part of two national championships, Brandin Knight, we’ve been through this. T.J. Thompson. The staff that I’ve been able to keep have done a great job preparing our guys for the expectations that are ahead of us.
Last year’s team went 16-11 and won their first-round game in the NCAA Tournament, beating Clemson. Then Rutgers lost narrowly to Houston, a Final Four Team
“But I like the fact that we got some guys that have been through it a little bit, we got some experience now in the NCAA tournament,” Piekiell said. “We’re just doing some great things. If we pack the RAC, I like those expectations.”