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“I’m worried for Steve Pikiell”: Coaching Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper might be challenging for Rutgers HC, claims basketball analyst

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell might be in for a challenging 2024-25 college basketball season with five-star players Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper beefing up the Scarlet Knights' campaign.

During the Field of 68 After Dark podcast on Tuesday, college basketball analysts Cam Smith, Jeff Goodman, Ant Wright and Mike LaTulip discussed the dynamics of how Rutgers will fare in the Big Ten Conference with two potential NBA draft lottery picks in Bailey and Harper leading the charge.

"I'm worried for (Steve) Pikiell here just because he's never coached one-and-dones like this. It's a different era," Goodman said.

(0:50-onwards).

The NCAA analyst shared his view on Pikiell's culture and coaching style by pointing to his previous teams.

"He's used to getting guys that are bringing their hard hats, going to play harder than everybody, defend at a high level, grind it out. And now you got two dudes that frankly want to score and going to do it their way," Goodman said.
"I just don't know if this is the perfect synergy between coach and player in this era," he added.

(1:26-onwards).

LaTulip echoed Goodman's point, saying that it'll be hard for Pikiell and the whole Rutgers squad to cope.

"I think it's hard because these guys are only here for eight or nine months. You show up in June and then by the time the season's over, they're doing pre-draft workouts and and all that stuff," said LaTulip.

(2:15-onwards)


NCAA analyst believes Jeremiah Williams and Jordan Derkack will be a factor in Rutgers' campaign

Given the situation with Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Matt LaTulip believes that returning players Jordan Derkack and Jeremiah Williams would be key components in Rutgers' 2024-25 college basketball season.

"You'll look at Jeremiah Williams and Jordan Derkack and some of these guys. Those are really some of the more important pieces on this team," he said.

(2:27-onwards)

Another issue that coach Steve Pikiell would need to address with Bailey and Harper in the team is the shot quality that Rutgers may have this coming season.

The analyst hopes the coach will instill his trademark defensive mindset in the duo.

Rutgers, the No. 25-ranked team in the AP preseason rankings, played St. John's in an exhibition game on Oct. 17 and lost 91-85 despite Bailey scoring 25 points. They'll look to bounce back in their regular season opener against Wagner on Nov. 6.

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