Wisconsin basketball sets new record Mar 21, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; A Wilson official Evo NXT basketball with March Madness logo approaches the rim and net at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball team has thrived since head coach Steve Pikiell took over in 2016.

Pikiell has finished over .500 four times in eight seasons and has never had fewer than 14 wins in a season.

Before his arrival, Rutgers was regularly the doormat of the Big Ten, and the head coach has transformed the program into a competent middle-of-the-road team in the conference. He’s taken Rutgers to the NCAA Tournament twice and would have likely made it in 2020 if the tournament had not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the biggest reasons for Pikiell’s success with the program is that he’s a great recruiter. That was displayed again over the weekend when the Scarlet Knights nabbed a commitment from 2025 four-star forward Chris Nwuli.

Per ESPN, Rutgers didn’t get involved with Nwuli’s recruiting until September, extending an offer after the player announced his top six schools. The Scarlet Knights were not one of them at the time.

“I chose Rutgers because I love the way the coaching staff made me feel welcome, and the East Coast is where I want to be. I love the energy of the staff. Coach Pikiell breathes basketball, and he cares about his players. He is hard on his guys in practice and encourages them to be better players and people,” Nwuli told ESPN.

Nwuli is the No. 41 recruit in ESPN’s 2025 rankings and the fourth 2025 commit for Pikiell and the program.

Nwuli, who plays at California’s Sierra Canyon School, averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds at the Nike Peach Jam over the summer.

[ESPN]

 

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