The Scarlet Faithful

Latest Episodes:

Thoughts on the state of Rutgers basketball and the keys to Steve Pikiell turning things around Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

This episode focuses on my thoughts on Pikiell and the approach for building next season's roster. After four straight Selection Sundays without an NCAA Tournament bid, Steve Pikiell has many important decisions to make this offseason. Armed with more resources than ever before and a big picture thinking athletic director in Keli Zinn, the program must self-evaluate everything. From the structure of the program with the coaching staff, personnel, roster evaluations and proper value assessments, Rutgers basketball must evolve with the modern game. #rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 72-67 B1G Tourney win over Minnesota Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights live to play another day after upsetting the Golden Gophers in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. Tariq Francis broke Corey Sanders' B1G tourney single game scoring record with 29 points including 5 of 7 from three. Emmanuel Ogbole was big inside. Darren Buchanan, JMike and Harun Zrno were clutch in the second half as Rutgers was disruptive on defense. Also 22 assists on 25 made field goals proved this team was as connected as they've been all season. RU will face No. 6 UCLA on Thursday night 9 pm ET.#rutgersbasketball

Rutgers basketball regular season takeaways, B1G Tourney preview & big picture thoughts on program Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights won four of its final seven games in league play and take on Minnesota in the 11/14 second round matchup on Wednesday, March 11 at 9pm ET. This episode features thoughts on player development, historical highs and lows on offense and defense, previewing the matchup against the Gophers, a few points on how Rutgers needs to approach portal season and more. Also at the end thoughts on the hiring of Gary Redus II as women's basketball head coach#rutgersbasketball

Rutgers delivers back-to-back uninspiring performances in bad losses to Minnesota & Washington Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights followed up two straight wins with two dreadful effort games in a 21 point loss at Minnesota and 7 point home loss to Washington. The defensive issues have been glaring all season. The lack of purpose on offense has been maddening as long two's continue to plague efficiency. As a whole, this Rutgers team lacks a true identity and hope is fading for any spirited finish to this season. Also my Twitter account was hacked and I'm receiving texts demanding money to return it. #rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' dominant 85-72 win at Penn State Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights led wire to wire in Happy Valley to win its first B1G road win and earn its second straight victory. After jumping out to a 18-4 lead with disruptive defense, RU shot 56.6% from the floor in the game. In a season that's been disappointing, Steve Pikiell's team produced its best performance in league play so far. Opportunity continues at Minnesota on Saturday.#rutgersbasketball

Rutgers basketball can build much needed momentum down the stretch after 68-57 win over Maryland Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights snapped a seven-game losing streak behind a strong second half performance to beat the Terps on Sunday. Harun Zrno made a trio of shots from behind the arc, Kaden Powers hit some big shots and Tariq Francis was automatic from the foul line. With five winnable games remaining and Keli Zinn promising a competitive NIL budget moving forward, there is some actual hope for this program. Steve Pikeill has a real chance to build much needed momentum if they can string together victories and make the right hard decisions this offseason.#rutgersbasketball

The Current State of Rutgers Athletics: Discontent With a Side of Hope Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

A full discussion on the ever changing landscape of college athletics, the challenge for AD Keli Zinn and how she appears to be making progress, Greg Schiano still searching for a Defensive Coordinator, Steve Pikiell getting support despite longest losing streak in 8 years and why Rutgers must be really good in other areas in the NIL/transfer portal era.#rutgersfootball #rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers blowing a 12 point lead in 88-79 OT loss to No. 7 Michigan State Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights were very close to a statement victory before letting it slip away down the stretch. Balanced offense and inspired first half defense along with great effort put RU in position to pull the massive upset. But a lack of execution and defensive consistency spelled doom as a four game losing streak has been mostly full of downs. A full review of the past few games, the few positives and many flaws of this team.#rutgersbasketball

It's deja vu as Rutgers Football still searching for a DC plus big picture thoughts on Greg Schiano Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

David Anderson and I discuss the offseason so far for Rutgers football. We ponder why Schiano is nearing February without a DC for a second consecutive year, the stability the offense brings, unprecedented support both with the administration and financially, why it's fair for fans to be concerned with the state of the program right now and how close things were to RU being in a more positive situation.#rutgersfootball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 77-75 OT win over Northwestern Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights earn a second OT win at home in a row as Tariq Francis shined once again, Darren Buchanan came up big and this team's toughness showed up down the stretch. A comeback victory that helped raise the floor of this season with plenty of questions remaining in regard to the team's ceiling.#rutgersbasketball

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