Like many people in college basketball, Greg Gard has officially bought stock in Rutgers.
Speaking Monday on the College Hoops Today Podcast, Wisconsin’s head coach praised the job that Steve Pikiell has done in Piscataway and reiterated that the Scarlet Knights will have a seat at the table in what is expected to be an absolutely loaded year in the Big Ten.
“They’re right in the mix,” Gard said when asked where to forecast Rutgers’ Big Ten chances during the upcoming season . “Steve (Pikiell) has done a terrific job there in a short time. He started by convincing them and getting them to believe in how hard they have to play. Now he’s added talent and that talent has experience and they understand how hard they have to play.”
The Scarlet Knights went 20-11 last season and return seven of their top eight scorers. Rutgers also adds a consensus top-50 freshman in 6-11 big man Cliff Omoruyi.
One year after the Big Ten was set to put 10 teams into the NCAA Tournament, the conference looks deeper than it was a year ago, as nine Big Ten teams are currently ranked in the ROTHSTEIN 45.
“No matter where you show up, you better pack your “A” game,” Gard said of the Big Ten next season.
To listen to the full interview with Gard, CLICK HERE.
