Rutgers Scouting Report

After Purdue's season sweep of Rutgers last season, including a 68-60 victory at The Rack, I am sure the Scarlett Knights are eager for another shot at the Boilermakers. Especially with Rutger's NCAA tournament hopes quickly fading. They are 8-7 with close loses to Alabama and Texas A&M.

Anytime Rutgers plays, the storyline will be the two freshmen in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. The former is coming off an illness that limited him versus Indiana (DNP) and Wisconsin, both loses. Another name to watch is Lathan Summerville, a third freshman who's physical scoring in the frontcourt is a key piece for Rutgers.

Offense

This isn't your grandpa's Rutgers. They play at a tempo previously thought impossible for Steve Pikiell and their offense is better than their defense!

According to Torvik, the last time that happened for Pikiell was 2010 while at Stony Brook. As everyone knows, that team was led by Bryan Dougher and Muhammad El-Amin who formed the original dynamic duo.

The Scarlett Knights rely on a steady diet of mid range shots while falling below average in threes attempted and in assist rate. They counteract that disadvantage by limiting turnovers and getting to the free throw line with Harper.

Favorite Sets

Rutgers doesn't rely on complex sets are elusive motion offenses but simpler actions that put their best players in comfortable positions.

Diagonal Stagger

Horns High-Low

Bailey Isolation

Defense

As I mentioned before, this Rutgers defense has fallen from 5th to 120th in just one season. The explanation that I have found is simply chemistry and habits. This shows itself in help defenders not tagging the roller in a pick and roll, defenders taking gambles on impossible plays, and guys simply losing their man.

Pick and Roll Defense

Their typical PnR defense is the guards fighting over the top with the big hedging at the level of the screen. Between two guards, they don't mind switching which could play into Purdue's recent matchup hunting. In individual possessions they may "blitz" or double the ball handler.

Post Defense

Trey Kauffman-Renn should expect to see single coverage with the guards looking to dig down to help their big. Against Indiana, they did a good job of forcing catches off the block or denying the post when a guard was switched onto a big.

Help Defense

Rutgers doesn't like to switch off the ball and they are normally great at helping from the gaps. Its now conference play, Rutgers is going to be ultra physical.

On-Ball Defense

They are not fantastic guarding the ball but they are very disruptive. Purdue has to match Rutgers physicality while not being baited into turning the ball over.

Key Players

#2 - Dylan Harper

Harper is going to be the second pick in the NBA draft and is arguably the best player in the Big Ten. He is a dominate driver that will constantly probe for the slightest opening to get to the rim. I would start with Cox guarding Harper and try to load up the help defense as much as possible.

#4 - Ace Bailey

Imagine playing Carmelo Anthony in college and that's pretty much what its like guarding Ace. He can shoot over anyone Purdue has so I would shift my focus to making him as uncomfortable as possible, something Purdue has done better at. I like using Smith here to get into his body and use his hands to bother his catches.

Keys to the Game

1. How many turnovers can Rutgers force Purdue into?

I could dive into more complex strategy things but it just comes down to turnovers. If Purdue can get a shot on every possession, I am confident Purdue wins. If not, the Rack is going to be rocking with Harper and Bailey running wild.