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Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell gestures to his team against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
Rutgers basketball head coach Steve Pikiell hosted the team’s summer media day earlier in the week, where members of the media got the chance to ask him questions about how the team looks for next season. One of the major topics Pikiell covered concerned the two remaining scholarship spots on the roster. An article about that in particular can be found here.
Pikiell was asked several other key questions throughout the press conference.
Pikiell was asked about his thoughts on the new incoming centers such as Christian Gurdak and Dorin Buca. After praising Gurdak and Buca for their work ethic, Pikiell went on to praise specifics about Buca’s game and how having two capable centers benefits the team overall.
“He’s got really good hands and catches. He’s impressive, a skill that can pull and shoot the ball. (In reference to Buca) So we finally have a five spot that both guys can shoot and pass it,” said Pikiell about his new centers.
Pikiell also spent a lot of time praising Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn for her contributions to their efforts in the NIL space, which allowed them to be more aggressive in the transfer portal.
“First of all, the best person in the transfer portal we got, she’s 5’6, and her name is Keli Zinn. She is the number one transfer portal person that we have, and because of her, we are able to retain our best scorer, our best leader, our best defender, June, over there, our best young talent. So I gotta start with her in that,” said Pikiell first thing after being asked about the process of integrating the transfer portal additions into their system.
He also pointed out how much of a bonus it is to have Rob Sullivan just focusing on men’s basketball, even saying that Sullivan will be going on the road to recruit.
Pikiell also provided an injury update for Will Sydnor, who sprained his ankle. He anticipated having him back after the Fourth of July but did not point out a specific day. In another question, Pikiell talked about how high-energy and competitive Sydnor is, and how willing to work he is as well.
A lot of comments made by Pikiell during the press conference revolved around the benefits the team has seen from having veteran players and leadership. Last season, the team was nearly half comprised of freshmen, but the team has added valuable experience through the transfer portal and has gained more experience through their ability to retain some of the team’s star freshmen.
A link to the full press conference is available here.
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