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LAS LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 02: Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights signals to his players during the 2026 College Basketball Crown - Quarterfinal game against the Creighton Bluejays at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 02, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rutgers basketball head coach Steve Pikiell recently filmed an episode of his podcast, during which he had the chance to discuss the transfer portal window now that the dust appears to have settled. He started off the podcast by talking about how important it was for the team to retain a core group of players, such as Tariq Francis, Lino Mark, and Jamicheal Davis. A link to that story can be found here. However, the latter half of the pod had to do with what Pikiell had to say about the incoming transfers.
The first transfer that Pikiell talked about was Darin Smith Jr., the former NEC player of the year from Central Connecticut State. He talked about how he showed an ability to put up good scoring numbers against teams of all levels of competition.
Moving on to the next player, Pikiell talked about, he praised transfer forward Will Sydnor from Manhattan for being a hard worker, having versatile size, and his ability to rebound, the last of which Pikiell said was a point of emphasis for them in the transfer portal.
Next up was Christian Gurdak. The first thing that Pikiell said he liked about Gurdak was the fact that he spent a year in the ACC playing against teams like Duke and Virginia, meaning that he has experience taking on top-tier teams. Gurdak was also praised by Pikiell for his work ethic and his drive to rebound the ball, as well as his passing.
In a blanket statement made about all of the transfers discussed, Pikiell talked about how he appreciated how humble they were as a whole group.
Center Dorin Buca from Kansas State was mentioned quickly, but was not elaborated on, while international transfer Lewis Duarte was not discussed at all. He is still clearing NCAA requirements to see if he can sign with the team.
A link to the podcast can be found here.
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