Rutgers Basketball HC Steve Pikiell Reflects on UCLA Loss

Pikiell discusses the team's growth, the future, and the impact of seniors like Emmanuel Ansong

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:55am

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Rutgers Basketball Head Coach Steve Pikiell met with the media following the Scarlet Knights' loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament. Pikiell spoke about the team's progress over the past month, the leadership of senior Emmanuel Ansong, and the challenges of coaching a young roster in today's college basketball landscape. He expressed pride in the team's development and looked ahead to the offseason, discussing the importance of keeping the freshman nucleus together while also adding new pieces to the roster.

Why it matters

Rutgers had a strong finish to the season, and Pikiell's comments provide insight into the program's trajectory and the challenges of roster management in the modern era of college basketball with the transfer portal and NIL opportunities. The future of the team's young core is a key storyline as Pikiell looks to build on the program's recent progress.

The details

Pikiell praised the growth of freshman Lino, who led Rutgers with 17 points in the loss, and the leadership of senior captain Emmanuel Ansong. He discussed the importance of helping the young players adjust to the demands of college basketball, both on and off the court. Pikiell also acknowledged the changing landscape of college basketball, noting the need to balance keeping the team's core together while also exploring opportunities to add experienced talent through the transfer portal.

  • Rutgers' season ended with the loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament on March 12, 2026.

The players

Steve Pikiell

The head coach of the Rutgers men's basketball team, known for developing young talent and building the program into a consistent Big Ten contender.

Emmanuel Ansong

A senior captain for the Rutgers basketball team, who is graduating with a master's degree and has drawn interest from professional agents as he looks to continue his playing career.

Lino

A freshman guard for Rutgers who emerged as a key contributor late in the season, leading the team with 17 points in the loss to UCLA.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited about our new president. I'm excited about our new athletic director. I'm excited that I have Rob Sullivan, a GM that I never had.”

— Steve Pikiell, Head Coach, Rutgers Basketball (on3.com)

“I'm proud of the guys we fought. I think Lino, he had great minutes. I think everybody who checked in gave us good minutes and I'm proud of him. Super proud of E. You know, a senior, last go-round and yeah, I'm just proud of him.”

— Jamichael Davis, Senior Captain, Rutgers Basketball (on3.com)

What’s next

Pikiell and the Rutgers coaching staff will focus on roster management in the offseason, looking to retain key members of the team's young core while also exploring opportunities to add experienced talent through the transfer portal.

The takeaway

Rutgers made significant progress this season, with Pikiell praising the development of the team's young players. However, the challenge of navigating the modern college basketball landscape, with the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, will be a key focus for the program as it looks to build on this season's success and continue its upward trajectory.