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Rutgers men’s and women’s basketball was well represented on Thursday for Big Ten Media Day in Indianapolis, Indiana. After the event didn’t take place last season due to COVID-19, having it back and in person was a welcomed return to normalcy.
Women’s associate head coach Tim Eatman, filling in for C. Vivian Stringer who is away from the team, took to the podium first. He was immediately followed by men’s head coach Steve Pikiell, who appeared as comfortable as he has ever been at this event.
As the day continued, both programs were interviewed on BTN and the media that was present. Below is a video with Eatman, Osh Brown and Lasha Petree speaking for the women’s team. They were followed by Pikiell, Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr.
Here is some singing from Baker, Harper Jr. and Caleb McConnell.
Introducing the newest boy band, @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/ZUXRuZVte9
— Stadium (@Stadium) October 7, 2021
Former Bradley star Lasha Petree explained why she came to Rutgers for her final season.
Lasha Petree puts the @B1Gwbball on notice:⁰
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@NCAAWBB) October 7, 2021
“I’m here to do damage and upset a lot of people…”
⁰#ncaaW | @RutgersWBB pic.twitter.com/C9PWh5Q8y4
Ron Harper Jr. was interviewed by Andy Katz and was styling. He also spoke about the younger players who have impressed him the most ahead of this season.
Ron Harper Jr. of @RutgersMBB wins best dressed here @B1GMBBall: pic.twitter.com/05rXZLS2E8
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) October 7, 2021
Geo Baker followed and was asked about his lead role in the fight for NIL rights, as well as what it means for him to return for a fifth season.
No player in the @B1GMBBall had as much impact in helping push NIL as @Geo_Baker_1. He has been a strong advocate for college players @RutgersMBB and beyond: pic.twitter.com/aaQvewAd8S
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) October 7, 2021
Big Ten Media Day is a marker that the start of the regular season is rapidly approaching. The women’s team opens up against St. Peter’s on November 9 while the men’s team hosts Lehigh on November 10. Stay tuned for continued preseason coverage of both programs here at On The Banks.
️ @RutgersMBB and @RutgersWBB met the media today out in Indy! #B1GMediaDays | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/FYNwk9ma7Z
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights (@RUAthletics) October 7, 2021