Rutgers mens basketball coach Steve Pikiell…
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell revealed he has cancer and he shall be lowering some of his teaching duties while he finishes his treatment.
Associated head coach Brandin Knight shall be taking on extra duties until Pikiell is prepared to totally resume duties for the Scarlet Knights.
“After a successful surgery, my doctors and I have a kick-ass game plan to finish treatment,” Pikiell said in a letter posted Wednesday to the varsity’s athletics web site.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell reacts against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first half of the Garden State Hardwood Classic basketball recreation on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Newark, N.J. Noah Ok. Murray-NY Post
“I will still be involved with the team to the best of my ability as I navigate the challenges of the season through treatment. I have great confidence in Coach Knight, the rest of the talented staff, and our exceptional student-athletes. I know they will do an amazing job leading our program when I’m not able to.
Just as I ask my team to fight and embrace challenges head-on, I’m going to attack cancer the same way. With the support of my doctors, my family, and now Rutgers Nation, I am confident we will be victorious.”
Pikiell, 58, said he visited medical doctors and underwent testing at RWJBarnabas Health a number of months in the past “after not feeling 100 percent.”
The testing revealed that he had cancer, and he said he’s since been working with medical doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
This season shall be Pikiell’s eleventh on the sidelines for Rutgers, and he owns a 161-160 document with the Big Ten program.
“I look forward to the day I’m back on the sidelines doing what I love,” Pikiell said.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell on the baseline during the first half of a recreation against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Knight, the previous Pittsburgh star, is getting into his sixth season with this system and his Rutgers biography credit him with serving to land former stars Dylan Harper Jr. and Ace Bailey.
Rutgers went 14-20 last season and goals to end a four-season NCAA Tournament drought.
“On behalf of the Rutgers Athletics family, I want to express our love and support for Coach Pikiell, Kate, and their entire family as he fights cancer. Those of us who know Steve, know the determination and strength he brings to everything he does,” Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn said in the release.
“I know he will bring that same spirit to every treatment and every day ahead. We are grateful to Coach Knight for his willingness to step up during this challenging time and to our entire staff for their great care and compassion for Coach and our student-athletes. There is no set timeline for Coach Pikiell’s full return, but we look forward to the day when he is back on our sideline.”
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