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Steve Pikiell
17quotes
Steve Pikiell: A Basketball Coach with a Strong Leadership Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Steve Pikiell is the head men's basketball coach at Rutgers University, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to his tenure at Rutgers, he served as the head coach at Stony Brook University.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 15, 1967, Steve Pikiell is an American college basketball coach.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: College Basketball Coach
Early Life and Background
Steve Pikiell was born in New Jersey to a family of modest means. Growing up, he was always drawn to sports, particularly basketball, which would become his lifelong passion. Pikiell's early life experiences instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork – essential qualities that would serve him well throughout his coaching career.
Major Accomplishments
During his tenure at Stony Brook University, Steve Pikiell led the Seawolves to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2016. At Rutgers University, he has built a competitive program, guiding the Scarlet Knights to three consecutive postseason appearances (2020-2022). Pikiell's leadership and coaching acumen have earned him numerous accolades, including several Coach of the Year awards.
Notable Works or Actions
Steve Pikiell is known for his emphasis on player development, team culture, and community engagement. He has been recognized for his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within college basketball. Under Pikiell's guidance, Rutgers University has become a leader in promoting social justice and equality through sports.
Impact and Legacy
As a coach, Steve Pikiell has had a profound impact on the lives of countless student-athletes. His commitment to developing young leaders has resulted in numerous players going on to successful careers in basketball and beyond. Off the court, Pikiell's dedication to philanthropy and community service has made him a beloved figure in New Jersey.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Steve Pikiell is widely respected for his leadership style, which prioritizes player development, teamwork, and social responsibility. His commitment to creating a positive team culture has inspired countless coaches and athletes across the country. As a coach and educator, Pikiell's legacy extends far beyond the court – he continues to inspire young people to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
As a coach, Steve Pikiell embodies the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork that have made him an iconic figure in college basketball. His leadership and commitment to social responsibility have left a lasting impact on his players, colleagues, and community. Through his coaching career, Pikiell has demonstrated what it means to be a true leader, mentor, and role model – qualities that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches alike.
Quotes by Steve Pikiell

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Their big guy was blocking shots and he did a nice job of hanging around and making us change our shots a bit.

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His focus wasn't on what is important. Forget about the NBA, he needs to get his degree.

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I think about that all the time. To make the tournament, you don't need a great season, you need a great weekend. We're going to go to the conference tournament, forget about the season, and we'll try make something happy out of a season that hasn't been that happy.

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I know it's probably a tough game for them (to get up for). They've got some tough ACC games coming up and they have a team that's struggled all year coming into their gym.

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I'm trying to make our program like Connecticut's. I want to be athletic, I want to be tough, I want to be an exciting team. We're not there yet, but we'll take a big step next year into becoming that kind of a team in our conference.

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I loved playing there. I bleed the blue. From a coaching standpoint having to play the No. 2 ranked team on the road is a daunting task. ... I'm excited about the opportunity. I tell these guys all the time these are great opportunities for Stony Brook.


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First of all, it's great to be back here in D.C. and all the good people here at George Washington. As you could tell it was a difficult game.

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Better days are ahead for Stony Brook basketball. We have the 40th-ranked recruiting class.
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