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Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis
By Mark Kern
Published:
Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell released a statement on Wednesday that he will miss a portion of the upcoming season after he was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Here is the statement below.
Since my family and I arrived On the Banks a decade ago, the Rutgers community has embraced us. The incredible young men in our basketball program, the dedicated coaches, the entire staff throughout the athletic department, the campus faculty, and of course, the passionate and generous fans, many of whom are now friends. You have all made Rutgers feel like home.
Out of respect and fondness for all of you, I would like to share some personal news.
A couple of months ago, after not feeling 100 percent, I visited a team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health. After undergoing various tests, I received the difficult news that I have cancer. I am incredibly grateful to my team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering for guiding and supporting us through this difficult time. After a successful surgery, my doctors and I have a kick-ass game plan to finish treatment.
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.
I am grateful for the support of our team, Keli Zinn, and President Tate. Together, great things lie ahead for our basketball program. I look forward to the day I’m back on the sidelines doing what I love.
As always, Go Rutgers!
Coach Pikiell
Pikiell intends to come back and coach the team this season, but until then, assistant coach Brandin Knight will act as the interim coach. The former Pittsburgh star guard has a ton of coaching experience, as he has been on the staff the entire time with Pikiell, including the last five years as the associate head coach.
Last season was the 10th season for Pikiell as the coach at Rutgers, and he has a record of 161-160. He has helped lead the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament twice, including a win in the 2021 NCAA Tournament that was the first for the Scarlet Knights in over 30 years.
Rutgers is coming off a 2025 season in which it finished with a record of 14-20.