Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell revealed he has cancer and he will be reducing some of his coaching duties while he finishes his treatment.
Associated head coach Brandin Knight will be taking on additional duties until Pikiell is ready to fully resume responsibilities 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 school’s athletics website.
“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 doctors and underwent testing at RWJBarnabas Health several months ago “after not feeling 100 percent.”
The testing revealed that he had cancer, and he said he’s since been working with doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
This season will be Pikiell’s 11th on the sidelines for Rutgers, and he owns a 161-160 record with the Big Ten program.
“I look forward to the day I’m back on the sidelines doing what I love,” Pikiell said.
Knight, the former Pittsburgh star, is entering his sixth season with the program and his Rutgers biography credits him with helping land former stars Dylan Harper Jr. and Ace Bailey.
Rutgers went 14-20 last season and aims 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.”
