Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell's cancer fight inspires Rutgers Tough fundraiser
The gist
Rutgers men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell announced a cancer diagnosis on Sept. 9 and continues treatment.
The program's new Rutgers Tough fundraiser channels proceeds to cancer care.
How it unfolded
- Sep 9, 2026Steve Pikiell announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone successful surgery; he continues to receive treatment.
- Oct 11, 2026Rutgers lost 77-75 to Villanova in an exhibition, the first game with associate head coach Brandin Knight filling in for Pikiell.
- Oct 18, 2026Rutgers lost 99-104 to St. John's in four overtimes at Madison Square Garden.
Key terms
- exhibition
- A sporting event with little or no effect on prize money or rankings, often used as a warm-up before a season.
- four overtimes
- An extra period played to break a tie when scores are equal after regulation time.
Source: Wikipedia