PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Energy, defensive discipline, and playing at an accelerated pace were the priorities as Rutgers women’s basketball welcomed members of the media to its annual Media Day at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
First-year head coach Gary Redus II addressed reporters after the Scarlet Knights took the floor for practice, discussing the team’s new additions, returning players, developing chemistry, and his approach to leading the program.
The reporters were permitted to observe the final 30 minutes of practice. What stood out was the intensity Redus demanded from his players and his commitment to preparing them for the speed and physical demands of game situations.
Throughout the session, Redus repeatedly stopped practice to correct defensive positioning, particularly when it came to getting back in transition. The coaching staff emphasized pushing the tempo, running the floor, and maintaining defensive awareness even when players became fatigued.
The drills were designed with a purpose. Players were expected to execute at game speed, communicate, recognize their responsibilities, and repeat movements on both sides of the court. Whether it was attacking to the right or left, finishing a play, or calling out a made shot, precision and concentration remained essential.
Redus was constantly involved, directing traffic, offering instruction, raising his voice when necessary and encouraging players to maintain their intensity. His approach made it clear that conditioning would involve more than physical preparation. He wants his team to develop the mental toughness to make good decisions and execute when fatigue sets in.
The players appeared comfortable with the new coaching staff and responsive to Redus’ demanding style.
There were encouraging moments throughout practice. The Pauldo twins, Mya and Mia, pushed the basketball up the floor, while Lauryn Swann demonstrated her ability to attack off the dribble and drive into the paint. In the post, Imani Lester and Precious Gem Wheeler worked to establish their position and contribute inside.
The emphasis on defensive responsibility and transition play was particularly noticeable, especially considering Rutgers’ struggles with giving up transition baskets last season.
During the media session, Redus acknowledged that improving defensively remains a major priority.
“Defense wins championships, so we have to fix it,” Redus said. “I think early on in the season, nobody is good at transition defense right now, first of all. But I think they’re gelling pretty good. I think the chemistry is coming along.”
Redus also pointed to the team’s summer experience as an important part of its development. Rutgers traveled to Peru, where the players competed in games and participated in additional practices, giving the group valuable time together before the regular season.
“I think that we had a head start, a little bit of a head start, just because we traveled over the summer,” Redus said. “We went to Peru. We got to play in some games. We got some extra practices.”
The coach believes those experiences helped establish relationships and improve chemistry, although he understands that the true test will come once the season begins and players adjust to different roles, playing time and opportunities.
For Redus, however, the foundation of his program begins with two expectations: energy and effort.
Asked what he wants to see from his team in its final preseason tune-up, Redus made it clear that the players must control what they can control.
“The same thing that we want to see every day. Energy and effort,” he said. “You can’t control if shots go in. You can’t control a lot of things in basketball, but you can always control your energy. You can always control your effort.”
He also stressed the importance of rebounding and defending, two areas he believes will travel regardless of the opponent or venue.
Redus understands that the offense may need time to develop, particularly with new players learning one another’s tendencies. His immediate expectation is for the Scarlet Knights to compete, play hard and give fans a reason to return to Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Competition for playing time remains open
Another important topic was the team’s rotation and how Redus plans to distribute minutes throughout the season.
The first-year coach acknowledged that his initial plans have already changed based on what he has seen during practice. Players who were expected to start have lost those opportunities because of concerns about their energy and effort.
Redus said he is willing to give his players considerable freedom offensively, encouraging them to explore their abilities and learn through mistakes. What he will not accept, however, is a lack of consistent effort.
“I want players to, if they’re going to make mistakes, I want them to make big mistakes,” Redus explained. “But what I can’t live with is players not playing with energy and not playing with effort.”
He added that repeated lapses can become habits, forcing him to make adjustments to the lineup.
Redus identified Mia Pauldo, Tara Daye and Jaylah Lampley as expected starters for the preseason contest, while indicating that other positions remained competitive.
The coach also plans to use the nonconference portion of the schedule as an opportunity to continue evaluating the roster and give the team additional opportunities to improve through live competition.
A new identity taking shape
The final portion of practice offered a glimpse of what Redus wants Rutgers basketball to become. The emphasis on speed, defensive accountability, communication and conditioning was evident throughout the session.
The Scarlet Knights are still developing chemistry and determining their roles, but the intensity displayed during practice suggests that Redus is establishing clear expectations early in his tenure.
Rutgers will get its first preseason test against Caldwell on Friday at 7 p.m. at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s progress against outside competition before the regular season begins.
For Redus, the message is straightforward: defend, rebound, play with energy and give maximum effort. Those principles will help determine how quickly this group develops into the team he envisions.
