Nov 03 | General, Men's Basketball
Cancer Foundation Rutgers Tough Inspired by Head Coach Steve and Kate Pikiell
PISCATAWAY, N.J. ā Rutgers Athletics announced Rutgers Tough, a fundraising initiative inspired by head men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell, his wife Kate and his recent cancer diagnosis.
The centerpiece of the campaign is a limited-edition Rutgers Tough T-shirt with all proceeds going to RWJBarnabas Health to support their efforts in cancer treatment and patient care. The first opportunity to claim this exclusive Nike T-shirt is Friday, Nov. 6 at the menās basketball home opener at Jersey Mikeās Arena. T-shirts go on sale for $30 and will be available for purchase while supplies last at each of the Scarlet Knightsā first three games of the season. Fans can purchase single-game tickets here.
- Friday, Nov. 6 vs. New Haven at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10 vs. NJIT at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 13 vs. Bryant at 6 p.m.
In addition to the proceeds from T-shirt sales, a fund has been established through the Rutgers Cancer Institute for those fans wishing to donate in support of cancer research. The Rutgers Cancer Institute is one of an elite group of comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. as designated by the National Cancer Institute and the only one in the state of New Jersey.
Visit www.scarletknights.com/RutgersTough to contribute to the cutting-edge research and clinical trial programs led by the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Pikiell, who is in his 11th season leading the Scarlet Knights, announced on Sept. 9 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone successful surgery. He continues to receive treatment for his cancer.
When he shared his diagnosis, Pikiell made his mission clear. "Just as I ask my team to fight and embrace challenges head-on, I'm going to attack cancer the same way."
Pikiell has always brought relentless determination, energy, and heart to New Jersey's Team. Rutgers Tough gives the community a way to rally behind him. The phrase is more than a baseline standard on the basketball court; it is how the Scarlet Knights face every challenge, head-on.
Rutgers greats Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Geo Baker, Caleb McConnell, Paul Mulcahy, Clifford Omoruyi, Cam Spencer and Jacob Young offered messages of support for the Rutgers Tough campaign release video.
Generous support from Nike, All Colors and Follett made it possible for 100 percent of the T-shirt sale proceeds to go to RWJBarnabas Health.
Media Contact: Chris Corso, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, [ccorso@scarletknights.com] Ā· [631.241.0112]
A letter from men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell to Rutgers Nation. https://t.co/lvMCRvht2V#TheKnighthood????? https://t.co/gkWOjHWCuK
— Rutgers Menās Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) September 9, 2026
