There is a new addition to Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell’s office, installed just in time for the 2017-18 season.

“I have my three shelves up,” Pikiell said. “One for an NCAA Tournament ball, one for a Final Four ball, one for a national championship ball.”

The shelves are bare, but their message is clear.

“I want to get the guys thinking about it,” Pikiell said. “That’s what this league (the Big Ten) does. The best teams play in the Final Four, play for a national championship.”

It’s a small motivational touch, one of many little things that are adding up to a seismic cultural shift for this long-struggling program. Like the glass door Pikiell installed, so players would feel more welcome to step into his office. Or the larger beds he ordered so his big men don't have to sleep with their feet hanging off the edge. Or his consolidation of player housing, so they live close to the RAC instead of being scattered all over the sprawling campus.

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“It’s attention to detail, and following through on those details,” said Brian Kelley, president of the Rutgers Court Club. “It’s not just lip service anymore. It’s actual action behind those things.”

When Pikiell couldn’t organize a 5K race for his players on campus — too much red tape — he took them to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K so they could learn about the New York City firefighter’s heroism on 9/11.

On Saturday, to give the Scarlet Knights added perspective, he invited Special Olympians to practice.

“My guys think they’re having a bad day if their shoelace breaks or if their Adidas gear doesn’t fit quite right,” Pikiell said. “I was able to show them, ‘These guys overcome real challenges.’”

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When season two of Pikiell’s regime tips off Friday night against CCNY, Rutgers will be noticeably better. Part of that is more talent, for sure, but there are a thousand things that go into molding a winning mindset — stuff fans never see. Pikiell’s biggest strength is his approach to that part of the job.

“Pikiell man, that’s a great guy,” senior forward Deshawn Freeman said. “I go into his office to talk every day. Every day. Usually in the morning.”

It’s a surprising admission because Freeman is one of the most reticent guys on the roster.

“I like that he comes in just to talk,” Pikiell said, “and not just about basketball.”

Pikiell also connects with junior guard Corey Sanders, who is a polar opposite personality.

“I think he’s the best coach I’ve played for because he really cares,” Sanders said. “You know he wants the best for you.”

Seeing eye-to-eye with Sanders is not something that happened overnight. At his first team meeting after getting the job, Pikiell told the players their top priority should be getting in the gym for extra work on their own.

“We harped on that from day one,” Pikiell said. “And it didn’t work.”

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He kept harping, and the players, perhaps won over by his tactical acumen in games, started trickling in. Sanders was one of them, and his buy-in is a big reason why the staff feels like Rutgers is ready to take a leap forward this season.

“Corey decided he was going to get into the gym,” Pikiell said. “We’ve started to build that culture, and the guys are getting better.”

Pikiell got the most out of his limited roster last winter, going 15-18 with several close losses.

“He knows what he’s doing,” senior guard Jake Dadika said. “He didn’t try to force his system on us. He fits his system to the players. This year we’re opening the floor a little more because we have guards who can attack. “

Rutgers fans are starting to pay attention. Kelley said he’s been getting inquiries from people who normally only follow the football team.

“I love the fan base,” Pikiell said. “I always try to tell the guys, ‘They haven’t had much to cheer about in recent history but these people care, so play for them — play the right way.’”

On Monday, Pikiell addressed the Court Club for an hour. Afterward he went around the packed room and shook every hand.

It’s a little thing, like the three shelves. People notice.

Staff writer Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnj.com.