Seton Hall’s Powell named Most Improved

This “Cheese” doesn’t get stale. It ages well.

A year after being a surprising contributor off the bench as a freshman, Myles Powell moved into the starting lineup, and became a vital piece to Seton Hall’s senior-heavy team that finished in third place in the Big East and is expected to make its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance next week. The coaches recog- nized the 6-foot-2 guard’s improvements, voting for him as the league’s Most Improved Player, it was announced Monday.

“I’m really proud and happy for Myles,” Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard said on a conference call Monday of Powell, who was given the “Cheese” nickname as a child because of how much he loved the dairy product. “He’s become more than just a great shooter. He’s worked on his passing, his driving. For the coaches to recognize him it’s great, because he’s worked really hard.”

Powell is having a strong year, averaging 15.6 points — 4.9 more than he produced as a freshman — 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals.

Seton Hall and ninthseeded St. John’s have three injuries that could factor into their performances this week. Red Storm star guard Shamorie Ponds, a first team All-Big East selection, has missed the past two games with an abdominal strain, and hasn’t practiced since suffering the injury against the Pirates on Feb. 24.

St. John’s coach Chris Mullin has given no indication yet of Ponds’ status, though internally the expectation within the program is he will be ready to face No. 8 Georgetown on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the outbracket round of the Big East Tournament.

As for Seton Hall, ankle injuries kept senior starters Desi Rodriguez and Ismael Sanogo out in Saturday’s win over Butler. Willard said both players received treatment Sunday, were set to go through a light practice on Monday, and will be re-evaluated based on how they respond to the workout.