MOVING ON
With accomplished class gone, Hall looks for sustained success
One of the most memorable classes in Seton Hall history is gone, having achieved its goal of reviving the program from a lengthy slumber. With I saiah Whitehead, the Pirates won t heir first Big East Tournament in 23 years. With Angel Delgado, Khadeen Carrington and Desi Rodriguez, Seton Hall made back-to-back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament and nearly knocked off topseeded Kansas to reach the Sweet 16 in March.
Now, a new era begins. Can that success be sustained?
WHY SETON HALL WILL MAKE THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Myles Powell was excellent in a supporting role and the junior guard has the skills and confidence to lead. Though the Pirates are young, the talented and athletic group will benefit from a down season around the Big East as well as the opportunity to pick up several marquee non-conference wins the next two months.
WHY SETON HALL WILL MISS THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
The brutal early schedule hurts the young Pirates’ confidence, leading to a poor start. There aren’t enough consistent scoring options after Myles Powell and Seton Hall has serious rebounding problems after being so consistently good on the glass with Angel Delgado.
X-FACTOR
Angel Delgado can’t be replaced down low, but 6-foot-10 Taurean
Thompson (right) could become a matchup problem for many opponents. The Syracuse transfer, who averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 block in 17.9 minutes two seasons ago, can stretch defenses with his shooting ability, but will also be needed inside to grab the rebounds that Delgado monopolized the past four years.
PREDICTION
NIT. The Pirates are playing with house money this season — and not enough firepower. Inexperience will ultimately hold back a talented roster, which needs more time to grow. Just a few years ago, Seton Hall had gone a decade without reaching the NCAA Tournament. Willard won’t have to defend a temporary step back.