Hall braces for Butler

Throughout the preseason Kevin Willard tried to remind reporters how important Sterling Gibbs would be, but all anyone wanted to talk about was the heralded freshman class, the best group of newcomers to join the Seton Hall program in 14 years.

And while that collection of young talent has met the skyhigh expectations, Gibbs is the major reason the 21stranked Pirates are tied atop the Big East four games into the conference season heading into Tuesday’s matchup with Butler at the Prudential Center (7 p.m., Fox Sports 1).

The junior guard from Scotch Plains continued his breakout season Saturday, sinking a winning 3pointer with 2.1 seconds left in a 6867 win at Creighton, a significant road victory for Seton Hall, which had been 14 away from home before that shot.

Gibbs, averaging teamhighs of 16.4 points and 3.9 assists per game, twice has been named Big East Player of the Week.

“We have the utmost confidence in Sterling,” Willard said after the Creighton victory. “Not just because he hit a big shot. For the fact that he’s carrying us right now. Not only is he making those shots, but he’s making every play.”

Without dynamic freshman Isaiah Whitehead — the McDonald’s AllAmerican from Coney Island who has missed the past five games with a stress fracture in his right foot — other newcomers have emerged.

Forward Angel Delgado was named the Big East Rookie of the Week for the second time, guard Khadeen Carrington came up big in the stunning upset of Villanova and forward Desi Rodriguez has provided crucial contributions off the bench.

Whitehead is scheduled to have an MRI exam on his right foot on Tuesday, according to a source. The tentative plan is for him to return against DePaul on Jan. 22.